Agriculture & Rural Affairs
UK Guide 2025 : Scotland
Band 1
Contact number
0131 228 3777About
Provided by Brodies LLP
Our team of dedicated experts work with landed estates, farm and rural businesses of all types and sizes in relation to all aspects of their business.
With more accredited agricultural specialists than any other Scottish firm, our expertise extends from agricultural holdings to compulsory purchase, from wind farms to fish farms, in addition to transacting farms, forests, moors, estates and crofts.
Recognising the wide range of challenges and opportunities that the agricultural sector faces, we provide support in relation to matters such as the resolution of disputes, farming partnerships, contract farming and innovative business structures.
Drawing on expertise from across our firm, we provide advice across the full spectrum of land business matters, including tax, succession planning, employment and litigation - a unique capability in Scotland.
We are also the only Scottish headquartered law firm with a Brussels office, enabling us to keep close to European regulations and emerging trade rules and provide insightful thought on their impact in relation to domestic markets.
Chambers Review
Brodies is a recognised market leader in Scotland that advises on all legal aspects of agriculture and rural business. It advises some of Scotland's major estates and continues to represent Scottish Land & Estates. Its expertise includes compulsory purchases, agricultural tenancies and farm partnerships, succession planning, hydro and wind schemes, fish farms, forestry and crofting matters.
Work Highlights
- Brodies advised natural capital project developer Hunting Stalcair on the purchase of the Dalnacardoch estate.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Brodies are very competent and very experienced."
"Brodies are excellently resourced and have a proactive approach to often complex problems. Outstanding partners and associates, with deep knowledge in specialist subjects."
"Brodies are very knowledgeable, have great contacts and are extremely responsive."
"Brodies are very competent and very experienced."
"Brodies are excellently resourced and have a proactive approach to often complex problems. Outstanding partners and associates, with deep knowledge in specialist subjects."
"Brodies are very knowledgeable, have great contacts and are extremely responsive."
Notable Practitioners
Clive Phillips is an agricultural specialist who covers a diverse range of property, business and succession issues for his landed estates and farming clients.
"Clive is well recognised and respected."
Alex Buchan handles agricultural tenancies, sporting rights and development agreements for rural estates, businesses and institutional lenders.
Graeme Leith is highly experienced in forestry transactions and renewable energy development matters.
"Graeme is very active in the forestry sector."
Karren Smith specialises in land and rural business matters. She is also noted for acting for farmers and landowners in relation to renewables projects.
Kate McLeish advises agricultural clients, including landed estates and farmers, on a range of matters such as sales and acquisitions and voluntary registration matters.
"Kate is very good, very technical."
"Kate is excellent on all counts. Very professional."
"Kate is excellent."
Ryan Bowie is a well-regarded junior partner who has expertise in crofting matters and rural land purchases.
"Ryan is client-focused, responsive and has a deep understanding of his field."
Andrew Askew Blain is an associate acting for landowners and tenants on a range of rural property matters.
"Andrew is a good person to deal with."
Ranked Lawyers at
Brodies LLP
Scotland
Members
Provided by Brodies LLP