Landed Estates

Our rural services team is noted for its work with some of the largest landed estates in Scotland, some of whom have been clients of the firm for over 200 years

The evolving legal issues for landowners

The management of estates has changed greatly in recent years: where agriculture or sportings were once their main income streams, now it is as likely to be renewables or holiday lets.

Our specialist knowledge in this sector means we are equally at home dealing with some esoteric point of law as advising you on the challenges of running a twenty-first-century business.

As a result, we advise clients on a wide range of issues, including:

• the complete range of landlord and tenant issues
• renewable energy, whether wind farms, hydro schemes, solar or biomass
• mineral rights
• buying, selling and leasing all types of rural property
• sportings and fishing rights
• commercial and residential developments, including greenfield developments
• community buy-outs.

We can also draw on the expertise of colleagues in other departments who specialise in other areas of law from employment and dispute resolution to wills and family law.

Land reform in Scotland

Two of the major issues facing landowners in Scotland – whether you have owned an estate for generations or for a few years – are the complex changes to the system of land registration and the Scottish Government’s land reform proposals. 

We can advise you on whether you would benefit from voluntary registration of your title in the new Land Register.  We can also explain how other aspects of the recent legislation could affect your ownership and stewardship of your land, and the best solutions for your own estate.