Richard specialises in the law relating to land and businesses outside of the 30mph zone, most notably in the rural and renewables sectors. He is an advisor to landowners across Scotland, from large highland estates to owner-occupied and tenanted farms, most often on the purchase and sale of rural property – including estates, farms, crofts and country houses, agricultural leases, wind farms, hydro-electric facilities, and telecommunication mast leases.
Richard offers a bespoke service, often dealing with novel situations and providing practical legal solutions. When this requires expertise in other legal areas – such as wills, trusts, executries, employment, disputes or taxation – he works closely with colleagues in other parts of the firm.
With a special interest in environmental matters, Richard has over 25 years of experience in dealing with renewable energy projects from large onshore wind farms to small run-of-river hydro schemes, and increasingly battery storage and solar farms. He also advises national charities on both the natural and built environment.
- Advising on significant rural property transaction, including The Woodland Trust’s purchase of Ben Shieldaig and the surrounding land by; the sale of Kinrara Estate, Aviemore; and the purchase of a castle in northern Scotland with historical connections.
- Acting on over 35 onshore wind farm transactions in many parts of Scotland.
- Completing a Voluntary Registration exercise for a 90,000 acre estate in the north of Scotland.
- Acting for farmers in negotiating deals to promote and sell land to national housebuilders across the central belt and the Scottish borders.
- Acting in the £4 million sale of a commercial forest in Kinross-shire.
- Acting in the £4 million purchase of a Grade 1 arable farm in East Lothian.
- Acting in the purchase of a commercial forest in Scottish Borders for £8 million, with a clawback agreement for future renewables opportunities.
- Advising on agricultural leasing, and the purchase of farms by tenants from landlords.
- Assisting rural businesses and families with partnership agreements, wills and powers of attorney.
