Walk & Talk: Adapting to the Evolving Rural Sector – the Approach of Argyll Estates

Venue: Inveraray Castle, Inveraray, PA32 8XE

Argyll Estates comprises approximately 200sq. km (20,000ha.) of land within Argyll, including in and around Inveraray, and the isles of Tiree, Mull and Lismore.  The estate is a modern and diverse land and visitor attraction with diverse business streams including Inveraray Castle visitor attraction, forestry, renewable energy developments and events.

Members are warmly invited to join this Walk & Talk which will be led by Hugh Nicol, Factor of Argyll Estates, and Angus Kelly, Partner and Head of the Fort William office of Bidwells. We’ll also be joined by Clive Meikle, Partner, Head of Grid & Infrastructure at Bidwells. 

The Walk & Talk will look at how Argyll Estates is adapting to the evolving rural sector with a specific focus on the following key topics:

• The opportunities and threats from large scale renewable energy – negotiating agreements for wind farms and pylon lines
• Property development - the renovation and repurposing of old buildings, as well as exciting plans for a new distillery on the estate
• Housing - the challenges of bringing forward rural housing developments, large and small scale

This event is free of charge to SLE Members, but booking is essential through the SLE website.

Additional event information:

Format of the event: Participants will gather in the car park at Inveraray Castle. Tea and coffee will be available on arrival. The Walk & Talk will open with short introductions to Argyll Estates, the diverse business streams and the history of management activities on the estate. We will then head out on a short walking route with stops to see and discuss various projects on the estate, with input from Hugh Nicol and representatives from the Bidwells team. We will finish up at the estate office - a short walk from the castle car park - for further discussion and refreshments. 

Other information: The walking route is easy – on good tracks – and will take approximately 2 hours at a fairly relaxed pace.  Please bring suitable clothing and footwear. We do have a ‘bad weather’ back-up plan as required.

Booking information: Booking is essential. To secure your place please book online today.