Halleaths

Halleaths runs along the banks of the River Annan and is a manageable and varied agricultural and sporting estate. The combination of river bank, two lochs, woodland, arable ground and pasture offers excellent opportunities for sport, agriculture and leisure.

With the majority of the estate contained within a contiguous block, it extends to about 916.89 acres in total and is serviced by a traditional farmhouse and four estate cottages. Situated a short distance to the south west of the principal part of the estate is Castle Loch, a 177 acre loch which is a defining feature in the local landscape.

HISTORICAL NOTE
The name Lochmaben is derived from the Gaelic Loch Mhaol Bheinn or 'lake on the bare mountain' and the town's heritage can be traced back to Lochmaben Castle, the ruins of which lie on the southern shore of Castle Loch (Lot 4), to the south of Lochmaben. Thought to have been built by the English, its proximity to the border resulted in it being captured and recaptured on many occasions. A seat of the Bruce family, it is claimed that Robert the Bruce was born here.

Granted Royal Castle status in 1455, it was rebuilt significantly by James IV. Lochmaben Castle remained important due to its strategic military location and had a turbulent history until some time after the early 17th Century by which time it had seen its last siege and was gradually abandoned.

In its heyday the town prospered due to its central trade location for Scotland, England and Ireland. Lochmaben was granted Royal Burgh status in 1447 and gained its Royal Charter in 1579. It is reputed to be the smallest Royal Burgh in Scotland. Over the years it has played host to a variety of royal guests including Mary Queen of Scots. The estate of Halleaths was owned by the Johnson family for many generations before being bought by Major Stringer in 1952, who subsequently sold it to Lady Lauderdale in about 1962. The estate has remained within the Maitland-Carew family ever since.

WOODLANDS AND SPORTINGS
Halleaths offers excellent fishing on the River Annan, which is one of the best known rivers in south west Scotland. The beat extends to 2.9 miles of single bank fishing and includes 11 named pools, and is reputed to be one of the best beats on the river. Although fish are taken throughout the season, the main salmon run is from September through to November, and sea trout appear from mid May until the end of July. Castle Loch, to the south of Lochmaben, is a haven for coarse fishing enthusiasts.

As well as being a peaceful nature reserve with a variety of birds and wildlife to enjoy, it is reputed to offer some of the UK's best wild natural bream, tench and carp, with record fish often being caught, as well as roach and perch. There are in total about 198.05 acres of mixed woodland across the estate which provide shelter for stock as well as enhancing the overall amenity of the estate and providing the foundation of a small driven shoot. There is potential to develop the shoot further through the strategic planting of cover crops and the creation of ponds.

The River Annan and the oxbow wetlands it has created over the centuries enhance the amenity and are reputed to offer some of the most exciting duck shooting in the area. The shooting rights were formerly let on an informal basis to a syndicate, which enjoyed several small driven days throughout the season.