Managing Public Access Rights
The 'right to roam' has been in the news again recently, with the decision by the Inner House of the Court of Session in a case where an…
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With considerable experience in agricultural law and rural conveyancing generally, Lesley’s clients know they can rely on her for advice that delivers results.
Her wide skill set covers a broad range of areas, including: the purchase and sale of farms and rural properties including plot purchase and sales and creation of title conditions; guidance around agricultural tenancies, including rent reviews, Resumption Notices, Renunciation negotiations, preparation of 1991 Act Tenancies, Short Limited Duration Tenancies and Limited Duration Tenancies; Business Succession planning particularly of family farming businesses; Renewable Energy projects; Forestry purchase and sales; Exclusivity Agreements, Servitudes and Option and Lease Agreements.
Accreditations
Lesley Mearns's articles
Blog
The importance of agriculture to Perth and Kinross’s economy
Perthshire boasts an attractive and diverse rural landscape. The eastern region, particularly in the lower lands, contains some of…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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‘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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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 …