Issue 5 January 2005

Bog restoration at Reidside Moss

Since the end of the 19th century, clearance that has been undertaken at Foreword 94% of the United Kingdom’s lowland Reidside Moss as part of Seafield and bog has disappeared due to industrial Strathspey Estates’ management by Lord Seafield peat extraction, drainage and agreement with SNH. Ditch blocking was modification. However, in recent years demonstrated by Mike Stevens from the awareness of the importance of bogland Scottish Wildlife Trust and SNH staff Over recent years I have become has increased and the biodiversity that were on hand to answer questions. increasingly concerned about how exists in these habitats is beginning to gain acknowledgment. In 2003 SNH Lynne Farquhar, SNH's Natural Care private land owners and large estates Project Officer, said are viewed by the public in its broadest introduced the Grampian Lowland Bog sense - a public that embraces MSPs Scheme, and hopes that this initiative “The event was a success despite the and MPs; Government agencies and will encourage management that dreich day. Owners and managers of NGOs; local Councillors and Council maintains or restores the water table of lowland bogs came from around officers; those living in the lowland bogs that are SSSIs. Aberdeenshire and from Moray and were communities that neighbour estate As part of this initiative, a demonstration able to directly discuss the issues. SNH ground; those with whom we do of bog restoration work took place at greatly appreciates our positive working business; those who use the estates Reidside Moss, part of Seafield and relationship with Seafield Estate, and we for access and other recreation; our Strathspey Estates, in hope the event has encouraged others to tenants (both agricultural and September. On the join the bog scheme." residential); and our staff and their day, owners and families. managers of Every management decision which we similar SSSIs take regarding the estates requires witnessed the consultation with some of these - some ditch-blocking proposals require consultation with and scrub all of them. I think however, that despite legislation, increasing public interest and the move towards greater transparency, we can go even further than this. That’s why, some years ago, we took the decision to hold open days, produce a News Review, and generally adopt a far more open approach with those with whom the estates as businesses interact. I have been impressed by the way in Photo, left to right: which land owners and estates in Peter Chapman - SNH Board Member, Gerald Banks - Buchan Agricultural Consultants, John Watson Scandinavia have, through concerted of New Pitsligo, Mike Stevens - Scottish Wildlife Trust, Andrew Norval - Seafield Estate, Grant Nicolson effort, investment, and commitment, - Glenernie Estate, Michael Skelly - Glenernie Estate significantly changed how they are perceived. In Sweden, it has taken around 15 years for land owners to have abused their position and neglected continually refined, we can assist in gain the recognition they deserve for their obligations. In attracting criticism, producing new laws which work - laws the contribution which they make to they have dragged every estate into which are practical and balanced, and the economy and indeed to everyday disrepute and certain ‘factions’ have been which do not penalise one sector unfairly life. They have moved perceptions all too eager to promote these individual to heap unwarranted opportunity on from what might have been described transgressions as the norm. another. After all, we should all be as ‘open hostility’ to genuine and working towards a vibrant Scottish rural widespread appreciation of what they What we have to show, and I believe that economy. stand for and what they deliver. in general land owners have accepted this, is that we will work within the I strongly believe, as has now been In we are involved in a similar boundaries set by new legislation such accepted in Sweden, that the private land exercise, and I make no secret of that. as the Land Reform (Scotland) Act and owner has a vital role to play in achieving Land owners here so often have been Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Act. this. It is a major challenge for all of us portrayed as difficult, obstructive and who own and manage private land - but behaving above the law. True, there In addition however, by contributing to we are committed to the process and to have been maverick individuals who each consultation, and as legislation is seeing it through. New Unimog fire fighting vehicle Ancient Monuments

Over the years staff at Seafield and Recent years have seen an Strathspey Estates have had to deal with increased number of historical sites many moorland and forest fires, gaining listed or scheduled status. For particularly over the summer months. those unaware of the difference Most of these fires are started accidentally between the two categories, listed and require prompt and skilled attention buildings generally still have a use by the fire services, the estate staff and today while Scheduled Ancient members of the public. All of the estate Monuments (SAMs), on the other hand, staff are able and experienced at dealing no longer have a ‘useful’ purpose but with moorland and forest fires and have are of historical interest. The Cullen three Argocats equipped with fire fighting Estate has both listed buildings (from appliances to deal with the majority of houses to bridges) and SAMs (from fires. ruined castles to cairns). During the very dry and hot spring, This year additional structures have summer and autumn of 2003 the estate gained scheduled status, including the had to deal with many such incidents, remains of prehistoric forts on the mostly accidental fires that started in the coast and inland, a Bronze Age burial low ground for various reasons. Shortage mound and a medieval motte (castle of water was one of the main problems hill). More recent structures have not during that long hot summer along with been ignored and the former radar certain restrictions put on the fire services station at Crannoch Hill above Cullen about how long they could spend fire has now been scheduled. Recently fighting during the hours of darkness. At listed buildings include the control times the dedicated estate staff were so tower and operations block at the far stretched that they were unable to former Boyndie Aerodrome. The radar cope as water had to be fetched from so station, control tower and operations far away and fighting and damping down block were all used during the Second continued all night. It was consequently World War. decided that a specialist fire fighting vehicle should be stationed and ready on Boyndie Castle (SAM) the estate at all times. A Mercedes Unimog 4x4 was purchased and fitted with double wheels, a purpose built platform carrying a large water tank was fixed to the vehicle as well as pressure pumps to fill the tank and deliver a high powered water jet. This vehicle will be able to react to fires at very short notice and give around two and half hours of constant fire fighting without having to refill. The 4x4 is doubly useful as it can also be used as a water bowser for refilling the Argocat appliances. Estate staff were given training on use of the vehicle and also participated The Control Tower at the Boyndie Aerodrome in training sessions reminding them of how to deal with any incidents involving fire. Grouse numbers many estates throughout Scotland were forced to cancel or seriously curtail The new Unimog scheduled shooting. This situation was Research conducted by the Game compounded by the terrible weather Conservancy Trust suggests that the conditions of the summer months that number of young red grouse on moorland saw many grouse chicks perish. estates has dropped by 33% in the last Frank Law, Sporting Manager, comments: year. The number of grouse estimated on the ground is calculated by counting the “The usual number of grouse were counted number of pairs on previously marked in the spring and we should have been out plots in spring and then carrying out set for a good season, but poor weather many transect counts of the grouse in in the early summer caused high mortality summer; this gives an estimation of among chicks.” breeding success and an idea of what can be harvested sustainably. Such research Grouse shooting in Scotland produces a revealed that each breeding pair had revenue of £17 million a year and produced an average of one chick this supports around 1000 jobs so the decision year, compared to 1.6 last year. to reduce shooting days last year was not taken lightly. However, it was felt that Decline in breeding figures had obvious this was the best option in order to ensure implications for the shooting season and stocks for future years.

P age 2 Farm talks Boyndie Wind Farm Approved Whitehills flood prevention Estate farm tenants have continued After a long and thorough to participate in a series of informative Heavy rain in the village of consultation process, Seafield Estates are talks over the past year. In the spring at Whitehills has meant that villagers leasing the Boyndie Aerodrome to Boyndie Cullen, Peter Cook, formerly of the SAC, have been plagued by flash floods in Wind Energy Limited. RDC Scotland Ltd, provided an illuminating assessment on recent years. To combat the in partnership with Falck Renewables, ongoing CAP reform and its implications devastating effects of flooding a new hope to begin construction of seven 113 for a typical farm in the north east. Peter scheme has recently been completed metre high turbines with a view to has an engaging style which is always by Aberdeenshire Council on Estate commencing electricity generation in well received by his audience and this land. The new construction is designed June 2005. Construction costs are talk was no exception. to contain any sudden build up of expected to total between £10 and £15 million. Both companies are established Later in the spring in Grantown, David floodwater in an interceptor ditch and embankment; the water is then in the renewables industry; in 2002 RDC Leggat, who is Director of the UA Group Scotland Ltd received the British Wind and was previously President of the channeled into a holding lagoon allowing it to drain away slowly by Energy Association’s ‘Windfarm Developer Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers of the Year’ award. Falck Renewables is in Scotland, gave a comprehensive talk pipe into the sea at a manageable rate. an Italian company with projects in Spain, on a wide range of issues including the Italy and the UK. An exhibition of the future direction of the UA Group, CAP The design of the scheme has ensured plans was mounted in Whitehills by the reform, his visits to other stock rearing that loss of agricultural land and developers who have been instrumental countries and the future of the auction effect on the landscape has been in easing local fears about the forthcoming system. In December talks were given by minimal. The design seems to be project. No objections to the wind farm Graham Haughs and David Scrimgeour coping with the worst of the weather were lodged with the Council and an of the SAC offices at Turriff and so far and we hope that this is now opportunity to express concerns was respectively, who provided updates on an end to the problem. available in the form of a questionnaire the new Single Farm Payment (SFP) which resulted in members of the public arrangements voting 18-2 in favour of the scheme. The Estate is delighted to welcome such Caper Life Update prominent figures and all those who The project will be managed in such a attended past talks have appreciated the way that it will have minimal impact on opportunity to hear expert opinions on the surrounding area and it will also be such topical issues. of benefit to the local community. One of the main concerns expressed by local people was the possibility of damage to roads and infrastructure. However, Dava Way extended councillors have received a road bond from the developers guaranteeing that all damage will be reinstated. To ensure The Estate has recently concluded that the local community is continually an access agreement with the Dava Way consulted, the developers will hold Association to create, improve and meetings with residents, landowners and maintain a section of the route through tenants and Council officials every six estate land; this will extend the path by months. Furthermore, at the end of the around seven miles. The Dava Way is a wind farm’s 25-year productive life the waymarked trail between the towns of The third year of the Caper Life entire area will be completely restored. and Grantown on Spey. It is an Project has now come to an end for our Careful consultation and negotiation extremely pleasant walk with majestic two part-time gamekeepers. Although means that the local community will also views across the shire counties of Nairn, 2004 has been a slightly disappointing benefit from the wind farm development. Inverness, Moray and . On an year for Capercaillie and black grouse The primary bonus for local residents especially clear day there are views across breeding, there have still been some comes in the form of an annual payout the Moray Firth to Ross and Cromarty, noteworthy gains since the project began negotiated by the Whitehills District and Sutherland. As well as beautiful three years ago. Bird numbers are now Community Council and local councillor scenery there are also a great deal of around 2000; this is in marked contrast Jeanette McKee – this could be as much interesting sites along the route; shortly to reports in 1998/99 when the figure as £500,000. As well as financial rewards after leaving Forres there is the Dallas was approximately 1000 and the species the wind farm will generate enough clean Dhu Distellery which is now a museum was in decline. Kenny Kortland, RSPB and environmentally sound energy to owned by Historic Scotland, and further Capercaillie Project Officer, comments: supply around 8500 homes; this is along the path you will come across the equivalent to Banff, Whitehills, Portsoy Dive Viaduct, a listed monument. “The Capercaillie population has stabilised for the time being and may even have and all of the nearby rural areas. David Binney of the Dava Way increased to some extent”. Association said: Moreover, in a recent report Kenny noted “The agreement with Seafield Estates to that the majority of Capercaillie are now cross the Dava Moor and descend into to be found in Strathspey - something of Grantown-on-Spey not only re-opens the which the Estate is extremely proud. historic route between Grantown-on- Spey and Forres, but also creates the Unfortunately, the wet summer and the option of a circular route along the Dava particularly cold weather hampered the Way, and Moray Coastal project in 2004. Despite such setbacks all Path. We hope that this will become a involved hope that continued efforts will valued amenity for locals and visitors secure the future of one of Scotland’s alike.” most magnificent birds. Temporary trial masts at the new wind farm site

P age 3 Cullen Open Day a success Water supply upgraded

● Birds of prey found on the Estate An open day was held on 29 May include buzzards, kestrels and In partnership with Aberdeenshire in the grounds of the Seafield Estates sparrowhawks. Council, a new 900-metre water mains office, Cullen. The event was staged to ● extension costing £20,000 has been laid The Estate's in-hand farming operation at Brodiescord, Portsoy. This extension give both local residents and visitors an at Cullen produces 5,000 tonnes of insight into the workings of the Estate, will serve a number of Council and private malting barley, 1,800 tonnes of winter houses which presently use an Estate and this year was part of a broader wheat, and 200 tonnes of oil seed rape initiative by the Scottish Estates Business supply. This supply is typical of a number (producing 80,000 litres of cooking of supplies on the Estate, rising on hill Group with a number of Scotland’s large oil)! estates holding similar events across the ground and piped underground to farms, country. fields and houses over distances of up to The Cullen, Deskford and Portknockie seven miles. While the programme of A range of exhibits and displays covered Heritage Group display mains connections, where feasible, is just about every aspect in which the Estate ongoing, it will be a lengthy process is active including agriculture, forestry given the cost implications. and country sports. In addition a number of other organisations and businesses with whom the Estate is involved also staged displays to complete the picture. Contact us Other organisations present were The Portsoy Angling Association, the Royal If you have any comment on the content Northern Countryside Initiative with its of this news review, or wish to contact Countryside Classroom on Wheels, Seafield or Strathspey Estates on any relevant issue then you can write, or Grampian Country Pork, and the Cullen, Estate sporting staff organised Deskford and Portknockie Heritage Group. the air rifle range telephone our offices: The Estate's sporting department offered Sandy Lewis, Chief Executive rides on Argocats, ran an air rifle range, Andrew Norval, Property Director and also constructed an impressive Bob Furniss, Forestry Director taxidermy display showing many of the animals and birds which can be found Seafield Estate Office on the Estate. Cullen Buckie More than 300 people attended the event Banffshire AB56 4UW - all of whom were able to sample from the barbecue the Estate's own venison Tel: 01542 840777 burgers, and pork steaks supplied by Fax: 01542 841413 Grampian Country Pork. E Mail: [email protected] Here are some facts about the Estate Web: www.seafield-estate.co.uk which visitors could discover: Frank Law, Sporting Manager ● The main species of tree grown Strathspey Estate Office commercially on the Estate is the Sitka Old Spey Bridge Road spruce. Grantown-on-Spey PH26 3NQ ● 10,000 alevins (baby sea trout) were Tel: 01479 872529 put into the Boyne Burn in 2004 by Fax: 01479 873452 the Portsoy Angling Association. E Mail: [email protected] ● Estate farms supply 20,000 pigs each Above: Lord Seafield (right) with the winners of the Web: www.strathspey-estate.co.uk year to Grampian Country Pork. 'factfinder challenge' - David Sellar with son Scott ● A new Argocat costs £15,000. and daughter Fiona Brian Findlay retirement Spring Fling Photo Competition

In conjunction with the Banffshire Advertiser a photographic competition was run by the Estate with the theme ‘Spring Fling’. Aspiring photographers were invited to submit photographs which captured the nature of springtime with £200 worth of photographic equipment as first prize and £25 each for the two runners up. Winner, with a photograph of Findlater Brian Findlay, an estate joiner, Castle was Kevin Macintosh of Huntly one of the longest serving members of [pictured left with Sandy Lewis]. The staff, has retired after 39 years of service. runners up were Matthew Henderson of Everyone who has worked with him Deskford and Cameron Cunningham of wishes him well. Braes of Enzie.

P age 4