Business Details
42 Years
experience
Your Trusted Legal Partner for Rural and Agricultural Law
Dales Solicitors have been providing niche legal services to rural clients across Scotland since 1984. Our family-run business combines deep agricultural expertise with comprehensive legal knowledge, offering tailored advice on agricultural tenancies, farm transactions, succession planning, and renewable energy projects. With offices in Galston and Stirling, we prioritise accessibility through home visits and flexible communication.Our team of four family members and dedicated professionals delivers trusted legal solutions, maintaining a client-centric approach that values personal relationships over corporate formalities. The firm's evolution from John Dale's solo practice to a respected LLP reflects our commitment to adapting while preserving core values of integrity and practicality.
Services
Agricultural Tenancies
Executries
Farms & Land
Farm Finder Service
Renewables
Residential Property
Succession & Life Planning
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We offer 40 years of specialist agricultural law experience
- Our family-run structure ensures personal, accountable service
- We provide nationwide coverage with local market knowledge
- Our team includes Scotland's leading rural property experts
- We combine legal expertise with practical farming understanding
Services
Agricultural Tenancies
Our agricultural tenancy specialists navigate complex legal frameworks to protect farming interests. We advise on lease agreements, dispute resolution, and regulatory compliance, combining legal expertise with practical agricultural knowledge. Clients benefit from tailored solutions that safeguard their land management and business operations.
Farm Finder Service
This unique service connects clients with suitable rural properties across Scotland. Our team conducts targeted searches, evaluates land parcels, and facilitates transactions. The service addresses specific agricultural needs while ensuring legal compliance, making property acquisition more efficient for farming enterprises.
Renewables
We provide legal guidance for renewable energy projects on rural land. Our expertise covers contract negotiations, planning permissions, and grid connection agreements. Clients receive strategic advice that balances environmental goals with commercial viability, ensuring compliance with evolving energy regulations.
Succession & Life Planning
Our succession planning addresses intergenerational farm transfers and business continuity. We create wills, trust arrangements, and tax-efficient structures tailored to rural enterprises. The service ensures smooth transitions while protecting family assets and maintaining operational stability.
Farms & Land Transactions
We handle complex farm purchases and sales nationwide, including title investigations and financing arrangements. Our team manages transactions from valuation to completion, addressing agricultural-specific challenges like crofting law and environmental restrictions.
People
Alastair Dale
Managing Partner
Alastair leads Dales Solicitors' agricultural law practice, specialising in tenancy agreements and renewable energy projects. With 20 years' experience, he combines legal expertise with practical farming knowledge to deliver client-focused solutions across Scotland.
John Dale
Partner
Founding partner John Dale established the firm in 1984, leveraging his dual expertise in law and agriculture. He continues advising rural clients on succession planning and property matters, maintaining strong relationships with farming communities across Scotland.
Jennifer McFadzean
Partner
Jennifer manages Dales' administrative operations while providing specialist executry services. Her expertise in private client matters ensures seamless support for clients navigating complex rural estate transitions and inheritance issues.
Jean Forrest
Partner
Jean specialises in agricultural property transactions, handling complex land deals nationwide. With 15 years' experience, she advises on title disputes and succession planning, combining legal precision with practical understanding of rural business needs.
Jackie Campbell
Partner
Jackie leads the renewables team, negotiating commercial agreements for green energy projects. Her property law expertise ensures clients receive comprehensive advice on development opportunities while maintaining compliance with Scottish land regulations.
Questions
What areas of law do Dales Solicitors specialise in?
We specialise in agricultural law, rural property transactions, succession planning, and renewable energy projects across Scotland.
Do you work with clients outside Scotland?
While our focus is Scotland, we handle cases involving Scottish property or agricultural interests for clients worldwide.
Can you assist with farm succession planning?
Yes, we create tailored succession plans ensuring smooth intergenerational transfers while maintaining business continuity and tax efficiency.
Do you offer home visits for legal consultations?
Yes, we provide home visits across Scotland to accommodate clients' preferences and circumstances.
How does the Farm Finder Service work?
Our service identifies suitable rural properties, conducts due diligence, and facilitates negotiations to meet specific agricultural requirements.
Are you qualified to handle renewable energy projects?
Our team includes specialists in renewable energy law, advising on contracts, planning permissions, and regulatory compliance for green developments.
