United Kingdom - Scotland • Private client
Harper Macleod LLP
Forestry, community land and crofting law are key areas of expertise for Harper Macleod LLP‘s rural team, which counts private and public sector bodies among its clients. Graeme Nisbet heads the team from Glasgow and advises on high-profile and sensitive transactions alongside land management matters in the rural sector. In Inverness. Calum MacLeod, an accredited crofting law expert, takes point on rural property work with an emphasis on crofting. Tom Gray made partner in April 2022 and regularly handles transactions in the forestry sector.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Tom Gray has acted for us in buying additional land and an loch area from adjoining owners with great skill and attention. He is always first to offer advice and to take us to task if ambitions are not reasonably achievable. We delighted in his appointment as partner, which was richly deserved. His attention to detail and a relentless terrier attitude to our instructions mark him apart in our very high-value transactions.’
‘We have an excellent relationship with Tom Gray. He seems to be ahead of the curve with the latest on land and forestry policy as well as the legal side. We have been particularly impressed with their grasp of the renewable energy sector. HM is a one-stop shop for everything that our farming business needs.’
‘Tom Gray has been excellent to deal with over the past few years. He has always made himself available - even after normal working hours, and I feel that he is also invested in the success of our business. There is also a good element of trust to the extent that I have made Tom one of the five trustees of my will alongside family members and close friends.’
‘Responsive on a wide range of rural issues. Advice from across the team according to individual specialisms.’
‘Tom Gray and Graeme Nisbet have provided excellent support. Responses are timely, and they provide the reassurance necessary to proceed with rural public sector casework.’
‘This practice is reliable and consistent, staff is readily available to offer advice and support to my business, no matter how large or small the issue.’
‘Individuals are quick to return advice, offering candid views, simply explaining their interpretation of situations.’
‘Calum MacLeod has a good understanding of the sector.’
Key clients
- Forestry and Land Scotland
- Spey Properties Limited
- Craignathro Farms Limited
- The Langholm Initiative
- Scottish Forestry
- NatureScot
- The Firm of Firthhead Partners
- The Glenmorangie Company (Macdonald & Muir Limited)
- King’s and Lord Treasurer’s Remembrancer
- EnergieKontor UK Limited
- Clydesdale Bank UK PLC
- Xafinity Pension Trustees Limited
- City of Edinburgh Council
Work highlights
- Acted for the Langholm Initiative on the successful buyout of over 5,300 acres of moorland for nature restoration and preservation from Buccleuch Estate.
- Acted on behalf of Forestry and Land Scotland on the £17.6m acquisition of Glenprosen Estate extending to 16,500 acres.
- Acted on behalf of NatureScot on the sale of the 800 acre Glencripesdale nature reserve to RSPB Scotland. The wildlife conservation charity hopes to restore the oak woodland as part of wider plans to preserve rainforest for the benefit of rare species and the climate.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Graeme Nisbet