Tighmor sets out to develop farm steadings into country homes

Sunday Herald, The, Jan 26, 2003

I&H Brown, the Perth-based civil engineering company is investing (pounds) 5 million to set up a new division specialising in high quality rural property development, writes Mike Woodcock.

Tighmr will redevelop disused rural properties into bespoke country homes. Its developments include Auchnaguie, on the historic Atholl Estates near Dunkeld where prices will range from (pounds) 220,000 to (pounds) 450,000 for the farmhouse and grounds, and a former equestrian centre at Westbank Farm, Longforgan, near Dundee, where prices start at (pounds) 130,000 for conversions and (pounds) 240,000 for family housing.

I&H Brown, which employs 200 people in Scotland and England, is expanding the business from its core services in civil engineering, land reclamation, mineral extraction and farming.

Managing director Scott Brown said he expected Tighmr to boost the company's (pounds) 20m turnover by as much as 25% this year.

"We are hopeful that the housebuilding division will grow to become a third of the overall business," he said.

"The business is quite strong in terms of its balance sheet so this is not a gamble we are taking. We don't see ourselves becoming a volume housebuilder but it is a significant move for us."

Tighmr, Gaelic for "great house", is planning other developments including 19 new homes at a farm steading overlooking Loch Leven near Kinross.