Catch of the day: listed former grain mill, cottages and around 27 acres for sale as part of historic fishery in Stirlingshire

Project-hunters are being given opportunity to reel in ten historic fishery buildings as the birthplace of 'father of scientific aquaculture' has hit the market.

Located four miles south west of Stirling in Sauchiemill, Howietoun Fishery dates back to the 19th century and sits in 27 acres of country grounds.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The fishery is comprised of a B listed former Grain Mill, two cottages, four A listed outbuildings and three additional outbuildings.

The Grain Mill is a stone build with slate roof and retains its original internal layout with the upper mezzanine floor accessed by a timber staircase.

Picture: Bell Ingram

The A listed buildings include the former Mincing House, Dispatch House, Hatching House and the Summer House, which together have the potential to be revived into a countryside haven.

Established by Scottish landowner Sir James Maitland, who pioneered fish farming techniques and research into artificial fish breeding, Howietoun Fishery set the standard of modern fish farming.

At the time of international declines in fishery stocks, Maitland’s establishment worked to restock impoverished fisheries and was the first to sell its produce nationally on the open market.

The iconic birthplace of modern pisciculture is now on the market with Bell Ingram for offers over £225,000.

Picture: Bell Ingram

Carl Warden at Bell Ingram, said: “Howietoun Fishery has exceptional character and is truly unique in its design.

“Its land and buildings have exceptional development opportunity. If bought by somebody eager for a project, and with the right vision, it could be restored to something really quite remarkable – it’s a very exciting prospect.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In its grounds, Howietoun Fishery has historic fish ponds and listed perimeter railings.

Picture: Bell Ingram

Carl added: “The story of Sir James Maitland and his revolutionary research is an important piece of Scottish legacy.

“He successfully overcame difficulties in packing and transporting live ova with millions being produced and exported to as far afield as Australia and New Zealand by the 1880s.

Picture: Bell Ingram

“It was an outstanding operation and we’re privileged to have this site in our portfolio and are very excited to pass it on to a passionate individual who can bring it back to life.”

Howietoun Fishery enjoys a beautiful countryside setting, enhanced by the rich history of Stirling Castle with the sites of the battles of Stirling Bridge and Bannockburn close by.

Picture: Bell Ingram

The location of the Howietoun Fishery is highly accessible, served by major motorways M9 and M876 as well as the A9 which gives access to Perth and the north.

The city of Stirling is the gateway to the spectacular scenery of Trossachs and beyond and offers locals a range of entertainment and leisure opportunities, with a variety of shopping facilities and sports and leisure amenities.