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…
Land and Rural Business
Potatoes in Peril - The Dangers of Crop Spray Drift
Glyphosate is the number one selling weed killer globally. Its use continues to be topical and indeed, controversial. In November 2017, the…
Changes to the Private Water Supply Regulations
Do you provide water to others from a private source?
The Water Intended for Human Consumption (Private Supplies) (Scotland) Regulations…
Ownerless property – When is your property not your property?
With the increase in numbers of Voluntary Registrations in the map-based Land Register, it has become apparent that some people, quite…
Salmon Fishings - Who owns the rights to fish?
Members of Thorntons Land & Rural Business team were delighted to attend the opening of River Tay 2018 salmon fishing season …
Agricultural issues addressed at Farming Scotland Conference
The challenges and concerns facing the agricultural industry were discussed last week at the annual Farming Scotland Conference.
More than…
Private Residential Tenancies: An Update for Landlords
As of 1 December 2017 a wholesale reform of the private letting market has taken effect by way of the Private Housing (Tenancies)(Scotland…
New Sporting Rights Code of Practice issued
In the agricultural world, it is not unusual for landowners to let their land whilst retaining the sporting rights.
The landowner may then…
The Modern Limited Duration Tenancy
With effect from 30 November 2017, a new type of tenancy for farms and agricultural lands has been introduced under the Land Reform (…
The Eviction of Short Assured Tenancies
Are you a Landlord of a private residential property in Scotland? If so – are you prepared for 1 December 2017?
On that date, the Private…
Queensferry Crossing... but for a Queen's Ransom?
Could your land be subject to compulsory acquisition for an infrastructure project?
Following the much anticipated recent opening of the…
Changes to Crofting Law on the Horizon?
On 28 August 2017, the Scottish Government announced the start of The Crofting Consultation 2017. The Consultation is open until 20…
Marking Your Territory
The Importance of Knowing your Boundaries
Voluntary registration of title in the Land Register is currently a hot topic in Scottish land…
Search is on to Identify Scottish Sheep and Beef Farming Ambassadors
The organisers of two high profile awards for livestock farmers in Scotland, are urging farmers and others involved in the industry to…
Hope for Farming Subsidies yet?
Soon after the referendum vote in favour of Brexit, European politicians began to stress that British farmers would lose out on the…
Landmark Fox Hunting Conviction Under Scottish Wild Mammal Protection Laws
The first successful prosecution under the Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Act 2002 took place on 29 June 2017, almost 15 years after…
Royal Highland Show Completes Voluntary Registration
From 2024, all privately owned land in Scotland should be moved onto the Land Register. Solicitor Lesley Mearns explains the process.
The…
Finders Keepers? Treasure Finds in Scotland
News that metal detecting enthusiasts discovered a hoard of Viking treasure hit the headlines again recently, notably for the eyebrow-…
Landlords Look Out: Energy Performance and Repairing Standards in the Private Rented Sector
Despite recent steps taken towards the Brexit door by the UK government, for the moment European Union directives continue to impact upon…
Scottish Natural Heritage Operations Requiring Consent
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) is tasked with ensuring that the natural environment in Scotland is preserved and managed correctly.
Where…
Drones: Taking Farming to New Heights?
The recent explosion in the popularity of drones has not escaped the agricultural world, with many farmers recognising the benefits that…