Chalmers & Co Case Studies: East Lothian Property & Borders Property

Asset Review

The Chalmers Asset Review is our unique, strategic review of a farm or estate's property, land and uses. Our Asset Review combines our land use mapping service with professional property assessment, development appraisal and agricultural evaluation. Funding opportunities through the Rural Development Contracts (RDCs) which form part of the Scottish Rural Development Programme will also be taken into account.

As the countryside goes through a dramatic period of change, there are significant benefits in taking stock and assessing whether land uses are optimized. The Asset Review includes identifying features, mapping the property or estate and assessing current uses, and the assessment covers:

• Geography and geology
• Current uses (land/buildings)
• Condition
• Markets and alternative Uses

More information is also available in the Mapping section.
Thereafter, the process is akin to a shopping expedition at a supermarket, filling up from the following aisles:

• Plans: boundaries, uses and valuations.
• Land, Soils and Minerals: current state and appraisal of opportunities.
• Markets: availability and grants.
• Developments: new and existing buildings.
• Cropping: recording applications/proposals.
• Customer Services: any other issues and challenges.

Information covering these areas enable a working Asset Review to be carried out. This can be used for a RDC application where required. The aim is to analyse opportunities and plan for the future to optimize return on assets.