News and Insights

Learn more about the importance of responsible access in Scotland's countryside, particularly focusing on the impact of dog owners on farmers.

Find out more about changes to Inheritance Tax (IHT) Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR).

In March this year, the Scottish Parliament voted in favour of the general principles of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill and the Bill has now moved to Stage 2. Following...

Fiona Scott, Legal Director outlines the various rights available to communities to purchase land in Scotland.  

Ruth Thomson, Senior Solicitor, details the current system for Compulsory Purchase Orders and considers the changes that may be put in place with this reform.  

Former churches can be seen as attractive redevelopment opportunities, Stephen Gamba, discusses what to bear in mind when thinking about purchasing a church.

An overview of the Natural Environment Bill introduced to Parliament on 19 February 2025 to reduce carbon emissions and protect biodiversity in Scotland.

Fraser Vandal discusses changes to the UK's work visa rules and how these changes will impact rural businesses.

The long- awaited Housing (Scotland) Bill was introduced to the Scottish Parliament on 26 March 2024.

An overview of the content in Part 1 & 2 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill introduced to Parliament on 13 March 2024.

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.

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

We were delighted to sponsor and have 2 teams take part in this year's RSABI Great Glen Challenge.

With fly tipping becoming an increased concern for landowners, we highlight some key points to consider should you find vehicles abandoned on your private land.

With changes to the law affecting the way in which farm tenants and small businesses borrow money, we set out details of the 'Statutory Pledge'.

Jenna Wayth has prepared a brief overview of natural heritage destinations in Scotland.

It is crucial to reduce the risk of incidents occurring on farms - what steps can be taken?

Agricultural working can present many risks and dangers. Here we highlight the duties and liabilities of landowners who are employers.

The Scottish Government recently introduced the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill, Ashley McCann highlights the headline provisions of the Bill.

Overview of the recent Repairing Standard guidance published by the Scottish Government.

With the Government's commitment to Net Zero by 2050, we discuss the business property relief for the Woodland Carbon Code and the Peatland code.

With the agricultural sector experiencing challenges due to the current global economy pressures we discuss the help available to Scottish Agricultural industry

The Wildlife Management in Scotland consultation is seeking feedback on the key provisions that are set to be contained within the Bill.

We analyse these global effects on the grain harvest amongst other challenges, creating a complex climate for rural businesses. 

Agricultural tenancy reform is once again on the Scottish Government’s agenda with their proposals for change contained in two separate consultations.

Have you sometimes wondered how to tell whether a deal you wish to document, or a document which you are examining, amounts to a ‘Lease’ or not?

Latest Consultation on Land Reform - Is there a proper evidence base, and does it focus accurately on the issues?

Many Scottish landowners have sought to add value to unproductive land through afforestation, although what planning is required?

Perhaps most feel they are familiar with the principle, but some aspects are less well known, and some have been the subject of litigation over the past decade.

The current Energy Performance Certificate (“EPC”) requirements are set out in regulations from 2008, and provide information on how energy efficient a building

What is “matrimonial property”?

The Government’s overarching aim is to pass a new Agricultural Bill and for replacement framework and legislation to be in place for implementation in 2026.

The report includes substance from various other sources and specifically ties into A Framework for Tax, published by the Scottish Government in December 2021.

Parliament has given Local Authorities until 1st October 2022 to establish a licencing scheme in their area.

Carbon capture and how landowners might be able to capitalise on it has been at the forefront of the rural business sector.

The aim of these regulations is to minimise leakage from stores and to reduce ammonia emissions caused by imprecise spreading methods, such as splash plates.

Scotland is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful countries in the world, the same however cannot be said for its weather.

Many Agri-Tourism businesses include interactive experiences involving livestock, which presents its own set of risks to manage.

The Register of Controlled Interests in Land (RCI), part of the Scottish Government’s land reform agenda, will go live on 1st April 2022.

In 2019 the Scottish Government made changes to the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 and one of these changes is that farmhouses must meet the ‘repairing standard'.

Over the last 18 months the Covid-19 pandemic dominated our lives, however as always, the climate crisis was lurking in the shadows.

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

With wet weather and the darker days leading to less visibility, farmers are reminded of their potential liability for leaving mud on public roads.

A spotlight on partnership property and Inheritance Tax.

Wild camping, motor-homing, caravanning and outdoor pursuits such as paddle boarding are all seeing massive surge in popularity.

With current trends towards caravanning and motor-homing there has also been demand in Scotland for more Aires which are common across European destinations.

Farm Safety Week across the United Kingdom is important in highlighting most common categories of workplace dangers and hazards in the agricultural sector.

The scheme as proposed would see farmers receive a one-off payment of up to £100k for surrendering their land or tenancy.

The Scottish Government implemented a key part of its Land Reform vision when new regulations came into force on 1st April 2021.

The question of refunds can become a grey area.

For land managers: a calm head, regular checking of land, dialogue and education will all be key in navigating through uncharted territory.

The viability of any businesses, especially those of farming and rural business, is dependent on cashflow and lending to further generate a future.

Mediation, once a little known or understood concept, now becoming recognised as an effective tool for businesses and landowners alike.

The relinquishment rules introduced by the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016 are being brought into force on 28 February this year.

A year of change…..and there’s more on the way With the Tenant’s Amnesty, Brexit and of course Covid-19, 2020 was not quiet for those in agriculture.

Land and Rural Business Partner, Mike Blair discusses a 25 year perspective of Land Reform.

With people urged to stay at home, the right to privacy saw a revived importance in our new way of life.

Over a number of years there have been various pieces of land reform legislation including the Community Right to Buy Schemes.

Self-building gives you the opportunity to design a one-off family home that ticks all the boxes: design, living requirements and, most importantly, location.

Many potential issues might be avoided if a Will is put in place.

Pause before undertaking an activity and consider the risks posed and how you can reduce them.