TWO COMMERCIAL conifer forests in southern Scotland have come onto the market, worth more than £7million in total.

The forests, extending to 728 acres within the Lowther Hills, near Elvanfoot in South Lanarkshire, are

Watermeetings and Hitteril Hill, and are for sale as a whole for £7.2million or in two lots.

They offer well-established, high yielding crops predominantly made up of Sitka spruce, within a short distance of timber processors around Lockerbie and Dumfries, and with excellent access to those markets via the A702, an Agreed Timber Transport Route.

Jock Galbraith, senior surveyor for John Clegg and Co, said: “Watermeetings and Hitteril Hill are two distinct forests but they have been managed as one through various ownerships. The area, close to several timber processors, is renowned for its good growing conditions and extensive commercial forests. Both forests, which benefit from comprehensive internal forest road networks, have been subject to careful management and restructuring in the last 25 years which, among other benefits, has created a diverse age class which will produce a regular income for many years to come.

“The forests are located in an area of stunning natural beauty. Hitteril Hill, in particular, benefits from a quiet, secluded location with the Daer Reservoir, Daer Water and various burns adding a strong amenity feel.”

Mr Galbraith added: “It is rare for forestry of this scale and age class to come to the market. Demand remains strong in the forestry market, particularly for prime properties such as this one which are well-located in terms of timber processors and offer long-term investment security with a regular income. We expect significant interest in this sale.”

Sporting rights are included in the sale with an annual average deer cull of 17 per annum over the last 10 years.