Highly experienced in the purchase and sale of agriculture and rural property, our award-winning team can advise on all aspects of your projects.
With over 70% of Scotland’s land mass being under agricultural production, it is not only one of the most important sectors of the Scottish economy but a vital lifeline for the livelihoods of a large part of the Scottish population.
Our lawyers act for landowners, tenants, farmers and agritech businesses on the full range of legal matters arising across the sector, from property, energy law and commercial contracts to intellectual property, dispute resolution, employment and corporate law. Our award-winning team is highly experienced in the purchase and sale of agricultural and rural property, forestry and estates.
Rural land is often both commercial and residential property, and our team can advise on the potential legal issues which may arise from this.
We advise on agricultural law issues, sporting and fishing rights, minerals and option agreements, and are experienced in working with landowners and developers in relation to renewable energy developments, including onshore wind farms, anaerobic digestion, hydro, solar power and biomass. We are experienced in the administration of and legal issues relating to large, and often complex, estates, and regularly advise on estates with multi-jurisdictional issues and those containing business and farming partnerships, raising agricultural and business property relief issues.
Our dedicated Rural team operates as Murray Snell, which is part of the MacRoberts Group and listed on The Agricultural Mortgage Corporation’s List of Approved Solicitors.
Murray Snell has recognised expertise in dealing with rural properties having represented clients in the purchase and sale of estates, farms and woodlands, and in relation to agricultural leases and sporting, fishing and crofting interests for many years.
Agritech is one of the world’s fastest growing markets driven by global changes, including growing populations, declining resources and the rapid development of emerging economies. Scotland is at the forefront of this revolution and MacRoberts is experienced in advising on varied technological developments in the agriculture sector.
Our dedicated Property Litigation team regularly deals with disputes between landlord and tenants, including eviction and dilapidation claims, crofting and agricultural law, boundary and title issues and debt recovery. We regularly represent clients in the Scottish Land Court and Lands Tribunal for Scotland, as well as the Sheriff Court and Court of Session.
MacRoberts go that extra mile in terms of attitude, support, willingness and helpfulness.
CHAMBERS UK GUIDE TO THE LEGAL PROFESSION
Each January, hundreds of thousands of people across the UK, and the rest of the world, take part in Veganuary. It is not just consumers making changes, however – the agricultural industry is also beginning to become increasingly involved in the discussion around plant-based living and sustainability.
A new public register in Scotland – the Register of Persons Holding a Controlled interest in Land (RCI) went live on 1 April 2022 and is potentially relevant for any property (land or buildings) in Scotland. Failure to register the required information could lead to criminal penalties, with potential fines of up to £5,000.
The Scottish Government has confirmed that the Scottish Land Court and the Lands Tribunal for Scotland are to be unified to form an expanded Scottish Land Court.
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In 2016, we were one of the first law firms in Scotland to become accredited Living Wage employers.
Shortlisted for Firm of the Year at the Scottish Legal Awards 2022.
Winners of Corporate & Commercial Team of the Year and Family Law Team of the Year at the Scottish Legal Awards 2020.
Our Real Estate team won the Property Team of the Year Award at the British Legal Awards in 2018.
Winner of SME of the Year at the Scottish SME Awards 2017, hosted by Scottish Business Insider.
Highly Commended for Commercial Team of the Year at the British Legal Awards 2016.
In 2019, MacRoberts achieved Cyber Essentials Plus certification, a UK Government entry-level information security standard.
MacRoberts holds the ISO 9001:2015 certification for Quality Management, the most widely recognised quality management system standard in the world.
MacRoberts holds the ISO14001:2015 certification for Environmental Management, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to environmental awareness.
MacRoberts holds the ISO27001:2013 certification for Information Security, an internationally recognised security gold standard.
Business continuity is a critical element of the Business Management System at MacRoberts and we hold full accreditation with the ISO 22301:2019.
MacRoberts is a member of IP Inclusive, a network of intellectual property professionals working to make our community more equal, diverse and inclusive.
We are active members of the PRIME Programme – an organisation that focuses on ensuring a career in law is open to talent from all economic and social backgrounds.
MacRoberts supports the Scottish Business Pledge, a values-led partnership between Government and business that is based on boosting productivity and competitiveness through fairness, equality and sustainable employment.
We are supporters of the Partnership for Change, a network of organisations and individuals who share a common ambition to improve diversity on boards and in senior leadership.
We are a member of the Employers Network for Equality & Inclusion (ENEI), a UK-based not-for-profit organisation which helps employers build and maintain diverse teams and inclusive cultures through our membership, training, and consultancy services.
MacRoberts was awarded enei's Silver TIDEMark for 2023. TIDE is enei's self-assessment evaluation and benchmarking tool which measures an organisation's overall approach and progress on diversity and inclusion.
MacRoberts is a Disability Confident employer, and are committed to disability equality across our firm.
MacRoberts fully supports flexible working practices and supports family-friendly working practices.
In 2022, MacRoberts received a Bronze Award in Stonewall's Workplace Equality Index for our commitment to LGBTQI+ inclusivity in the workplace.
MacRoberts is a longstanding member of Scotland Food & Drink, the leading trade association for Scotland's food and drink industry.
MacRoberts is an Associate Member of SELECT, Scotland's largest construction trade association.
