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Agriculture

Over Kirkhope: A Rare Opportunity for Regenerative Farming in Scotland's Borders

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Located in the heart of the Scottish Borders, Over Kirkhope is a 935-acre upland farm that boasts a unique combination of rich biodiversity, productive sheep farming, and stunning natural beauty. The farm's current owners are seeking a new partner to take on the challenge of regenerative farming, with the opportunity to expand the farm's natural capital and biodiversity while protecting Scotland's countryside.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over Kirkhope features a 6-bedroom farmhouse, two separate 2-bedroom cottages, and a range of modern and traditional buildings, with the option to purchase the property as a whole or in three separate lots.
  • The farm supports a hefted flock of Blackface and North Country Cheviot sheep, with approximately 500 lambs sold off each year, and has scope to increase its sheep numbers significantly, support a herd of cattle, and invest in regenerative farming.
  • Over Kirkhope boasts one of the UK's largest native tree planting schemes, with around 935 acres of broadleaf woodland, 2,084 acres of open hill and pasture, 12 acres of wildflower meadow, and 93 acres of in bye grazing.
  • The farm is an example of the Scottish Nature Investment Partnership, with the option to expand its biodiversity programme and secure benefits for Scotland's countryside.
  • Over Kirkhope supports a huge range of species, including woodcock, snipe, curlew, lapwing, osprey, golden eagles, black grouse, otter, red squirrels, and over 140 varieties of moth.
  • The property is located 23 miles from Selkirk, with regular livestock markets taking place at St Boswells, Longtown, Carlisle, Wooler, and Lanark, and access to major road connections and East Coast Main Line rail links via Edinburgh.

Statistics:

  • The farm's breeding ewes total around 750, with potential to increase sheep numbers significantly.
  • The farm's woodland covers an area of approximately 935 acres.
  • The farm's open hill and pasture area totals 2,084 acres.
  • The wildflower meadow area totals 12 acres.
  • The in bye grazing area totals 93 acres.
  • The farm's biodiversity programme has the potential to secure benefits for Scotland's countryside.
  • The property's guide price is offers over £4.585 million for the whole, with separate options to purchase in three lots.

Sources:

  • GSC Grays | Rural Land & Property Specialists
  • https://www.gscgrays.co.uk/property/over-kirkhope-selkirk/

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