Rural Development and Diversification Solicitors

Land Management and Diversification
Landowners are increasingly moving away from traditional farming practices, and looking at alternative uses for agricultural land that can be commercially beneficial. We advise on a wide range of such projects.

We have extensive experience of advising clients on a broad range of rural diversification projects across Scotland. These might be farm shops and restaurants, camping and holiday let accommodation, education and training facilities, event and conference venues, renewable energy projects, telecoms infrastructure or forestry, to name just a few.

Whatever the form of your diversification project, to maximise your chances of success it’s essential to start with a full understanding of the legal and commercial picture: agricultural holdings legislation, planning matters, tax implications, and securing finance. We can provide all the advice and guidance you need. When required, we work seamlessly with your other professional advisers, and can bring in our firm’s experts in other areas – such as tax, renewables, and regulation.

Meet our key contacts

Richard Leslie

Partner

Emma Robertson

Partner

Meet our full team

Vicky Christie

Senior Associate

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Emma De Sailly

Senior Associate

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Gillian Gibbons

Director

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Hamish Lean

Partner

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Related articles and insights: Land Management and Diversification

8 September 2025

Right to roam v right to resort: Scottish Borders Council approves draft byelaw for Center Parcs development

Contributor: Stephanie Hepburn

Scottish Borders Council backs a draft byelaw to restrict public access at the proposed Center Parcs site near Hawick, sparking debate over Scotland’s right to roam and the future of open countryside.

Decarbonisation – one step forward, two steps back. How do we accelerate change?

25 June 2025

Rural sector urged to embrace opportunities to lead on sustainable land management

Contributor: Stuart Greenwood

A packed audience gathered in the Lowland Hall at the Royal Highland Showground on Friday 20th June for the annual rural business breakfast briefing hosted by Shepherd and Wedderburn and Bidwells.

25 March 2025

Scottish Government introduces the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill

Contributor: Ross Simpson

This article provides a summary of the main provisions of the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill, with particular focus on the deer management provisions.

24 March 2025

On the verge – the extent of servitudes in Scotland

Contributors:
Emma De Sailly, Stephanie Hepburn

In this article, Stephanie Hepburn and Emma De Sailly consider two recent cases concerning servitude rights of access.

18 April 2024

A guide to utilising schemes for developments for renewable energy projects

Contributor: Stephanie Hepburn

Since 2007, schemes for development have been available for renewable development projects on crofts or common grazings. This guide outlines the details of these schemes and highlights the necessary legal requirements when seeking approval from the Scottish Land Court.

28 March 2024

Land Reform (Scotland) Bill 2024 – a quick guide

Contributor: Stuart Greenwood

Reforms proposed by the Bill will be relevant to multiple aspects of the use and management of Land in Scotland. Stuart Greenwood breaks down the key areas affected and how the regulations will change.

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