Blackblair Wood Olgrinmore, Scotscalder, Caithness, near Thurso, KW12

Blackblair woodland bears the unmistakable imprint of its former life as a working croft. The weathered ruins of the original buildings remain as a tangible link to that past, offering both a sense of continuity and the potential framework for renewal with a commercial focus. The woodland itself is predominantly a Sitka spruce plantation with a narrow band of sycamore and oak along the front. Growth has been good and this will provide a substantial crop of timber in due course as part of a commercial management strategy.

On the open ground adjoining the woodland there remains a generous area of grassland and an area of blanket bog that forms part of the internationally significant Flow Country. This deep peat landscape, punctuated by pools and subtle variations in vegetation, is of exceptional ecological importance. Further, there may a carbon capture angle which would enhance the commercial management of the land.

The lightly populated local area has allowed wildlife at Blackblair woodland to flourish. The most common deer are Roe and Fallow, whom are a lot smaller than Red deer. With a lack of natural predators, deer populations in this part of Scotland have greatly increased in recent times.

Blackblair woodland is in no immediate need of any intervention in the short term unless this fits with a new owner’s commercial aims, whereby some timber value could be realised as part of a broader strategy based on professional advice and the objectives of a well-considered woodland management plan or indeed planning consents could be sought in relation to the substantial existing buildings.

Boundaries

The boundaries are clearly defined and easy to identify on the ground, with a combination of Caithness stone fencing, stock net and individual posts.

Tenure

The freehold is available including any sporting rights that pass with the land. There is no VAT chargeable on the purchase price.

Ownership

The benefits of woodland ownership have recently become more widely acknowledged. There is a good deal of flexibility when acquiring woodland to do so in such a way that can assist with inheritance tax planning for future generations. In addition, during the period of ownership there is currently no income tax payable on sales of timber. There are also capital gains tax benefits relating to the increase in value of trees as standing timber and there are no business rates or annual taxes on woodland.

Planning for the best financial outcome from woodland ownership starts with a well-conceived Woodland Management Plan. This is a site-specific document that sets out the long term aims for the woodland with the focus of commercial management in mind. At Legacy Forestry, we provide buyers with a bespoke Woodland Management Plan drafted by a professional forestry consultant who will not only be able to advise on your personal aims for managing the woodland but also have the local contacts to contract any forestry operations necessary to carry out specific objectives.

There is also a further consideration that comes with the opportunity to own woodland. Apart from HMRC’s favourable tax treatment of commercial forestry investments, woodland ownership also brings with it the enormous additional benefit of stewardship of the countryside and a chance to conserve, manage and enjoy a precious and important environment.

Access

There is a metal gate at the entrance off the public road. There is a grassy track that goes round the entirety of the plantation with one internal ride and a wayleave through part of the wood. The wood includes plenty of space for timber handling.

Location

The woods at Olgrinmore sit in a remote part of the country nestled between Westerdale and Scotscalder. Caithness has a low population with only a handful of towns, including Thurso and Wick.

The low population has encouraged wildlife to flourish both at sea and on the rivers, with otters and seals inhabiting small islands on the nearby River Thurso. This area was a Pictish stronghold until the Norwegian Norsemen arrived from the 10th century onwards establishing settlements all along the coast.

Viewing and Directions

Please contact Dan Sharp on 07780 900 192 to arrange a visit. You are welcome to visit this wood by yourself, but as many woodlands do not have mobile phone reception or internet access, please try and make sure you have a copy of these sales details with you. Please be aware of potential hazards within the woodland when viewing.