Meet the team
Michael Yellowlees
Partner, Head of Rural Services
Rural Services
Phone
0131 656 5669
Address
Caledonian Exchange 19A Canning Street Edinburgh EH3 8HE
Law Society of Scotland accredited specialist in Agricultural Law
About Michael
Michael is a Partner and head of our Rural Services team. He specialises in rural property law, including buying, selling and leasing all types of rural property, with particular expertise in the acquisition and disposal of high value farms and estates. In addition, he provides clients with specialised advice in relation to agricultural law, crofting law, feudal dignities, heraldry, mineral rights, renewable energy projects, servitudes and sporting rights.
Michael’s clients include a significant number of large landed estates, such as the Argyll, Lochiel, Strathconon, and Murthly Estates, as well as numerous private individuals and corporate bodies with rural interests throughout Scotland. He also heavily involved in renewable energy acting for developers and landowners in relation to various wind farm, hydro and biomass projects across Scotland.
Michael has a doctorate in Scottish History, which complements his professional interest in Scots property law. Michael is a member of the Crofting Law Group, the Scottish Renewables Forum and is a Director of the Scottish Barony Register.
Expertise
Highlights
- Advising on all types of renewable energy projects including wind, hydro, solar and biomass.
- Advising a wide range of not-for-profit clients on all aspects of their rural property interests, such as the University of Edinburgh, Rosslyn Chapel Trust, Its Good to Give and The Heather Trust.
- He also acts for ‘island clients’ on Colonsay, Islay, Lismore, Mull Tiree, Berneray, South Uist, Harris, Lewis, Orkney and Shetland.
- The leading practitioner in the sale and purchase of Feudal Dignities, including Baronies, Lordships and Earldoms and heavily involved in matters relating to heraldry and clan law.
"The head of the firm's rural services team Michael Yellowlees has a significant practice in rural property transactions. Yellowlees is described as "steady, responsive and proactive, with an excellent command of the legal landscape.""
Chambers UK: A Client's guide to the UK legal profession
News & Insights
From the team
news 3 December 2019
Scottish agriculture not only faces the uncertainty of Brexit but also legislative changes as a target industry for expansion by the Scottish Government
insights 15 November 2019
Tenants should be careful about withholding rent for a landlord’s failures as they could fall foul of the court if they don’t follow correct procedures
news 4 November 2019
We are delighted to announce the promotion of three lawyers in our Commercial Property, Personal Injury and Rural teams
news 11 October 2019
Susan Law, Partner in our Rural Services team, featured in The Scottish Farmer talking about the ongoing legislative changes affecting the sector
news 2 October 2019
The timescale for completing voluntary land registration may no longer be imminent but it is still worthwhile for landowners to consider taking action
news 12 September 2019
Succession planning for farmers can be complex, it’s about more than just retirement and needs thorough consideration
More of the team
