Opportunities in the strong Scottish land and agricultural sector can range from agricultural land selling, buying or leasing to diversification projects such as forestry, sporting interests, rural businesses or mineral options. With specific issues relating to Scots property and agricultural law, environmental regulations and planning demands, getting the right practical, local advice and service for your clients to deal with potential complexities can ensure cross-border transactions run smoothly.
How can Thorntons help?
Thorntons is a recognised leader in the field of rural and agricultural law in Scotland. Our specialist team is one of the largest in Scotland devoted to the rural sector. We can handle all aspects of land and property transactions for you, such as purchase, sale and leasing work, as well as providing detailed knowledge and expertise on related Scottish land and estates issues such as renewable projects, diversification, and business matters.
Our services
Farms
We can advise on and handle all legal matters relating to agricultural land in Scotland, such as the search for farms for sale in Scotland, the purchase and sale of properties large and small, all types of agricultural tenancies (either for landlord or tenant), securities, crofting, environmental law, access and renewable projects.
Estates
Running a modern Scottish estate requires expertise across a range of areas and at Thorntons we have a wealth of experience in dealing with all relevant aspects of Scots law, such as the buying and selling of land and property, agricultural, residential and sporting leases, fishing and sporting rights and employment matters, as well as a range of diversification projects, including leisure and hospitality.
Forestry
Our team can advise on all aspects of forestry or woodland management, such as purchase and sale, timber leases and forestry diversification projects. We regularly advise on windfarms, hydro schemes and other projects involving forestry property across Scotland.
Minerals
Dealing with mineral extraction in Scotland requires specialist advice. Our experienced team are on hand to help throughout the process, from exploration and the sale or purchase of mineral interests, through the development of commercial mineral leasing and quarrying, to land restoration.
Rural businesses
We provide in-depth knowledge and expertise on all aspects of running a business in the Scottish rural economy, including business structures, diversification and brand management. Rural businesses are often family owned and operated, requiring additional advice on matters such as succession, wills and inheritance tax planning.
Dispute resolution
The ownership or leasing of land can sometimes lead to disputes, such as between neighbouring owners or between landlord and tenant, or in relation to commercial contracts. Our team has considerable experience in handling such matters and are well placed to advise in relation to alternative dispute resolution, through arbitration or mediation, as well as representing clients in the Scottish Land Court, Sherriff Courts and Court of Session.
Why use Thorntons?
Our experienced and skilled Land and Rural Business team includes two members who are accredited as specialists in agricultural law by the Law Society of Scotland. Between them, the team have well over 200 years of experience in delivering bespoke, yet practical, advice covering all aspects of rural property and related business law and in relation to all land and rural business matters across the whole of Scotland.
For comprehensive commercial Scots law advice and services, call us on 03330 430350 or make an enquiry online and we will contact you.
Our Services
Our specialist lawyers are on hand to handle all Scottish aspects of any deal for you.
Meet the Experts
Land & Rural Business