Bell_Glencripesdale

GLENCRIPESDALE ESTATE

LOCH SUNART u ARGYLL



GLENCRIPESDALE ESTATE

LOCH SUNART ◆ ARGYLL

Strontian 15 miles, Fort William 32 miles, Lochaline 25 miles

A beautiful and secluded coastal forestry and sporting Estate
situated on the shores of Loch Sunart in one of the least explored

areas of Scotland.

Access via the sea loch providing some of the best sailing in Western Europe and the
opportunity to explore the inner Hebridean islands of Mull, Eigg and Rum.

A diverse Estate comprising native and commercial woodland, with substantial reserves of
timber, stalking and fishing for salmon and sea trout.

Detailed Planning Permission for a substantial lodge and caretakers cottage.

Approximately 4,579 acres (1,854 hectares).

Joint Selling Agents:

2 Gibraltar Street, Oban, PA34 4AY 2 Rutland Square, Edinburgh, EH1 2AS
Tel. 01631 566122 Fax. 01631 564764 Tel. 0131 229 8800 Fax. 0131 229 4827

Email. [email protected] Email. enquiries@ johnclegg.co.uk
www.bellingram.co.uk www.johnclegg.co.uk

Solicitors: Gillespie MacAndrew, 5 Atholl Crescent, Edinburgh, EH3 8EJ. Tel. 0131 225 1677 Fax. 0131 225 4519 3
Email. [email protected]
www.gilliespiemacandrew.co.uk

Historical Background

Glencripesdale Estate originally formed part of the medieval
kingdom of the MacDonalds, Lords of the Isles, up to the time of
their forfeiture by the Crown in 1493 when it and other lands in
Morvern were granted to the MacLeans of Duart who in turn
were ousted in 1674 by the expanding Campbells of Argyll.
The profligate sixth Duke of Argyll was forced to place the
whole of his Morvern property on to the market in 1819.
The Estate was then sold to Donald Stewart in 1821, however,
no records of his stewardship exist.
The Estate was sold by the Stewarts in 1871 to the Newton
Brothers who inherited ‘a quite absurdly large fortune’ from
their father a prosperous Birmingham industrialist.
The Newtons significantly enlarged Glencripesdale with the
subsequent acquisition of Laudale and Liddesdale Estates as
well as adding the Island of Carna.
In approximately 1873 the brothers commenced the building of
Glencripesdale House a three storey, rough cast and slated
mansion which contained five public rooms 20 bedrooms and
an observation tower.
The house could be approached from the Glen by the
ornamental stone bridge over the Glencripesdale river and up
the main drive or via a path from the stone jetty on the shores
of Loch Sunart; both winding through luxuriant plantations,
native woodlands and lawns.

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The Estate was a thriving entity and used by the Newtons for Estate game books have not survived, however, records show
holidays and entertaining their guests. During the height of the deer to have been plentiful and heavy on Glencripesdale Estate.
season there were as many as 100 or so people living in The Deer and Deer Forests of Scotland 1923 mentions an
Glencripesdale assisting with the stalking, fishing and shooting. annual cull of 45 stags with weights of up to 21 stone.

There was a shop and a school: church services were taken Peter Spicer & Sons of Leamington, the well-known
every Sunday in the billiard room of Glencripesdale House by taxidermists, in the annual printed ‘Records’ mention several
the Reverend Horace Newton. outstanding stags which they dealt with from Glencripesdale
including three ‘royals’ and a seventeen pointer shot by the
There were even annual games held on the lawn to the front of Reverend Horace Newton in 1915.
the Mansion House and regular dances in the big barn beside
the farmhouse. National events were celebrated such as Queen In 1913 a stalking tenant killed 40 stags whose average weight
Victoria’s 1887 Golden Jubilee when an enormous bonfire was was 16 stone and a best weight of 20½ stone.
lit on Jubilee Hill above Tom na Inbhire.
The house and estate were requisitioned by the military in 1944
The Estate at that time was an all round Highland Estate with a and badly vandalised in common with many great houses.
diverse range of activities, with a farm and significant woodland.
The Newton’s sold the estate in 1948 to a gentleman by the
The Glencripesdale Estate woods have been a feature of the name of Epps who removed the mansion house roof and left
area for a very long time and figure prominently in Argyll Estate it abandoned.
Papers. One of the earliest references is in a letter from the
Duke to his factor dated 1753 instructing him to sell “a parcel of The estate was subsequently purchased by the Forestry
car (cart) poles of birch and elder upon my lands of Commission who engaged the army to blow up the house,
Glencripisdell and Camisaloch fit for cutting down”. which took two attempts.

In fact, in 1904 the sales particulars produced by Edwin Fox of The Forestry Commission having planted the estate sold off
London described them as “a great feature of this unique Glencripesdale Farmhouse and garden and then sold the
demesne, they have not been touched for 30 years. The remaining estate as now offered for sale.
mainland for many miles along the windings and indentations of
the south shore of the beautiful Loch Sunart, and in a south
and south easterly direction, the banks of the picturesque and
sheltered inlet of Loch Teacuis are alike adorned by fine natural
copses of oak, birch and other indigenous trees”.

The woodland provided excellent shelter for game and stock.
According to the Highland Cattle Society Records the herd of
Highland Cattle which the Newtons established at
Glencripesdale in 1872 was one of the oldest in Scotland and
survived without a break until its dispersal in 1948.

A valuation carried out in 1919 put the stock of sheep at
Glencripesdale at 1,054 with 13 Highland heifers and one horse.
Grouse were common and in 1914 an average of 450 brace of
grouse were killed each season and it was quite common to bag
35 to 40 brace in one days shooting over dogs.

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Background The initial stages of the master plan have been implemented
which has seen significant areas of non-native timber removed
Glencripesdale Estate was bought by the Forestry Commission and replaced with native broad leaves as well as the
in 1955 and planted as a commercial forestry plantation. establishment of very attractive woodland pasture areas.

The current owners of the Estate purchased it in 2002. Their The Estate can be accessed either by road or sea and planning
vision for the Estate was the restoration and improvement of permission has been obtained for the upgrading and
the whole of the Glencripesdale Estate to a sustainable mixed improvement of the existing sea access.
use, living and working Highland Estate managed on
traditional extensive principles that contribute to the In addition, detailed planning consent has been obtained for the
improvement of the scenic attractiveness and natural and construction of a substantial Estate Lodge as well as a
cultural heritage of Loch Sunart. caretakers residence. Both of which occupy superb secluded
sites with views over Loch Sunart.
A detailed master plan for the Estate has been drawn up which
is available on request. Glencripesdale Estate is an almost unique opportunity for a
purchaser to create a sustainable Highland Estate in a most
secluded and stunning coastal location.

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Location

The Estate is situated on the little explored Morvern peninsula
within the County of Argyll.

Access to Glencripesdale is taken via the public road to Laudale
and thereafter via a private road which hugs the coast to
Glencripesdale.

It is a most secluded location with Loch Sunart as a
wonderfully attractive backdrop. It is a ‘magical‘ situation and
stalking, shooting, fishing, boating and walking and outdoor
activities can be enjoyed on the Estate.

The nearest settlements are either that of Strontian or Salen on
the northern shores of Loch Sunart. There is an excellent hotel
at Salen and the village of Strontian has a general store, primary
and secondary school as well as other local facilities.

Due to the coastal location of the Estate basic provisions can be
purchased from Tobermory on the Island of Mull via boat which
can be easily reached from Glencripesdale pier.

The main local centre is that of Fort William approximately
32 miles to the north east via the Corran Ferry. Fort William
benefits from a range of shops, supermarkets and other
local services.

The town is the terminus for the Caledonian Sleeper Service
from London Euston allowing comfortable overnight travel
from the south.

There is a private airfield at North Connel approximately 30
miles to the south which has facilities for private aircraft as well
as a sea plane service to Oban.

Due to the nature of the Estate, helicopter travel from Glasgow
is possible in approximately 90 minutes.

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Description

The Estate extends to approximately 4,579 acres (1,854 hectares)
with approximately 2 miles of sea loch frontage and runs for
approximately 3 miles in land from the shores of Loch Sunart.

The shore line which is a Special Area of Conservation is
characterised by a mixture of rocky shore and sand, particularly
around the mouth of the Glencripesdale River.

The land around the shore is a mixture of low hill and former
in-bye ground which leads in land to a most secluded and
beautiful glen bisected by the meandering Glencripesdale River
with gently rising hills to the south, north and east all within
ownership of the estate.

The Estate has an excellent road infrastructure which allows
vehicular access to most of the Estate including the beautiful and
picturesque Duncan’s loch which is home to wild brown trout.

The Estate has seen significant regeneration in recent years
with the removal of large areas of high yielding sitka spruce.
These areas have been replaced with a mixture of native
broadleaves and open woodland pasture which allows the full
beauty of the glen to be appreciated.

A planning consent is in place for the erection of farm buildings
and the master plan envisages the reintroduction of cattle to
the glen which will further enhance the biodiversity of the area.

In addition, the Estate has always been seen as one of the pre-
eminent stalking Estates on Morvern, consistently producing high
quality heavy stags. The implementation of the master plan will
further improve the stalking both in terms of quality and enjoyment.

The Glencripesdale River which is entirely owned by the estate
is a spate river with some excellent pools capable of holding
both salmon and sea trout although the fishings have not been
exploited in recent years.

In keeping with the philosophy of an integrated and living
Highland Estate a significant area of commercial woodland has
been retained to ensure a continued income stream for the future.

The Estate has planning consent for the erection of a Lodge as
well as a caretakers house, both strategically situated to ensure
privacy and amenity as well as capitalising on the outstanding
views over Loch Sunart.

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Master Plan

A detailed master plan for the Estate was finalised in 2008 and
interested parties should contact the joint selling agents for a
copy of the plan.

The master plan sets out in considerable detail the vision for
the Estate and how it is to be implemented.

The document will provide a purchaser with a detailed guide to
the implementation of the proposals and enable them to create
an Estate in their image without the strictures of the past.

Estate House Site 9

Forestry The large volumes of high quality timber harvested to date have
been shipped to market via the existing road network and pier
In accordance with the master plan the Estate has implemented located on site. The access infrastructure has been developed
an imaginative and far sighted Long Term Forest Plan which to achieve a workable solution to timber harvesting in remote
was agreed in 2005 and sees the phased removal of a significant locations and has been proven to be very effective. This facility
proportion of commercial conifers which can be shipped widens the range of management options available to any
directly to market by sea. purchaser and provides the added benefit of good access for
general estate purposes.
The forest area at Glencripesdale has been conscientiously
managed for many years. Over the years forestry philosophy With an approved LTFP in operation, the forest is well placed
and objectives have changed considerably, but the to potentially source a range of supporting grants from the
concentration of management effort in this area reflects Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP) for future
Glencripesdales capacity to meet multiple forestry objectives. management including replanting, deer management or more
sensitive woodland management systems.
With fertile soils across much of the lower glen, a maritime
climate and shelter from prevailing winds, there is proven scope at The Sunart SSSI/SAC runs along the shoreline and the
Glencripesdale for highly productive commercial forestry or woodland adjacent to this was prioritised for early conversion
vigorous native woodland, and of course every option in from commercial conifer to native woodland. SRDP
between. management grants for designated sites may be available for
future management of these areas.
The LTFP initiated a process for restoring large areas of
commercial conifers to native broadleaves, and good progress The woodlands at Glencripesdale support a range of iconic
has been made to achieve this objective over the last 6 years, species including Otter, Wildcat and Pine Martin, with Golden
with approximately 138 hectares felled and 89 hectares stocked Eagles frequently seen along the upper margins.
with native broadleaves.
Given that most of the glen from shoreline to mountain top is
In terms of commercial timber the forest area has the capacity included within the property this gives great control in terms of
to provide a sustained income stream over the next 30 years. It future management or habitat restoration on a landscape scale. In
is estimated that there is around 235 hectares of timber of particular the restoration of the woodland from the shore to the
harvestable age that could be felled in the period 2011 to 2020 treeline offers scope to maximise the sites biodiversity potential.
subject to the outcome of the plan revision in 2015/16 during
which time a new owner will have the opportunity to adjust the While the forestry objectives require active deer control, the
plan to suit their own objectives. This includes areas designated diverse forest area provides an ideal environment for stalking
under the LTFP for selective felling; timber yields are likely to using a range of methods. The woodland habitat also has a
be in the region of 65,000 tonnes, with 2/3rds of the positive impact on trophy quality and deer weights.
harvestable area estimated as being of good quality.
As part of the LTFP, agreement was reached with the Forestry
Commercial plantings from the mid 1980’s total around 230 Commission on converting areas of woodland to open
hectares and it is anticipated that this will yield around 40,000 woodland pasture with potential benefits to both productive
tonnes during 2021 to 2030. diversification and the ecology of the site.

There are a further 90 hectares of productive conifers that Glencripesdale forest offers unparalleled opportunities for the
were planted in 1998/99 which is expected to be harvested in continuation of imaginative landscape scale management.
the period 2031 to 2040. Robin Dixon, the estates forestry consultant would be happy to
discuss the forestry proposals in detail.
Positive changes in relation to market demand for biofuels may
increase the volumes of recoverable crop indicated above.

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Sportings

Glencripesdale has always been considered to be one of the
best stalking Estates in Morvern due to its topography and its
ability to hold deer.

It is rumoured that at one point Glencripesdale had the
highest population of deer in Scotland, however, in recent
years the deer have been well managed and now the Estate
presents an exciting opportunity to further enhance the
significant sporting potential.

The Estate has, in recent years, leased the high ground stalking
to the neighbouring Laudale Estate and retained the remaining
lower ground.

Laudale have been diligent custodians of the stalking and
have been excellent neighbours providing help and
assistance. They have intimated their willingness to continue to
lease the stalking in the future and further details may be
obtained from the joint selling agents.

The Estate overall has produced the following returns over the
last 5 years.

GLENCRIPESDALE DEER CULL

Stags 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Hinds 31 43 30 29 33
Roe 22 8 24 25 25
6 4 4 2 3

Average 2007 – 2011

Stags 33

Hinds 21

Roe 4

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Fishing

The Estate enjoys exclusive fishings on the Glencripesdale
River system, Duncan’s loch as well as enjoyable sea fishing in
Loch Sunart.
The Glencripesdale River, which has not been fished in recent
years, has regular runs of salmon and sea trout.
The records from the 1920’s mention the excellent fishing in the
Glencripesdale River and record yearly catches of forty to
seventy sea trout and several salmon. Johnny Anderson
described the fishing in the first half of the 1900’s as ‘fairly good’
with annual baskets of two hundred sea trout and eight to ten
salmon mostly taken on the worm.

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Duncan’s loch which can be accessed via ATV track lies to the Sea Access
north east of the Estate and is a most peaceful and tranquil loch
which has a good stock of wild brown trout. The estate enjoys approximately 2 miles of shoreline onto Loch
Sunart which opens onto the Sound of Mull.
Loch Sunart and the inner Hebrideas can provide excellent A substantial pier has been built and a detailed planning consent
angling for various species particularly mackerel in the summer. is in place for its upgrading for which a full specification and
Cockles, clams and razor fish can be picked from the estuary at quotations are available.
the mouth of the Glencripesdale River. The upgraded pier will allow the future export of timber.
In addition there are the remains of a Victorian drydock and
Planning pier, which could with the necessary consents be repaired.

Detailed planning consent was granted in accordance with the 13
master plan in 2010.

The planning consents comprise consent for the erection of an
Estate Lodge on the site of the previous mansion house, a
caretaker’s house at the entrance to the Glen with consent
nearby for agricultural buildings.

The detailed planning consent for the Lodge envisages a
substantial modern house with vernacular influences, taking full
advantage of the sea and glen views.

The house has been designed to maximise flexibility and can be
used either as a large family home or as a traditional lodge
capable of accommodating stalking guests. Whilst the consent
has been granted in detail, it may be possible in consultation
with the planning department to amend the design.

The caretaker’s house has been strategically located on an
elevated site to maximise views of the sea. In addition its
location close to the principal estate access road and
overlooking the pier ensures optimum security.

In addition, consent was granted for refurbishment and
improvement of the existing pier which will make it suitable for
most vessels.

A full detailed and specified quotation for the works to the pier
is available upon application to the joint selling agents.

The planning consents are subject to a Section 75 agreement
which binds the new dwelling houses to the Estate and
prohibits the sale of the Estate except as a whole. A copy of the
Section 75 Agreement and planning permission is available from
the joint selling agents.

GENERAL REMARKS AND INFORMATION The property is sold subject to and with the benefit of all FORESTRY GRANTS
existing servitude and wayleave rights including rights of access
VIEWING and rights of way whether public or private. The property is The Estate is sold subject to the Forestry Grant Schemes set
also sold subject to the rights of public access under the Land out earlier in these particulars and full details are available by
Strictly by appointment with the joint selling agents. The Estate Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. application to the joint selling agents.
is extremely remote and care should be taken. Mobile
telephone signal is not always available. SERVICES DESIGNATION
The Estate has no specific services although several springs and
DIRECTIONS water courses have been identified which should be capable of The land adjacent to Loch Sunart is designated as a Special
providing a water supply for domestic and agricultural purposes. Area of Conservation.
From Glasgow airport take the M8 west. Then take junction 30
over the Erskine bridge. Bear left on the Erskine bridge taking Drainage for the new houses will be by means of a septic tank ENTRY
the A82 north to Crainlarich. Continue on the A82 towards or similar. Entry will be by mutual agreement.
Fort William through Glen Coe. Turn left and take the Corran
Ferry to Ardgour. There is no mains electricity at Glencripesdale although mains OFFERS
electricity can be found at Rahoy approximately 2 miles to the
From Ardgour follow the A861 towards Strontian. After south west. The houses as designed were intended to be Offers in Scottish legal form are to be submitted to the joint
approximately 12 miles turn left on to the A884 to Loch Allan. provided with electricity via a generator or via renewable sources. selling agents. A closing date for offers may be fixed and
After approximately 5 miles turn right to Laudale and follow prospective purchasers are advised to register their interest
the public road for approximately 2 miles. The Estate is responsible for a payment of the share of the with the joint selling agents.
private access road calculated according to user.
The road now becomes private and passes through Laudale USEFUL CONTACTS
Estate and caution should be exercised at all times. Follow the EMPLOYEES
private road for approximately 9 miles along the shores of Loch There are no full time employees on the Estate. A contract Robin Dixon – Woodland Management Tel. 01880 821 133
Sunart until you arrive at Glencripesdale. game keeper has been employed and we understand that he [email protected]
would be prepared to continue in that role.
PLANNING PERMISSION Crown Estate Tel. 0131 260 6070
IACS AND SINGLE FARM PAYMENT Scottish Natural Heritage Tel. 0300 244 9360
The Estate is sold with the benefit of all planning consents and The Estate is registered for IACS purposes under farm code Highland Council Planning Department
plans as well as the rights to the master plan document. A full number 139/0046. There is no entitlement to Single Farm Iain Dawson – Architect Tel. 01397 707015
costed specification and tender for the up grading of the pier Payment or Less Favoured Area payments. Tel. 0141 887 1130
will be made available.
EQUIPMENT HOTELS Tel. 01967 431661
SERVITUDE RIGHTS, BURDENS, WAYLEAVES AND An inventory of equipment is available by application to the Tel. 01967 402257
STATUTORY PUBLIC AND OTHER ACCESS RIGHTS joint selling agents and is available by separate negotiation. Salen Hotel Tel. 0845 080 5104
Kilcamb Lodge
A public footpath passes through the Estate from Rahoy to SPORTING RIGHTS Inverlochy Castle
Laudale. The owner of Glencripesdale Farmhouse has a right of The sporting rights are currently let to Laudale Estate. The
access over the main access road within Glencripesdale Estate agreement expires on 20th October 2011 and a copy of the CAR HIRE Tel. 01631 566553
to the farmhouse and is liable for the maintenance, upkeep and agreement is available from the joint selling agents. Flit
repair according to use.
MINERAL RIGHTS AND TIMBER FERRIES Tel. 01855 841243
In addition the owner of the Farmhouse has the right to install a In so far as they are owned, the mineral rights are included in the Corran Ferry
hydro electric generator and all necessary generators apparatus sale. All standing and fallen timber will be included in the sale.
in the Glencripesdale burn. Full details of all third party rights POSTCODE
may be obtained from Gillespie MacAndrew. PH33 7AF

The author of these particulars would like to thank Iain
Thornber JP DL for allowing information from his history of
Glencripesdale to be used in these particulars.

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Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey
Mapping with the permission of the
Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery
Office. Crown Copyright

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