Business Details
Trusted Legal & Property Services in Northern Scotland
Established in 1829, we are a respected independent law firm and estate agency with offices in Forres, Nairn and Inverness. Our long-standing tradition of service across the North of Scotland encompasses both conventional and complex legal matters typically handled by larger city firms. We provide comprehensive legal expertise in property law, conveyancing, wills, court representation, company and commercial law, employment law, capital tax planning, trusts and executries. Our specialist teams address rural issues including agriculture, crofting, environmental law, land development and renewable energy projects. We combine deep local knowledge with contemporary legal practices to deliver tailored, accessible and cost-effective solutions.Our dispute resolution specialists offer mediation services as alternatives to court proceedings, while our estate agency teams provide integrated property services with direct legal support. With generations of combined experience, we maintain professional excellence through continuous adaptation to legal changes and technological advancements. Our commitment to personal service remains central to our practice, ensuring clients receive expert guidance in a friendly and approachable manner. We serve diverse clients ranging from individuals to corporate entities and charitable foundations across Scotland and beyond. This heritage of trust and expertise continues to guide our contemporary approach to legal and property services.
Services
Property Law
Estate Agency
Commercial Law
Rural Legal Matters
Tax Planning
Dispute Resolution
Family Law
Land Development
Renewable Energy
Trust Administration
Highlights and features
- We have over 190 years of continuous legal practice in Scotland
- Our specialists handle complex rural and commercial law matters
- Integrated legal and property services with single-point contact
- Experienced team qualified in Scottish Land Court procedures
- Proven expertise in renewable energy and environmental law
Services
Property Law
Our property law specialists handle residential and commercial transactions across Scotland. We manage complex property matters including farm sales, crofting issues and development land. Clients benefit from our local knowledge and integrated legal-estate agency approach, ensuring smooth property transfers while addressing all legal requirements.
Rural Legal Matters
We provide comprehensive legal support for rural communities including crofting disputes, agricultural tenancies and estate management. Our team advises on modern farming practices, land reform legislation and diversification opportunities. We represent clients before the Scottish Land Court and agricultural tribunals.
Renewable Energy
Specialist legal guidance for renewable energy projects since the 1990s. We handle wind and hydro energy developments, grid connection agreements and planning permissions. Our services include contract negotiations, land acquisition and compliance with environmental regulations for sustainable energy initiatives.
Estate Agency
Local property experts in Forres and Nairn offering face-to-face service. We market residential and commercial properties across northern Scotland with integrated legal support. Our agents provide accurate valuations, professional marketing and transaction management from instruction to completion.
Commercial Law
Comprehensive legal support for businesses from sole traders to limited companies. We handle corporate transactions, employment law matters and commercial contracts. Our services include business structure advice, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic tax planning for commercial clients.
People
Will Cowie
Partner
Specialising in property and commercial law with extensive Moray Firth region experience. Graduate of University of Aberdeen, representing corporate clients and charitable foundations since joining in 1994.
Jane Ferguson
Partner
Qualified mediator and employment law specialist. Former Edinburgh solicitor with expertise in litigation before Scottish courts and tribunals. Leads mediation services and employment law practice since returning to Moray.
James Hotchkis
Partner
Nairn office head with expertise in property conveyancing, family law and accident claims. Former partner at MacGregor & Co, bringing 20+ years' local legal experience following 2002 merger.
Jamie Whittle
Partner
Environmental law specialist with academic background in human ecology. Advises on planning law, renewable energy projects and agricultural matters. Part-time lecturer at University of Edinburgh School of Law.
Questions
What areas do you cover?
We operate from offices in Forres, Nairn and Inverness, serving clients throughout the North of Scotland including the Moray Firth region and crofting communities.
What legal services do you offer?
We provide property law, commercial law, rural legal matters, renewable energy law, family law, employment law and trust administration services to individual and corporate clients.
Do you offer estate agency services?
Yes, we have dedicated property teams in Forres and Nairn offering integrated legal and estate agency services with single-point contact for property transactions.
How experienced is your team?
Our partners have decades of combined experience, with individual specialisms dating back to the 1980s and 1990s. The firm itself has provided legal services since 1829.
Can you handle complex legal matters?
Yes, we regularly handle complex cases including Scottish Land Court proceedings, renewable energy projects and commercial disputes that other firms refer to us.
