[moony]

Looking for a farm to let for a minimum of 12 months, ideally 3 yrs or more or a large portion of grazing land. We want 50 acres upwards, ideally 100 - 300 acres or larger if upland. Predominantly to be used for sheep although will have 3-5 breeding highland ponies as well. Any location considered, the more secluded/remote the better. Any suggestions/ideas appreciated. Have funds ready.
Have been trying for a while to get a farm on a FBT but despite being shortlisted everytime always seem to finish second in the selection process which is getting rather disheartening.

[ellied]

http://www.thescottishfarmer.co.uk/services/classified-ads

Have a look at Bell Ingram's ad, third down on property for sale - the National Trust for Scotland property for lease.. Wish I had the money/fitness to go for it myself! 

[moony]

Thanks for that link. Any ideas how much it is up for?

[ellied]

Sorry, no idea.  It isn't on the Bell Ingram website yet as far as I can see, probably needs an email enquiry and I wouldn't dare ask 

[moony]

I have been sent the particulars. Looks a lovely place. If it was on Mull I would be up there like a shot but not sure I could make it viable living on Iona.

[ellied]

I assumed it was on Mull from the ad, but Iona would probably work if you were willing to open up B&B or something tourism related, lots of visitors in summer and stunning in winter. 

Would be too much physical demand for me to take on but location wise I'd have it like a shot, I love the islands and the mix of isolation and visitors coming in would suit me. 

I know, give me enough grazing and handling space for my stud and a wee workshop/coffee shop and a log cabin or static caravan onsite, and I'll make you a bit more income, caretake your ponies and whatever else whenever you crave the mainland - sorted     Failing that I'm buying a lottery ticket 

[moony]

Trouble is the land is only on a 5yr term and the house on a 12month shorthold tenancy so I just couldn't justify putting too much money in it to set anything alse up. If it was on a 10yr that would be a whole different proposition.

[doganjo]

You could make an offer on that basis - you never know, times are strange just now, you might just be lucky.

[The Irish Shepherd]

Hi Mooney, Join the Tennant farmers Association, its £75 for 12 months but you get unlimited help with tendering, plus they have a data base of farms currently for rent.


They will help you do cash flow forcast etc etc etc

[moony]

I will join the TFA. Stupidly I didnt realise it had a data base of farms available. Certainly will save hours of searching the net.

[The Irish Shepherd]

Phone them ask for 15 months membership for price of 12, they are doing a promo.

5 starter farms in Norfolk, 3 in Devon, and a National Trust farm in Northumberland last time I looked.

If people are interested in joining, let me know by PM and I may get a discounted rate for ASH members

[colliewobbles]

Phone them ask for 15 months membership for price of 12, they are doing a promo.

5 starter farms in Norfolk, 3 in Devon, and a National Trust farm in Northumberland last time I looked.

If people are interested in joining, let me know by PM and I may get a discounted rate for ASH members

The closing date for the Norfolk ones is 12 noon tomorrow so if you haven't applied yet then you have probably missed the boat.

[moony]

The Norfolk and Devon ones are primarily arable holdings. The one in Northumberland we did look at but with the emphasis by the National Trust on running a tourist based business alongside farming Im not sure it would be right for us.

[The Irish Shepherd]

I took one look at the Morpeth one and went 'no way'