Land and property disputes

For the rural sector, land and property disputes are not uncommon and can be complex. We’re here to help you navigate them

Landowners, farmers, estates, community bodies, and rural businesses across Scotland trust us to resolve their land and property disputes. They know we’ll use our knowledge and experience of land and agricultural tenancy law, estates, crofting law, and dispute resolution to protect their interests.

Tailored solutions and practical advice

Every land and property dispute is different but they often involve common themes including:

• Boundaries and title disputes, especially relating to the Land Register and voluntary registration
• Title conditions and the variation and discharge of the same
• Rights of access, who has them, and what they involve – including the “right to roam”
• Issues with farming partnerships and the wish to vary or amend these agreements
• Tenancy disputes in crofting and agricultural holdings, for example disputes over the existence, terms or continuation of a lease
• Succession disputes, including succession to agricultural leases and crofts.

In all these situations and many others too, we’ll look to resolve problems cost-effectively, and prevent them escalating, along with our colleagues in our dispute resolution and litigation department.

Will we go to court or use other routes?

We know from experience that, in land and property disputes, a negotiated resolution is often the best outcome for clients rather than litigation. Wherever possible, we aim to achieve pragmatic solutions out of court, using alternative dispute resolution approaches such as negotiation and mediation.

However, if litigation is unavoidable or likely to deliver a better result, our team are experienced at supporting clients in all Scottish courts, including the Scottish Land Court and Lands Tribunal.