Interest expected as Bowies put farm on sale

IT MAY come as a surprise to the farming industry but the forthcoming sale of Airdrie farm, Anstruther, by NFU Scotland vice-president Allan Bowie, is only part of sorting out the family business.

The highly-desirable 512-acre farm, located just outside St Andrews, will be marketed this summer by Savills.

Speaking about the sale, Allan said the move had always been on the cards. He and his brother Andrew had been in partnership at Airdrie since taking it over in 1997 and now was the time to sort out the family partnership.

"It is entirely amicable, " said Bowie. "It has not been easy because we have invested a great deal into making Airdrie a top-class arable farm, but it is always better to make decisions sooner rather than later."

Bowie indicated that he intends continuing farming in the East Neuk of Fife. He currently farms some land on a contract basis and also has a couple of short-term limited duration tenancies.

According to Charles Dudgeon, Savills' director of rural property, Airdrie with its prime arable land, excellent irrigation, five good farm cottages, a range of well-maintained farm buildings and "charming" farmhouse will tick a lot of boxes on many buyers' wish lists.

"Little else is being launched in the current market. A gem such as this, in the highly sought after east coast of Fife, while the supply of arable acres is so restricted in Scotland, is expected to receive much attention from all over the UK and abroad."