Kenneth Mackay

Practice Areas

A Partner and Head of our Land and Rural Business team, Kenneth has been advising clients who own or manage Scottish land on all aspects of rural law for over 30 years.

His client base is very varied and reflects the wide range of issues that affect and impact rural property and encompasses the sale and purchase of the multifaceted rural estate at one end of the spectrum, to putting in place a servitude for a septic tank at the other, and everything in between.

He regularly advises on agricultural tenancies and contracting arrangements; crofting; residential tenancies; sporting and fishing leases; buying, selling, and leasing estates, farms, and forests; salmon fishing; as well as being able to advise on partnerships and tax and succession planning for such clients.

Kenneth has a particular interest in all aspect of rural diversification and development, having been brought up in small west coast highland community which he retains strong links to. He is therefore very well placed to advise and support his clients in all types of renewable developments, in particular wind turbines, solar panels, hydro, and biomas schemes, as well as battery storage facilities; telecoms leasing and other infrastructure projects; disposal of land for development purposes.

Kenneth’s clients therefore come from a very diverse group including private individuals and families, trusts, partnerships, and companies, who all have one thing in common, ownership or management of rural Scotland.

He has worked with many of his clients for decades, and often spanning generations. Developing an intricate understanding of his clients, as well as his extensive experience of the law, means that Kenneth is able to provide long term and strategic advice which is tailored to the individual client, as well as the circumstances.

Away from the office, Kenneth is an active sailor and member of the Royal Forth Yacht Club. He is also a Writer to His Majesty’s Signet and represents the WS Society on the John Watson’s Trust.