Department profile
Harper Macleod LLP

Agriculture & Rural Affairs

UK Guide 2026 : Scotland

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Harper Macleod LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Harper Macleod LLP

The firm has a dedicated Rural team which also accesses a range of skills and expertise from across Harper Macleod’s full range of services, allowing us to advise far beyond the scope of the ‘traditional’ rural solicitor. Our team advises rural businesses of all types and size throughout Scotland, including some of the country's leading rural sector bodies. With offices in Inverness, Elgin, Lerwick, Thurso, Glasgow and Edinburgh, our team has a unique Scottish footprint.

Our team focuses on the key areas of Scotland's rural economy: agriculture, fishing and forestry; natural capital projects; rural business; marine economy; and individuals and family.

Our team has extensive knowledge of the law related to crofting, with lead partner Calum MacLeod, a fluent Gaelic speaker and crofter, advising both crofters and landowners on all crofting law matters.

Our rural property experience also sees us regularly work with the leading banks and financial institutions on funding and refinancing rural businesses. We are the sole supplier of property legal services to Scotland’s biggest landowner, Forestry and Land Scotland. We also act for a number of other leading rural sector bodies, including NatureScot and Cairngorms National Park Authority.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Agriculture & Rural Affairs - Scotland

Band 2

What the Team is Known For
Harper Macleod advises on the full range of agriculture and rural transactions, including forestry agreements, land registration, crofting matters, bank lending and private client advice. The firm regularly deals with high-value and complex forestry transactions. It continues to advise on renewable energy schemes as well as community ownership issues.
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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Harper Macleod acted for Coigach Community Development Company on a £2.75 million purchase of an estate subject to crofting tenure.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Harper Macleod are always very responsive and bring practical experience as well as legal expertise.

    Agriculture & Rural Affairs respondentUK

  • Harper Macleod have expert knowledge and experience.

    Agriculture & Rural Affairs respondentUK

  • The Harper Macleod team are very prompt in any dealings and are very attentive to requests.

    Agriculture & Rural Affairs respondentUK

  • The Harper Macleod team have a depth of experience and understanding of the nuances attached to estate management, operations and challenges.

    Agriculture & Rural Affairs respondentUK

  • Harper Macleod are very knowledgeable in all aspects of land purchase. They provide excellent communication with clients throughout the process and they deliver results when they say they will.

    Agriculture & Rural Affairs respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Calum MacLeod
    Calum MacLeod

    Calum MacLeod

    Calum MacLeod is an accredited crofting law specialist who advises both crofters and landowners in this area.

    • Calum MacLeod is great and has excellent expertise in crofting matters.

      Agriculture & Rural Affairs respondentUK

    • We always work very well with Calum, and we are impressed with his ability to assess issues, understand the wider context and provide advice on options available.

      Agriculture & Rural Affairs respondentUK

    • Calum knows his stuff.

      Agriculture & Rural Affairs respondentUK
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  • Tom Gray
    Tom Gray

    Tom Gray

    Tom Gray is a partner who advises clients on rural property matters. He has significant experience acting on estate and property acquisitions.

    • Tom has excellent communication skills, knowledge and advice.

      Agriculture & Rural Affairs respondentUK

    • Tom Gray is great to work with. He works on a timely and efficient basis while giving clear and concise advice.

      Agriculture & Rural Affairs respondentUK

    • Tom's attention to detail is first-class, and his knowledge of the forestry market is one of the best in the business.

      Agriculture & Rural Affairs respondentUK
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  • Graeme Nisbet
    Graeme Nisbet

    Graeme Nisbet

    Graeme Nisbet is a rural property specialist who holds particular expertise in forestry matters.

    • Graeme Nisbet is very approachable and knowledgeable.

      Agriculture & Rural Affairs respondentUK

    • For Graeme, nothing ever appears too difficult or trying. He has deep awareness of the subject.

      Agriculture & Rural Affairs respondentUK
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Ranked Individuals at Harper Macleod LLP (3)

Scotland

Members

Provided by Harper Macleod LLP

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