Kevin Bell

The contract, which will encompass a broad range of public bodies, is for an initial two-year period with an option to extend.

The intention is to operate four auctions on behalf of the Scottish Government each year.

The appointment comes in the wake of Shepherd Commercial Auctions’ announcement that it has secured £6m of property sales from start-up within its first year of operation following its biggest auction to date in October featuring 30 lots selling some £3.55m of property under the hammer on the day.

Commenting on the appointment, Shepherd partner Kevin Bell, said: “We’re delighted to secure this prestigious appointment from the Scottish Government, which acknowledges the benefits to be had from selling a range of properties at an auction managed by a professional chartered surveying practice with a range of specialist surveyors based across the length and breadth of the country offering extensive expertise coupled with in-depth local market knowledge.”

A Scottish Government spokesman added: “Shepherd Commercial Auctions were chosen through the results of a robust tendering process and their experience as an established player in the Scottish commercial property marketplace ensures they will be able to provide strategic advice on the optimal disposal of a range of public sector land and buildings at auction.

“Among the benefits of the online auction process it offers are the speed of transaction together with the ability to achieve best value from a transparent livestream competitive auction process open to all.”

Shepherd Commercial Auctions’ first auction on behalf of the Scottish Government is scheduled to take place in the first quarter of this year.