Young farmer gains first tenancy on Glenlivet Estate
Crown Estate Scotland has announced that a first-time tenant will take over the management of a farm on its Glenlivet Estate.
Alex Smith
Crown Estate Scotland has announced that a first-time tenant will take over the management of a farm on its Glenlivet Estate. Alex Smith, 33, was chosen from a list of applicants as the new tenant of Dell Farm, a 320 acre farm in a prime location within the Estate.
The rigorous selection process saw a number of high calibre applicants, but Mr Smith’s bid was chosen as the best business and environmental case for the future development of the site. The potential for Mr Smith to diversify income from the farm through improvements to the local wetland habitat and investing in potential tourism income alongside the proposed livestock farming operation, was a major part of the bid’s success.
Andy Wells, Head of Property at Crown Estate Scotland said: “These are always difficult decisions, but we were very impressed by Alex’s proposals and plans to unlock the future potential of the farm.
“Not only did he present a clear, viable and well diversified business plan, but also incorporated plans to undertake improvements to the environmental assets of the area and work positively with other businesses on the estate.
“We were pleased to provide this opportunity for a young farmer to further develop the family business and take on greater responsibility. We look forward to working with Alex over the coming years.”
Alex Smith’s parents are tenant farmers nearby and as such the family is well-established roots in the Glenlivet Estate and is passionate about its future.
Alex said: “I am delighted to have been chosen as the successful applicant for the Dell farm tenancy. The 10-year lease will allow me and my family to invest in the land and hopefully create a viable and sustainable rural business.
“My plans for the Dell include the grazing of rare breed cattle and sheep, with a focus on minimising inputs, improving biodiversity on the farm and producing high quality meat. I also have ambitions of diversifying and generating other income streams from the tourism industry through the creation of bespoke ‘off-grid’ holiday accommodation along the River Avon.”
The selection is also an indication of Crown Estate Scotland’s commitment to the Scottish Government’s Farming Opportunities for New Entrants initiative. You can find out more about the FONE initiative here: http://www.gov.scot/Topics/farmingrural/Agriculture/NewEntrantsToFarming/meeting5a