Business Details
Trusted Solicitors & Estate Agents in the North of Scotland Since 1829
Established in 1829, we are an independent firm of solicitors and estate agents operating across Forres, Nairn, and Inverness. Our practice spans traditional legal services such as property conveyancing, will preparation, and court representation, alongside complex areas including commercial law, employment law, and renewable energy. We combine deep-rooted local knowledge with contemporary legal expertise to deliver tailored, accessible, and cost-effective solutions.Our team advises on capital tax planning, trusts, rural land issues, and dispute resolution through mediation. With a commitment to professional excellence, we serve clients throughout the North of Scotland and beyond, maintaining a tradition of service excellence spanning nearly two centuries.
Services
Property Law
Estate Agency
Renewable Energy
Capital Tax Planning
Dispute Resolution
Employment Law
Agricultural Law
Family Law
Land Development
Trust Administration
Highlights and features
- Established in 1829 with a tradition of service excellence
- Offering integrated legal and estate agency services
- Specialists in complex rural and commercial law matters
- Local knowledge with national and international capabilities
- Personalised service combining tradition with modern expertise
Services
Property Law
We handle residential and commercial property transactions, including farm sales, crofting rights, and development land. Our solicitors manage title investigations, title registration, and property disputes. Clients benefit from our deep local knowledge and experience in Scottish property law spanning nearly two centuries.
Estate Agency
Our dedicated property shops in Forres and Nairn market rural and urban properties across northern Scotland. We provide valuation services, marketing strategies, and transaction management. Our integrated legal and estate agency service offers clients a single point of contact for property purchases and sales.
Renewable Energy
We advise on wind and hydro energy projects, including land agreements, planning permissions, and regulatory compliance. Our team has represented clients in renewable energy matters since the late 1990s. We combine technical legal expertise with practical understanding of Scotland's energy landscape.
Capital Tax Planning
Our specialists assist with inheritance tax mitigation, trust creation, and estate preservation. We serve clients with rural estates, commercial interests, and international assets. Services include will drafting, power of attorney arrangements, and executry administration.
Dispute Resolution
We resolve legal conflicts through negotiation, mediation, and litigation. Our solicitors handle commercial disputes, family law matters, and agricultural conflicts. Alternative dispute resolution services help clients avoid court proceedings where appropriate, reducing time and costs.
People
Will Cowie
Partner
Specialising in property and commercial law, Will Cowie has served clients in the Moray Firth region since 1994. He advises corporate clients and charitable foundations, combining legal expertise with community engagement.
Jane Ferguson
Partner
Jane Ferguson leads our litigation department with expertise in court representation and employment law. A qualified mediator, she handles cases in Scottish courts and tribunals, bringing international legal experience from Australia and Edinburgh.
James Hotchkis
Partner
James Hotchkis manages the Nairn office, specialising in property law, family law, and business transactions. With experience since 2002, he provides comprehensive legal solutions for individuals and businesses in the Highlands.
Jamie Whittle
Partner
Jamie Whittle focuses on environmental law, renewable energy, and agricultural matters. He lectures at the University of Edinburgh and represents clients on planning issues, land use, and sustainable development projects.
Questions
What legal services do you offer?
We provide property law, commercial law, family law, renewable energy advice, and estate planning services. Our expertise includes rural land matters, tax planning, and dispute resolution.
Do you operate outside the Highlands?
While based in the North of Scotland, we serve clients throughout Scotland and beyond. Our experience handling national and international legal matters dates back to 1829.
How do you combine legal and property services?
Our integrated approach allows seamless coordination between legal and estate agency teams. This ensures efficient property transactions with expert legal oversight from a single provider.
What experience do you have in renewable energy?
We have advised on wind and hydro energy projects since the late 1990s. Our solicitors handle land agreements, planning permissions, and regulatory compliance for renewable energy developments.
