Woodland for sale

Location

Killail Forest is located just to the east of Otter Ferry, overlooking Loch Fyne on the Cowal Peninsula, in a highly attractive part of Argyll, with a lovely coastal aspect and a stunning panoramic view. The area is well-known for good woodland growing conditions and extensive commercial forests.

In the nearby village of Otter Ferry there is a small community of scattered whitewashed farms, fishermen’s cottages and grander houses. The Oystercatcher and Ballimore Bothy provides accommodation and dining options when visiting.

To locate the property, please refer to location and sale plans within these particulars. The nearest postcode is PA21 2DH and What3Words: oasis.knocking.contracting

Access

The B8000 public road borders the property on its western side and provides an access point from A1 past Killail farm to the start of the forest at A2. From here a forest track leads through the northern section of the forest to A3. A quad bike track leads from the forest road to the south of the property.

There are further access points on the B8000 at A4, A5 and A6-A7. The B8000 is a restricted route for timber extraction and timber can only be hauled out following approval of a Timber Transport Management Plan with the local Council. Timber can then be hauled south and across towards Tighnabruaich on a consultation route and then north on the A8003 to seaports or mainland markets. It is intended that timber from Killail Forest will leave from the south west end of the property, cross the C11 road onto a fully established forest road at A9. From here a full Servitude Right of Access in favour of Killail Forest leads to point A8. Maintenance according to user.

There is an opportunity for a purchaser to export timber via sea by either constructing a pier or by using a floating pier. A Servitude Right will be granted in favour of the purchaser to access the shore line if required.

The gate used to access the forest is locked, please contact Goldcrest Land & Forestry Group to arrange a viewing.

Description

Killail Forest is an extensive commercial conifer forest, managed for timber production. The woodland was established in 1991 with high yielding Sitka spruce, which accounts for 86% of the timber crop plus other commercial species. The spruce growth rates are generally good with estimated Yield Classes up to YC20. Mixed conifer and Japanese larch were also planted to a much lesser extent. Some Native mixed broadleaves are found predominantly along watercourses on the western slopes. The deciduous areas are highly diverse and enhance the level of Natural Capital whilst also providing some sporting opportunities. The forest was planted on the slopes of Tom nah-lolaire hill, the summit of which was left unplanted.

The site is sloping and west facing rising from the shores to 200 meters above sea level. The average rainfall in this region is 1,700mm. The soils mostly consist of mineral and peaty podzols. The property comprises gently undulating terrain and is relatively easily worked with conventional harvesting machinery.

There is a Statutory Plant Health Notice for the harvesting of larch affected by Phytophthora ramorum, a copy of which is available from the Selling Agent. The harvesting of the trees needs to be complete by 31st August 2026.

Killail hydro Ltd operates a hydro scheme along the Killail burn. The scheme comprises a partly buried hydro pipe crossing Killail Forest. This infrastructure occupies the land by way of a lease. A copy of the lease and plan is available from the Selling Agent upon request.

Sporting Rights

Killail Forest provides good stalking opportunities for Red & Roe deer. The sporting rights are included in the sale with vacant possession.

Wind Energy/Development Clawback Clause

The sale is subject to the purchaser entering into a clawback agreement with the seller in respect of any future windfarm development. The Agreement will require the purchaser to pay 25% of income derived from any windfarm development (excluding any timber compensation payments) for a period of 25 years from the date of commissioning of the development relative to any planning permission that is secured within a 15-year period from the date of sale. The Purchaser shall grant in favour of the Seller a first ranking standard security over the property to secure the clawback obligations.

Designations

The property has cup and ring marked rocks, cairns, ruins and An Socach, a corn drying kiln area. All of which can be found on the websites Pastmaps or Canmore.