Succession of Agricultural Tenancies
The importance of succession planning should not be overlooked. Without a suitable strategy in place, the death of a farmer will not…
Land and Rural Business
Beauty and the heap: a rocky approach to Public Access Rights
A Welsh Sheep Farmer recently made the news when he filled a quarry with 60 tonnes of slate because he was frustrated with people spoiling…
Scottish Beavers Declared a Protected Species
On 1 May beavers received legal protection in Scotland as a European protected species, meaning lethal control can only be carried out…
What does the blocked Sainsbury’s-ASDA merger mean for businesses
The proposed merger between Asda and Sainsbury’s will not go ahead following a definitive final report from the Competition and Markets…
The cost of Fly-tipping to land owners
It has been estimated that it costs Local Authorities £8.9 million each year to clear up fly-tipping from Council owned land. Fly-tipping…
Livestock Worrying – Proposed Protection of Livestock (Scotland) Bill
In Scotland, the public benefits from the right to enjoy and access the countryside, but over recent years this has been partnered with an…
Increase in Agricultural Wages 2019
The minimum wage for agricultural workers in Scotland can be different to the minimum wage payable in other jobs as their wages are…
New Guidance on Community Right To Buy Abandoned, Neglected Or Detrimental Land
Guidance has recently been produced by the Scottish Government in relation to the community right to buy abandoned, neglected or…
Spotlight on insurable risks and tax management for the agricultural sector
Forfar rural businesses offered advice to prepare for developments in the industry
Leading law firm, Thorntons, and Scotland’s largest…
A Burning Issue – Changes to Agricultural Waste Disposal Regulations
Waste management – and in particular the reduction of waste and increase in recycling rates – is a key issue for the Scottish Government…
Bringing Farmhouses Up To Standard
The Scottish Government announced late last year that rented farmhouses and other tenanted agricultural housing will no longer be exempt…
Updated Guidance on Conducting Agricultural Rent Reviews
In 2015, the Scottish Government’s Independent Adviser on Tenant Farming, the National Farmers Union of Scotland, Scottish Land and Estates…
Agricultural insurable risks and legal expenses cover.
I recently concluded a court action relating to glyphosate contamination of potatoes where, amongst other things, the issue of insurance…
The Acceleration of Voluntary Registration of Title
Most rural landowners in Scotland will already be well aware of the Scottish Government’s target to complete the registration of title for…
New Pilot Scheme to Bring 2500 Seasonal Workers to UK Farms
On Thursday 6 September, the UK Government Home Secretary and Environment Secretary announced a nationwide pilot scheme to bring seasonal…
Compulsory Purchase: what happens when land is surplus to requirements?
Compulsory Purchase is the legal process which allows, in some circumstances, privately owned property to be purchased for public use from…
Rural Diversification into Food and Drink
The difficulties caused by the recent weather have highlighted the fact that farming businesses are often at the mercy of the elements.…
‘Transparent’ Land Ownership in Scotland Moves One Step Closer
The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016 made a number of changes to the way land ownership is, and will be, regulated. One of those changes was…
Rural Health and Safety: Reporting workers injuries.
I recently gave a presentation to a group of farmers in relation to the recording of accidents and incidents on farms and their obligations…
LBTT 3 Yearly Lease Returns
Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) was introduced in Scotland on 1 April 2015 for transactions involving residential and commercial…
New Code of Practice for Tenanted Agricultural Holdings
The Scottish Land Commission, through the Tenant Farming Commissioner (TFC), Bob McIntosh, has continued its programme of providing…