Finegand Estate

• Finegand Farmhouse – 2 reception rooms, 5 bedrooms
• Traditional farm buildings including roundel
• 6 further cottages
• Former traditional steading range offering potential development opportunity
• Permanent pasture (58 hectares)
• Rough grazings (53 hectares)
• Woodland – mix of productive and native (44 hectares)
• Hill (626 hectares)
• Lying within the Cairngorms National Park
• Potential for further woodland creation
• Bio diverse rich habitats
• Walked up grouse shooting
• Red, roe and fallow deer stalking
• Potential to develop low ground shoot
• Opportunity for sizeable upland livestock farm

SITUATIONFinegand Estate lies in a spectacular and scenic position in Highland Perthshire, some 3 miles south of the Spittal of Glenshee with Braemar lying about 18 miles to the north. Blairgowrie, some 20 miles to the south, has an excellent selection of day to day services including supermarkets, primary and secondary schooling, medical centre, banks and a range of independent retailers. The Fair City of Perth, about 32 miles to the south, offers a broader range of facilities including national retailers, swimming pool, Dewars Ice Rink (home to the Perth Curling Club) and both a theatre and concert hall offering performances throughout the year.Dundee, known as the City of Discovery, can be reached in about an hour’s journey by car. It offers a wealth of amenities and services including Discovery Point with HMS Discovery, the famous ship that took Scott and Shackleton on their first trip to the Antarctica. It is also home to the V&A Museum opened in 2018, together with two universities, national retailers and the Olympia swimming pool. Dundee airport has daily flights to and from London City, together with the ability to accommodate private aeroplanes. Edinburgh, with its international airport, can be reached in about a 2 hour journey by car, whilst the airport at Dyce just outside Aberdeen is within a 1.5 hour drive.In addition to the amenity and sport offered on Finegand Estate itself, there is a wide range of sporting and leisure opportunities within the locality. These include winter sports at nearby Glenshee, salmon fishing on the Rivers Tay and Ericht, hill walking in the Grampians, Cairngorm National Park and along the Cateran Trail and 18 hole golf courses are available at Blairgowrie and Pitlochry.HISTORICAL NOTEFinegand has a long history with the current owners, having been owned by the family since before 1712 and has been their summer holiday destination for over the last 150 years. In 1959 eight family members became the next custodians and owners of the estate and remain such today.Today, Finegand Estate is much larger than the original core, following the additions of both the Corrydon and Dalhenzean lands some 100 years ago. In about 2000, one of the current owners, Tony Mackenzie Smith, wrote a book on the history of Glenshee including the family’s involvement; “Glenshee: The Glen of the Fairies”.Glenshee is a very iconic part of Scotland with a rich history. It has been used for centuries to access the Highlands and Deeside including to Balmoral for the Royal Family. Indeed, Queen Victoria’s coach once got into difficulties on the ‘Lair Brae’ which was a notoriously steep and difficult part of the road near Finegand. The laird of Finegand came to her rescue and helped her on her way. For our late Queen, it was often a route used by her and her mother to travel between Glamis and Balmoral. The ford at Tigh na Coile on Finegand was one of the more perilous parts of that journey and indeed it caught them out once when the Princess Elizabeth was about 5 years old and the river was just a bit too deep for their car!DESCRIPTIONFinegand Estate, lying within the Cairngorm National Park, enjoys a highly scenic setting within Scotland. A diverse Highland estate extending to about 793.87 hectares (1961.70 acres) it provides farming, forestry, sporting and conservation interests, centred on the original Finegand Farmhouse with range of traditional farm buildings including a roundel, together with 6 further cottages and a further former steading at the north end of the estate, offering a potential development opportunity.The lands at Finegand comprise permanent pasture, rough grazings, heather hill and woodland, rising from about 310 metres above sea level by the River Shee to about 794 metres at its highest point at the top of Meall Uaine. It is an estate that offers a range of traditional sports; red, roe and fallow deer stalking together with walked up grouse shooting currently; however there was formerly a driven grouse moor with the butts still in-situ and currently undergoing a programme of refurbishment. In addition, Finegand also offers potential to develop a low ground shoot including duck flighting.The farming enterprise at Finegand Estate is currently run in hand and in conjunction with a shepherding contract arrangement with 500 ewes currently being grazed on the subjects. However, the farming enterprise does lend itself to expansion given the mix of in-bye and hill ground available, together with the existing farm buildings at Finegand and potential to expand the holding with the addition of more modern buildings.Lying at the northern end of the estate is the delightful small lochan known by the family as The Lochan. Sitting in a slightly elevated position, with the slope of the hillside a short distance to the west, it offers a superb setting from where to enjoy picnics, a spot of trout fishing or indeed to take a little rowing boat out upon. The views from The Lochan are outstanding over the estate and surrounding countryside beyond.Finegand Estate, with its expanse of in-bye and hill lands, diverse and highly varied range of flora and fauna, together with the extensive list of observed native wildlife on the subjects, offers numerous opportunities for natural capital, conservation and bio-diversity enhancement projects including further woodland creation, re-wilding and indeed given its iconic setting, ecotourism related enterprises could form part of its future potential opportunities.Finegand Estate is available for sale either a whole or in 2 lots as follows:LOT 1 – FINEGAND ESTATE – ABOUT 787.81 HECTARES (1946.73 ACRES)The subjects making up Lot 1 of Finegand Estate extend to about 787.81 hectares (1946.73 acres) and comprise 6 cottages, a former steading range and land of permanent pasture, rough grazings, hill and both productive and native woodlands.RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIESDalhenzeanDalhenzean is a traditional stone built cottage with a whitewashed exterior under a slated roof and enjoying a southerly aspect. It lies to the northern end of the estate and is accessed via a track leading directly from the public road. The accommodation, over two floors, comprises:Ground Floor: Hall, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, utility room, bathroomFirst Floor: 2 Bedrooms, bathroomDalhenzean sits within its own garden which is principally down to grass with a small number of mature trees giving shelter to the north and west.Dalhenzean is occupied under a PRT lease.The CreekThe Creek enjoys a sheltered and most private position, just to the south west of Dalhenzean and is accessed via a separate access track leading from the A93 to both The Creek and Dalhenzean Steading. It is a timber built cottage under a pitched tin roof and provides the following accommodation:Hall, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, bathroom, 2 bedroomsThe Creek sits within an enclosed garden which is principally down to grass with a parking area.The Creek is occupied under a PRT lease.Corrydon CottageCorrydon Cottage sits in a quiet position on the west side of the estate. It is a traditional whitewashed cottage under a slated roof with a timber porch to the front. It is reached from the public road via a private track. The accommodation lies over two floors and comprises:Ground Floor: Hall, kitchen, dining room, sitting room, bathroom, pantryFirst Floor: 3 BedroomsCorrydon Cottage sits within an enclosed garden.A part-stone/part-timber lean-to adjoins Corrydon Cottage with a further stone built outbuilding adjacent also.Corrydon Cottage is occupied under a PRT lease.Cnoc LiathCnoc Liath is a delightful cottage, enjoying an easterly outlook and commanding outstanding views. It benefits from a central position within the estate and is reached via a private track fromthe public road.It is a traditional, whitewashed, stone built cottage under a pitched tin roof and has recently undergone a programme of refurbishment including the addition of a timber built extension to the front. The accommodation comprises:Open plan kitchen with sitting room, 2 bedrooms, bathroomCnoc Liath sits within an enclosed garden which is principally down to grass with a gravelled parking area to the rear.Cnoc Liath is occupied under a PRT lease.Polgorm CottagePolgorm Cottage is a traditional stone built cottage lying under a slated roof with a small extension to the rear. It lies just to the south of Finegand Farm and to the eastern side of the estate.The accommodation, over one floor, comprises:Hall, sitting room, kitchen, bathroom, 2 bedroomsPolgorm Cottage sits within an enclosed garden with a stone outbuilding providing useful storage and a further bedroom.Polgorm Cottage is occupied under a PRT lease.Tigh na CoilleTigh na Coille lies to the southern end of the estate. It is a traditional stone built cottage lying under a pitched slated roof with a timber built extension under a tin roof to the rear.The accommodation comprises:Hall, kitchen, sitting room, family/dining room, 3 bedrooms, box room, bathroom.Tigh na Coille sits within an enclosed garden with a stone outbuilding to the rear and flanked to the north and east by a small woodland area.Tigh na Coille is occupied under a SAT lease.Dalhenzean Steading RangeLying immediately to the south of Dalhenzean is a former range of traditional stone built outbuildings forming a “U”-shaped layout with a central courtyard.We understand Planning Consent was previously granted for conversion into a number of dwellings but this has since lapsed. We consider Dalhenzean Steading continues to offer potential for development subject to obtaining the usual consents from the local planning authority, Perth and Kinross Council.THE LANDLot 1 extends to about 787.81 hectares (1,946.73 acres). It comprises permanent pasture, rough grazing, coniferous and native woodlands and hill. The permanent pasture land is classified by the James Hutton Institute Land Capability for Agriculture as Grade 4.2 with the rough grazings, hill land and woodland on the western side of the estate classified as Grade 5.1 and 6.3 respectively. The majority of the land is designated as being payment Region 3 with 66.95 ha in Region 1. The land lies at approximately 310 metres above sea level at its lowest point next to the Shee water rising to about 794 metres above sea level at its highest point at the peak of Meall Uaine on the north-west boundary of the Estate.The land has very good access directly off the A93 public road both on the eastern and western sides and with field to field gates connecting most of the lower fields. There is an estate track running through the hill ground for a short distance, reached off the track leading past Cnoc Liath with all remaining hill access via a polaris, argocat or similar such vehicle.WOODLANDFinegand Estate benefits from a number of woodland parcels which comprise both productive and native planting and extend in total to about 44.22 hectares (109.27 acres).There are two principal areas of productive woodland planted in 2003, one lies in the centre of the estate to the west of both Cnoc Liath and Corrydon Cottage, with Sitka spruce planted on the eastern side of the compartment and natural regeneration of principally birch on the western side of the woodland. This compartment is accessed via a farm track leading directly off the A93 to a midway point gated entrance just to the south of Cnoc Liath, giving a practical extraction route for the timber in the future. The second productive area of Sitka spruce lies immediately to the east of the public road next to Tigh na Coille with direct gated access to the road.There are three parcels of coniferous woodland flanking the west side of A93 road which were planted in the late 1970s for the protection of the road from snow during the winter months.Lying to the northern end of Finegand is a naturally regenerating woodland, principally of birch.A desktop assessment of Finegand has indicated there may be a potential gross area of some 370 ha with opportunities for further woodland creation, however the net plantable area will be subject to detailed analysis of the site and associated constraints. The Hutton Institute for Land Capability for Forestry shows the potential planting ground as being a mix of F5-F7 with soils varying between podzols and peaty gleys providing a suitable mix for both native and productive woodlands.Funding remains available through the Scottish Government’s Forestry Grant Scheme for woodland creation and sustainable forest management. Newly planted woodlands are also eligible to register with the woodland carbon code, subject to meeting scheme criteria. This allows the owner to generate and sell carbon credits during the lifetime of the woodland. An average native woodland may sequester in excess of 450 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per hectare over the lifetime of the carbon contract.The Galbraith forestry team are on hand to discuss the potential in more detail with interested parties.NATURAL CAPITALFinegand Estate, lying within the Cairngorm National Park, enjoys an outstanding and very iconic rural position. It offers a superb position and great opportunity for potential enhancement and diversification projects with a Natural Capital focus, be it woodland creation, hedgerow planting, eco-tourism related enterprises, re-wilding, conservation and bio-diversity enhancement orientated projects or such similar focused interests, all subject to obtaining the required permissions.Galbraith have prepared a Natural Capital Atlas for Finegand Estate, which is available upon request from the Selling Agent. This report has highlighted the lands at Finegand include a number of environmental designations including;• Ancient woodland• Conservation areas• Gardens and Designed Landscapes• Important Bird Areas• Less Favoured Areas• Scheduled Monuments• Site of Special Scientific Interest• Special Area of Conservation• Special Protection AreaFinegand includes woodland areas of both productive coniferous plantations and natural regenerative areas whilst offering further woodland creation potential, as indicated previously. Finegand Estate is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including orchids which are of particular note at Tigh an Eillen on the southern end of the estate, together with an extensive list of observed insect life, native birds and mammals. These include the occasional sightings of the iconic golden eagle as well as other birds of prey including merlin, both short and long eared owls, barn and tawny owls, kestrel, and rare sightings of peregrine and ospreys. There are also snipe and woodcock, together with red grouse, mallard, teal and wigeon. Red squirrel are found at Finegand along with both brown and mountain hares, otters, pine marten, polecat and badger, together with voles, lizards and adders.SPORTHistorically, the family’s principal interest on the estate was in the sport and indeed Finegand was identified by Country Life in the mid-sixties as being the best small grouse moor in Scotland.Currently red, roe and fallow deer are all found at Finegand Estate, offering varied stalking, with walked up grouse shooting also forming a key part of the sport today on Finegand. However, driven grouse shooting was enjoyed for many decades, with some excellent bags achieved; the high point came on the 19th August 1933 when 8 guns shot 425 grouse and which remains the record for any moor in Glenshee. The total bag on Finegand that year was 1,856 head of game and good bags continued until the end of the 1960s. In 1964, 4 guns, including a member of the American Roosevelt family, walked up in a small area of Corrydon and shot 77 grouse. Finegand has 2 lines of butts providing up to 3 drives. They are currently undergoing a program of refurbishment with half completed to date.As with many Scottish estates, the last few years have been very limited with opportunity for grouse shooting. Since 2015 a keepering contract has been in place with Rhiedorrach Sporting, who also own and run a neighbouring estate and this is being worked in conjunction with the current shepherding contract. This arrangement appears to be showing benefit to the grouse numbers with the potential for driven grouse days to be held once again, hopefully in the not too distant future. Further, if desired, Finegand Estate also offers potential to create a small low ground shoot with duck flighting possible at The Lochan, located on the northern end of the estate. The Lochan is stocked with brown trout giving a quiet and scenic setting for a spot of fishing.Further information and game records are available upon request to the selling agents.LOT 2 – FINEGAND FARMHOUSE – ABOUT 6.06 HECTARES (14.97 ACRES)Finegand Farmhouse is a most attractive period former farmhouse sitting on the eastern side of the estate, just to the west of the River Shee and enjoying an attractive and open outlook over the estate. It is built of stone with a whitewashed exterior lying under a slated roof and flanked on either side by traditional former farm buildings which include a roundel.Finegand Farmhouse sits within about 6.06 hectares (14.97 acres) of its own grounds, principally comprising five grassland fields, with a small cluster of trees lying to the east and benefiting from its own private driveway leading directly from the public road.Finegand Farmhouse accommodation comprises:Ground Floor: Porch, hall, sitting room, dining room, breakfasting kitchen, utility room, laundry room, cloakroom, rear porch.First Floor: 5 bedrooms, bathroom, WC, study.FINEGAND OUTBUILDINGSFinegand Farmhouse has a range of traditional outbuildings lying both to the north and south of the farmhouse. A date stone within one of the outbuildings indicates that they date back to 1648. In addition, the former Glenshee Fire Engine Shed lies to the east of the roundel.The outbuildings comprise:-Traditional U-Shape Outbuilding with Two In-Fill Sheds (south)Of stone construction, under both slate and corrugated metal roofs with white washed walls and date stone of 1648. Currently provide storage.Traditional Building (north)Of stone construction under a slated roof and comprising:-• Former cart shed• Game larder with concrete floor, drainage, cold water withsink, refrigerated store with hooks• Tool shed• Barn with attic storage area• RoundelBeyond the traditional building to the north is a detached corrugated metal garage and brick built dog kennels with runs. To the rear of the roundel is the former fire engine storage shed.The traditional outbuildings offer practical storage and some use for livestock and bedding storage, as currently utilised. However, they also offer potential alternative uses including conversion to additional accommodation such as holiday let property or annexe accommodation to the principal house, conversion to further dwelling houses or indeed for business uses including office, art studio or eatery, all subject to obtaining the necessary consents.