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Lawyers in Edinburgh
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Latest news and insights

Gillespie Macandrew appoints new partner and promotes 11 others

Gillespie Macandrew announces the promotion of Lorna Balfour to partner in its industry-leading Land & Rural Business team.

Strike Action, but not as we know it

In February, takeaway drivers at a variety of “gig economy” delivery platforms took part in “strike” action to demand better pay and working conditions.

Changes in law for Trusters to be aware of in 2024

Trusts & Succession Act: what are the changes for Trusters to be aware of before they become law in 2024.

Latest news and insights

Gillespie Macandrew appoints new partner and promotes 11 others

Gillespie Macandrew announces the promotion of Lorna Balfour to partner in its industry-leading Land & Rural Business team.

Strike Action, but not as we know it

In February, takeaway drivers at a variety of “gig economy” delivery platforms took part in “strike” action to demand better pay and working conditions.

Changes in law for Trusters to be aware of in 2024

Trusts & Succession Act: what are the changes for Trusters to be aware of before they become law in 2024.

Land and Rural

As a preeminent and long-standing advisor to the rural sector, we understand the pressures and opportunities present in the sector and can support you in managing their implications.  Our advice covers all aspects of purchase and sales, leases, estate management, crofting, sportings, renewable energy and environmental considerations.  In addition, we can assist with land registration matters and have developed particular expertise supporting rural businesses realise their ambitions.

Purchase and sales

We can assist you in the purchase, sale and leasing of all types of rural properties including sporting estates, farms, forestry and country houses.  We will work with you to ensure the transaction is structured to meet your business and/or personal needs to account for any tax mitigation and future succession planning.  We are able to draw on the considerable expertise across the firm including our corporate, employment, private client and tax teams to provide you with a comprehensive and consistently high quality service.

Agricultural leases and crofting

Legislation surrounding both agricultural holdings and crofting has become some of the most complex areas of rural law in recent years.  Whether you’re a landlord or a tenant, we can provide expert advice on your rights and obligations and well as offering support with future plans.

Our expertise includes:

  • Fixed duration tenancies
  • Right to Buy
  • Rent Review
  • Resolving Disputes
  • Secure tenancies
  • Succession
  • Transmission (lease assignation)

Diversification

We regularly advise landowners and tenants on a range of diversification projects and offer comprehensive advice on related planning, funding and tax matters.

We are at the forefront on the evolving carbon sequestration market and are already advising landowners and investors on the commercial opportunities in this area.

We can advise on:

  • Aquaculture
  • Biodiversity
  • Carbon capture
  • Farm contracts
  • Forestry
  • Leisure
  • Renewable energy
  • Retail
  • Telecoms

Related services

Our Land and Rural sector team brings together specialist expertise from the following teams:

Work highlights

News and insights

Carbon sequestration under the Woodland Carbon Code: Some important considerations

With the surge in interest and corresponding hike in the value of tree planting, we discuss some important considerations when looking at land opportunities.

OnFARM podcast: Supporting women in agriculture

The latest episode of OnFARM on supporting women in agriculture, with Anna Davies, Gillespie Macandrew’s Lois Newton, Amy Geddes, and Aylett Roan.

Gillespie Macandrew appoints new rural specialist to its partnership

Scottish law firm Gillespie Macandrew has appointed rural law specialist, Lizzie McFadzean to its partnership.

Wildlife Crime Law Update

With the Wildlife Management and Muirburn Bill currently at Stage 1 in the Scottish Parliament, we look at how trap offences will change if the bill is passed.

Agricultural Support Schemes Update

Legal Director Fiona Scott provides an update on support available to rural businesses.

Key contacts

Our Rural sector team is one of the most highly regarded in the country and includes a number of agricultural law specialists.  Please get in touch with one of our team to find out how we can help you.

All team

Contact the Rural team

Please provide a few details about your enquiry in this form and someone in our rural team will get back to you as soon as they can.

The firm is outstanding from senior partner level down.

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If you are looking for a specific member of our team, you can search for them by their name here. You can also search for your regular contact by their area of expertise using the buttons below.

Visit the ‘Our People’ page for more ways to search if you can’t find who you’re looking for.