Emma’s speciality is complex rural property and agricultural matters, on which she acts for private individuals, limited companies, partnerships and trusts.
She advises on agricultural tenancies; the purchase and sale of estates, farms, forestry and other rural properties; sporting leases; and residential property. She is also experienced in renewable energy, frequently advising landowners and developers on a variety of projects including wind turbines, solar, hydro-electricity schemes, battery storage and biomass. In addition, Emma deals with security work for rural properties.
She is an accredited specialist in Agricultural Law, and a member of the Society of Advocates in Aberdeen.
- Advising a private individual on the acquisition of a 32,000-acre Highland Estate from a Trust, including the first registration of title in the Land Register of Scotland, the large-scale windfarm and two hydro schemes operating on the estate, the three agricultural tenancies on the estate, and the tied accommodation and residential tenancy.
- Advising a well-known conservation charity on the acquisition of a west coast estate the majority of which is categorised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, Special Conservation Areas and as a Ramsar Site.
- Acting for a private individual on the purchase of a Highland Estate which included in-hand farmland; a number of residential properties used for service accommodation, residential tenancies, and a holiday letting business; and a hydro scheme operated in conjunction with a neighbouring estate. The purchase also involved the purchaser acquiring the sellers’ interest in a general Partnership (governed by the Partnership Act 1890).
- Acting on behalf of family members, who were involved in a larger family farming partnership, in respect of the dissolution of the partnership and the division of the assets. Working closely with the tax advisor to minimise tax liabilities for all involved; the division and conveyance of fourteen separate farms; the preparation of a Minute of Agreement dealing with the dissolution of the existing Partnership; and the preparation of a new Partnership Agreement for the new family entity.
- Advising a family business, comprising a partnership and two limited companies, in respect of the refinancing of three farms. This involved the constitution of new title conditions to take account of land used for the operation of one limited company’s business and land used for a wind turbine, and the preparation of suitable plans for land registration.
Landlord and Tenant
- Advising an agricultural consultancy business on the preparation of style Contracting Farming Agreements, Short Limited Duration Tenancies for seasonal lets and Grazing Lets; presenting to the business on the style documents and how agents ought to use them; and undertaking a recent review of the styles prepared.
- Advising a private individual on the termination of his existing agricultural tenancies (comprising secure and fixed duration tenancies) on a large estate, in exchange for the transfer of title to one of the tenanted farms and the grant of a new fixed duration tenancy for the remaining farmland.
- Providing ongoing advice and guidance to the Scottish Tenant Farmers Association (STFA) on the changes in law relating to agricultural tenancies, including assisting in the operation of a legal helpline for members and presenting to STFA members on a regular basis.
- Acting for a private developer in respect of the erection and funding of a single wind turbine on their farm, including working with corporate colleagues for the incorporation of a SPV for the development and dealing with the conveyance of the site to the SPV; negotiating with the neighbouring estate for servitude rights for access and cabling and the preparation of the necessary documentation; and dealing with the security work for the project funding.
- Acting for an agricultural tenant in respect of the termination of a Limited Partnership Tenancy, including advising in respect of their waygoing claims, which included an application to the Scottish Land Court for the preservation of their claims.
- Preparing and delivering (alongside fellow tutors) the Agricultural Law Association’s Starter for Ten course (in 2019, 2023 and 2025), which provides an introduction to agricultural law for solicitors and land agents.
