‘New entrant only’ for five-year Scottish tenancy

Buccleuch Estates is looking for a tenant for a starter farm four miles south of Hawick in the Scottish Borders, for an initial five-year term from May 2011.

Fenwick is a 181.5 acre upland unit on the Bowhill Estate with a stocking capacity of between 350 and 400 ewes. While there is no arable ground, much of the land is ploughable pasture.

Buildings, mostly from the 1950s and 1960s, include a sheep shed, a slatted shed, a monopitch and a dutch barn.

“It will be let initially on a five-year Short Limited Duration Tenancy, and subject to changes in the law, will be extended to 10 years. At 10 years the lease will then terminate, and the farm will be offered to another new entrant,” said estate manager Andrew Brough.

“Applicants should be aware that they are only tendering against other new entrants, not existing farmers who are looking to spread their fixed costs. The choice of tenant will come down to much more than the rent offered.”

The three-bedroomed farmhouse is being renovated and modernised, buildings have all been rewired and the estate plans significant fencing works so that little maintenance will be required through the tenancy term.

An environmental management scheme through the Scottish Rural Development Programme will provide the tenant with up to £5,000 a year in management payments. The tenant may also earn further income from carrying out capital works under this scheme.

Another part of the Buccleuch Estate has let three farms over the past two years to new entrants. Viewing days for Fenwick are on 5 and 12 February. (Bowhill 01750 20753)