Agriculture and estates in Scotland

Anderson Strathern

Praised for its ‘excellent knowledge and experience’, the agriculture and estates team at Anderson Strathern regularly works with notable Scottish estate clients, handling major sales and administration matters. John Mitchell leads the team in advising on agricultural tenancy negotiations and is commended for his ‘exceptional experience’, while Adele Nicol assists on the full range of related contentious matters. Other key names in the team include Tim Macdonald, who is reputed for his advice on natural capital and renewable projects, and ‘outstanding’ Sheonagh Richards, who is noted for her experience in employment arrangement restructurings. Linsey Barclay-Smith and Anne Chapman are also recommended.

Practice head(s):

John Mitchell


Other key lawyers:

Adele Nicol; Tim Macdonald; Sheonagh Richards; Linsey Barclay-Smith; Anne Chapman


Testimonials

‘John Mitchell provides measured and thorough legal advice in a manner which is reassuring to clients and respected when working with other solicitors. His exceptional experience of dealing with agricultural tenancy and rural property matters allows him to help clients navigate complicated arrangements more easily.’

‘The team at Anderson Strathern benefits from depth of experience in working with rural estate clients that allows them to seamlessly handle large, complex and high-value transactions, as well as supporting day to day operational matters and queries. The advice provided by the team benefits from experience in the forestry, energy and commercial sectors as well as in the agricultural sphere.’

‘Sheonagh Richards is an outstanding solicitor and the best I have dealt. She is ably assisted by Nick Dobbs.’

Key clients

The Buccleuch Estates Limited


Crown Estate Scotland


The National Trust for Scotland


Dumfries Estate


Littlewood Estate


Castle Milk and Corrie Estates


Errol Estate


Aberchalder and Glengarry Estates Limited


Carnbroe Estate


Elgin Energy Es Co Limited


Work highlights


  • Acted in the sale of Tayvallich Estate, Argyll.
  • Advised on Scottish property and grid aspects relative to the sale of a multi-jurisdictional portfolio of solar projects. The portfolio sold had a combined capacity of 100MW.
  • Acted in the sale of Baillieknowe Farm, comprising a significant arable farm with a large portfolio of let cottages and development potential.

Brodies LLP

The ‘knowledgeable and experienced’ team at Brodies LLP acts for a wide and impressive roster of clients, including estate owners, local councils, natural capital project developers, and rural businesses, which regularly instruct the firm in major sales, acquisitions, and agreement negotiations. The team boasts particular experience in renewable energy projects and rewilding projects. Clive Phillips leads the team, and broadens the practice’s offering with considerable experience in rural commercial matters. With a focus on residential developments, Alex Buchan is another key contact, alongside Kate McLeish, who handles intra-family transfers and lease negotiations. Graeme Leith and Andrew Askew Blain are also recommended. Partner Gary Webster joined in October 2023 from Ledingham Chalmers LLP.

Practice head(s):

Clive Phillips


Other key lawyers:

Alex Buchan; Kate McLeish; Graeme Leith; Andrew Askew Blain; Gary Webster


Testimonials

‘Kate McLeish’s communication skills and quick understanding of a fairly complex agricultural tenancy issue were exemplary.’

‘Gary Webster provides an excellent service by taking the time to understand our objectives then reflecting on all the options and setting them out clearly for us to take effective decisions. He is very much part of our team as our go-to trusted adviser on all legal aspects of managing our lands and estates.’

‘A very knowledgeable and experienced team.’

‘Gary Webster has in-depth knowledge of the sector and gives practical advice along with the legal advice.’

‘Extremely approachable and consistently good at responding, and working to deadlines.’

‘Excellent depth of experience and knowledge. Very reactive and focused on problem solving.’

‘Lead partners are available, responsive and knowledgeable.’

‘The team members are all willing to help and committed to detail. The personal touch and engagement of partners is excellent.’

Key clients

Gladstone Family


Innes Estates


Bagger-Sorensen Group


Glen Tanar Estate


Savock Farms


Cooke Aquaculture


Ben Alder Estate


Seafield & Reidhaven Estates


Dunecht Estates


2 Sisters Ltd


Co-op


Scottish Woodlands


Cooke Aquaculture


Scottish Land & Estates


Andrew Graham and Sons


Jacobs


West Lothian Council


Perth & Kinross Council


Work highlights


  • Advised an international conservation charity in a groundbreaking re-wilding project.
  • Advised a leading forestry investor in major electricity substation deal on forest land.
  • Advised major food producer on a suite of poultry leases across the industry.

Gillespie Macandrew LLP

Gillespie Macandrew LLP’s ‘experienced and well-rounded team’ is led by the ‘exemplary’ Robert Scott-Dempster, working heavily in mixed-estate sales and acquisitions. Noted for its wide roster of major Scottish estates, the team is frequently instructed to handle complex agricultural lettings, renewable energy development projects, and contentious lease-related matters. Fraser Leslie is a key contact in the team for onshore renewables, while Alan White focuses on farming-related matters. Lois Newton and Lorna Balfour are further names to note, handling matters concerning crofting law and related tax planning issues. Lizzie McFadzean joined from Anderson Beaton Lamond in January 2024.

Practice head(s):

Robert Scott-Dempster


Other key lawyers:

Fraser Leslie; Alan White; Lois Newton; Lorna Balfour; Lizzie McFadzean


Testimonials

‘Huge in-depth knowledge.’

‘A very experienced and well-rounded team, who can deal with all aspects of legal work associated with farms and estates.’

‘Lois Newton is a very organised operator, who is responsive and has a wide range of expertise.’

Shepherd and Wedderburn

Shepherd and Wedderburn’s deep bench of ‘ highly knowledgeable and respected leaders’ continues to be highly active in handling the full range of agricultural and rural matters. Hamish Lean leads the team, advising on contentious and joint ownership and farming partnership issues. The team’s offering is further bolstered by Richard Leslie, who is known for his expertise in forestry, contaminated land issues, and renewable energy projects. Petra Grunenberg handles sales and transactions, and Stuart Greenwood deals with carbon-related mandates. Emma Robertson was promoted to partner in May 2023, and other key contacts in the group include Hazel Anderson and Alexandra Lane.

Practice head(s):

Hamish Lean


Other key lawyers:

Richard Leslie; Petra Grunenberg; Stuart Greenwood; Emma Robertson; Hazel Anderson; Alexandra Lane


Testimonials

‘The Shepherd and Wedderburn team are not only highly knowledgeable and respected leaders in the field of agriculture and estates, they are also practical and approachable. Advice is easy to understand and they think beyond the matter in hand to consider the impact on the client and property.’

‘Market knowledge in the forestry and renewables sector is second to none, with exceptional customer service in relation to speed and accuracy of service provision and their ability to foresee and manage potential issues, while keeping transactions and projects moving.’

‘Hamish Lean is extremely knowledgeable and has a very good understanding of the legal workings and intricacies of all Scottish agricultural leases and other farm legislation.’

Turcan Connell

The ‘hugely capable agriculture and estates team’ at Turcan Connell acts for a wide roster of private clients, landed estates and public sector entities on the full range of agriculture and real estate-related issues. Practice head Don Macleod is the key contact for natural capital matters and Fraser McDonald assists on commercial transactions and renewable energy project-related purchases. Former head of Gillespie Macandrew LLP’s Perth office, Murray Soutar joined the team in February 2023, leading on agricultural tenancy matters, while Grierson Robert Dunlop is recommended for his experience in handling forestry-related mandates for agricultural clients and investors.

Practice head(s):

Don Macleod


Other key lawyers:

Murray Soutar; Fraser McDonald; Grierson Dunlop


Testimonials

‘Louise Johnston is extremely knowledgeable, commercial and efficient.’ 

‘A hugely capable agriculture and estates team, who are always up to date with their knowledge, and always hit deadlines. They are very approachable, and go above and beyond to get work done.’ 

‘Louise Johnstone provides excellent advice, and can translate difficult concepts and legislation into understandable, manageable issues.’ 

Harper Macleod LLP

The ‘tenacious, accurate, and experienced’ team at Harper Macleod LLP acts for a wide roster of clients, including rural property owners and private sector bodies, handling the full range of agricultural and estate mandates. The practice showcases a ‘vast wealth of knowledge’ in forestry, natural heritage, and crofting work. Graeme Nisbet leads the team, broadening the practice’s offering to include natural heritage and national park authority cases, while Calum MacLeod specialises in crofting, agricultural tenancies, and general rural property matters. Focusing on farm acquisition and expansion mandates, Tom Gray also leads on commercial forest sales, and tenancy implementation issues. Hannah McIntosh is another key contact in the team.

Practice head(s):

Graeme Nisbet


Other key lawyers:

Calum MacLeod; Tom Gray; Hannah McIntosh


Testimonials

‘Tom Gray handled the sale of our land and further servitude rights with knowledge and efficiency. He was approachable and responsive.’

‘Individuals provide a sense of security, along with a personal touch and do provide a honest assessment with integrity and transparency. Tom Gray has provided an excellent service and has gained the trust and respect of myself and concluded the transaction with true professionalism.’

‘Strong team, enough resource to get the job done, tenacious, accurate and experienced.’

‘The team have a vast wealth of knowledge of a variety of rural matters, covering agricultural issues, disposal advice, disputes and boundary issues. They are flexible in their approach to dealing with new situations and always combine resources to give clear and concise advice that enable us to resolve most issues quickly.’

‘Tom Gray and Hannah McIntosh are both excellent and manage a large caseload efficiently and thoroughly, whilst keeping me informed of progress.’

‘Calum Macleod has a very good grasp of rural property law, including crofting, and how it applies to commercial deals in the countryside. He is not afraid of sticking to his guns where appropriate and necessary.’

‘Good local knowledge and relationships in the Inverness area. Experienced in country estate law.’

‘We dealt with Graeme Nisbet and he was extremely approachable and helpful. Nothing was ever too much bother. He was very patient in explaining legal jargon and what was possible in a particular situation.’

Key clients

Forestry and Land Scotland


Craignathro Farms Limited


The Langholm Initiative


The Firm of B&CC Taylor


Elderslie Golf Club


Scottish Forestry


Scaniport Estate


Keoldale Sheep Stock Club


NatureScot


King’s and Lord Treasurer’s Remembrancer


EnergieKontor UK Limited


Clydesdale Bank UK PLC


City of Edinburgh Council


HSBC Bank


Accountant in Bankruptcy


Ceannacroc Estate


Strathcluanie Limited


Tomchrasky Estate


Melness Crofters Estate


Garbh Allt Community Initiative


New Kelso Estate


Firm of B& J Mackay


Cunninghame Housing Association


Inchinnan Development Trust


Poultrade Limited


Lochwinnoch Community Development Trust


Work highlights


  • Advised Forestry and Land Scotland in the sale of a commercial forest extending to over 1,350 acres at Peel Wood, Newcastleton.
  • Advised Kilravock Christian Trust SCIO in the sale of portfolio of properties at Kilravock Castle and Estate, in the Highlands.

Lindsays

Praised as ‘extremely knowledgeable’, Lindsays focuses on forestry and woodland sales and agreements, in addition to renewable project development. Practice leader Michael Yellowlees is instructed on purchases by private individuals, while Susan Law advises a wide range of commercial clients on developmental matters, and negotiating complex lease structures. The team has experience in handling cross-border acquisitions of feudal dignities, tax-related issues and estate registrations. Alistair Duncan joined the team in May 2023, following the firm’s merger with Miller Hendry.


Practice head(s):

Michael Yellowlees


Other key lawyers:

Susan Law; Alistair Duncan; Lewis Crofts


Testimonials

‘Excellent engagement from a consistent team.’

‘Good client relationship management and attention to detail.’

‘Susan Law made the sales process run incredibly smoothly and ended with a great result for our clients.’

‘We have found Lindsays extremely knowledgeable and highly supportive.’

‘Lewis Crofts is very easy to work with. He listens to our concerns and gives timely, thoughtful responses.’

‘Susan Law’s main strengths are her knowledge, approachability and her tenacity to achieve the best outcomes for us.’

‘They are incredibly attentive when an issue needs to be resolved and nothing ever appears too much for them.’

‘The rural team has great knowledge, are very helpful, prompt in returning calls, discussing issues and giving advice.’

Key clients

One Iron Limited


British Wool Marketing Board


Community Windpower Ltd


Scottish Water  


Work highlights


  • Advised on the purchase of Grizzlefield Farm.
  • Acting for a wind farm developer in a 44-turbine wind farm near Sanquhar with a build cost of £500 million including exercising option agreements with various landowners, negotiations for oversail of forestry and micro-siting of turbines.
  • Appointed after a tender process to provide legal advice for an active working estate covering over 23,000 acres.

Murray Beith Murray LLP

The rural and agricultural team at Murray Beith Murray LLP handles a broad range of property sale and acquisition mandates, wealth management, and rights and leases matters. Team leader Andrew Linehan showcases ‘exceptional knowledge of agricultural law’ works closely with the private client team on tax and succession issues. Other key contacts in the group include Emma Walker, Anna MacLeod, and Nicola Roberts.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Linehan


Other key lawyers:

Emma Walker; Nicola Roberts: Anna MacLeod


Testimonials

‘Knowledge and understanding of farming practices and local knowledge.’

‘Well-balanced team who we have dealt with on a number of purchase and sale transactions, as well as day-to-day matters. Personable team, always on hand to give solid, reasoned advice.’

‘Andrew Linehan has exceptional knowledge of agricultural law. Personable, and unafraid to give solid, reasoned advice to clients. Always approachable, and keen to find solutions to issues.’

‘Nicola Roberts has an excellent eye for detail, always approachable and positive, excellent communication skills.’

‘Andrew Linehan is extremely personable, easy to talk to and very understanding of our business and needs.’

‘Nicola Roberts and Emma Walker are outstanding in their work and manner towards us, being extremely supportive, honest and efficient.’

Work highlights


  • Acted in the sale of an upland hill farm with forestry potential and which included renewables aspects, with a wind turbine and solar.
  • Acted in the private sale of an estate centred on a mansion house and with 500 acres of farming and forestry.
  • Acted for a farming client on the sale of a substantial area of hill ground and the concurrent purchase of second farm.

Thorntons Law LLP

With offices across Scotland, the rural and agricultural  practice at Thorntons Law LLP maintains a broad regional reach, regularly servicing private individual, estates and commercial clients. With extensive experience in crofting and renewable development mandates, Kenneth Mackay leads the team and Lesley Mearns handles forestry sales and purchases. Newly promoted partner Debbie Dewar handles leasing matters, while Rebecca Ellwood and Robin Dunlop continue to assist with cross-border transactional cases.

Practice head(s):

Kenneth Mackay


Other key lawyers:

Lesley Mearns; Debbie Dewar; Rebecca Ellwood; Robin Dunlop


Testimonials

‘Thornton’s have an excellent team who are extremely knowledgeable and diligent. They have proven to be very professional and capable in dealing with a variety of situations we have required their services for.’

‘Robin Dunlop is knowledgeable and amicable. What sets him apart is his commercial astuteness.’

‘Stand outs include Lesly Mearns and Rebecca Ellwood. They guided us through a stressful period and were always supportive of my needs.’

Work highlights


Burness Paull LLP

Led by Linda Tinson, the agriculture and estates team at Burness Paull LLP ‘has developed into a major presence in the market’, servicing a wide range of clients in transactional, estate, and business structuring matters. Situated within the firm’s wider public client practice, the team has extensive experience in handling succession, land reform, and regulatory changes. Lorna McKay leads on renewable energy and natural capital mandates and Alan Gibson is another key contact in the group.

Practice head(s):

Linda Tinson


Other key lawyers:

Lorna McKay; Alan Gibson


Testimonials

‘A strong, proactive team who go the extra mile.’

‘The team at Burness Paull are a cohesive unit and clearing enjoy working together as a team. There is a sense that they are all singing from the same hymn sheet, are well trained and informed.’

‘Highly responsive.’

‘The rural business team has developed into a major presence in the market. They have considerable experience of the agricultural and estates sector in Scotland, backed up by the wider resources and support that the firm has to offer. They have excellent knowledge of both the relevant law and the needs of their clients. They can be relied upon to exercise sound judgement and advice.’

‘The outstanding members of the team are Linda Tinson and Lorna Mackay. Both of them are well known agricultural law specialists, who have also have practical knowledge and experience of their clients businesses.’

‘The rural team are a well organised, close knit group who work well together and individually.’

‘Linda Tinson is commercially aware.’

‘The combination of practical farming experience allied with legal expertise in the agricultural sector is a great asset within the team.’

Key clients

University of St Andrews


EDP Renewables


Work highlights


  • Advising the University of St Andrews on their property portfolio, including agricultural and rural property issues.
  • Advising EDP Renewables in the acquisition of a 50MW battery storage development.

Davidson Chalmers Stewart

Davidson Chalmers Stewart’s agricultural and estates practice sits within the firm’s wider commercial law practice, handling a wide range of rural property transactions. Practice head Andy Drane leads on farming partnership, land use, and estate planning matters, while Henrietta Talbot assists on various secured lending issues, particularly regarding forestry. The team also handles sales of sporting estates and advise on related disputes. Louise Jones is another key member of the team.

Practice head(s):

Andy Drane


Other key lawyers:

Henrietta Talbot; Louise Jones


Testimonials

‘Andy Drane always helpful, diligent, knowledgeable and practical.’

‘The practice has a good understanding of renewable technologies, natural capital, and the issues that surround their deployment for entrepreneurs and landowners. Diversification and resilience planning are also a strong part of their capabilities.’

‘Excellent, speedy and efficient.’

Key clients

Afp Assets Limited


Aigas Forest Trust


Cambusmore Estates Limited


Gattonside Mains


Work highlights


  • Advised Kenneth Greenland in the sale of a 5,000 hectare mixed sporting and agricultural estate in the Scottish Highlands.
  • Advised a group of tenant farmers in suing the Scottish Government in respect of legislation introduced materially affecting the property rights of farmers arising out of partnerships.
  • Advised Liza Pern in the grant of option to lease rights to Community Windpower Limited in connection with the development of Scoop Hill Wind Farm.

Ledingham Chalmers LLP

Ledingham Chalmers LLP showcases ‘great knowledge of the agricultural sector’ and maintains a wide regional reach, servicing major agricultural and private clients. ‘Focused and dedicated’ Hazel Moir leads the team and advises on the full range of rural property related-transactional work, while Lois Craig focuses on agricultural tenancy mandates. Lynne McElroy further bolsters the team with experience in sales and acquisitions, while Ross McNaughton handles renewable energy matters. Gary Webster left in August 2023.

Practice head(s):

Hazel Moir


Other key lawyers:

Lois Craig; Lynne McElroy; Ross McNaughton


Testimonials

‘Hazel Moir and Lois Craig are approachable, capable and helpful.’

‘Knowledgeable and engaged.’

‘Hazel Moir and Lois Craig are focused, dedicated solicitors who are always available to insightful and constructive advice.’

Morton Fraser MacRoberts

Morton Fraser MacRoberts counts public and private sector organisations among its key roster of clients, handling a range of estate management and agricultural tenancy issues. Practice head Matthew Barclay handles land reform mandates, while Gail Watt has extensive experience advising on crofting issues. Rowena Claxton continues to advise on offshore wind project developments, and property portfolio restructurings, while Adrian Bell bolsters the team’s corporate capabilities. ‘Experienced commercial litigator’ Richard McMeeken is another key member of the team.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Barclay


Other key lawyers:

Gail Watt; Rowena Claxton; Adrian Bell; Richard McMeeken


Testimonials

‘Richard McMeeken is an experienced commercial litigator, who explains complex matters in an easy-to-understand way. He is approachable, highly knowledgeable and gets excellent results for his clients. Highly respected and recommended, no task is insurmountable.’

‘Gail Watt is incredibly efficient, responsive, and excellent in communication.’

‘The team is incredibly diverse and as such are able to call upon various specialist expertise, which when completing a complex transaction is very helpful.’

Key clients

Scottish Mines Restoration Trust Limited


The Scottish Ministers


Scottish Wildlife Trust


Orkney Islands Council


The Royal Bank of Scotland plc


Oxbury Bank