Blackwood & Smith

Business Details

Your Trusted Legal & Property Partners in Peebles

Established in 1843, we are an independent Scottish law firm and estate agency with deep roots in Peeblesshire and the Borders. Our team of 25 professionals, including five solicitors and three estate agents, delivers tailored legal and property services across residential and commercial sectors. With generations of local expertise, we prioritise client relationships over transactional interactions, offering specialist advice in conveyancing, wills, family law, executries, and property sales.

Our independence allows us to adapt swiftly to market changes while maintaining personal service. Recognised for our community commitment, we combine traditional values with modern practices, including digital marketing strategies for property transactions. The firm's leadership actively shapes Scottish property law through participation in industry committees and standard-setting working groups.

Services

Residential Property Commercial Property Wills & Executries Powers of Attorney Family Law Property Sales Trust Administration Estate Agency Conveyancing Private Client Services

Highlights and features

We offer 180 years of combined legal expertise across our partner team
Our solicitors shape Scottish property law through active industry committee participation
Chartered estate agency status ensures professional transparency and service excellence
We provide seamless legal and property services under one independent roof
Local market specialists with generational knowledge of Peeblesshire and Borders

Associations and certifications

ESPC Chartered Qualification

What people say

Professional and approachable team Seamless estate process Local market experts Timely communication Empathetic support during bereavement

Website

Update Listing

Services

Residential Conveyancing

We handle all aspects of residential property transactions across Scotland. Our specialist solicitors manage sales, purchases, and remortgages with particular expertise in rural property transactions. Clients benefit from our local knowledge and digital transaction platforms that streamline the process while maintaining personal oversight. Our team's involvement in drafting national property law standards ensures compliance with the latest regulations.

Wills & Executries

Our private client team provides comprehensive will drafting and estate administration services. We specialise in complex executries involving multiple beneficiaries and international assets. Our Scottish Law Accountants work alongside solicitors to ensure tax-efficient estate settlements. The firm's experience handling over 1,000 estates annually enables efficient resolution of even the most complicated cases, including those requiring interim payments to beneficiaries.

Family Law

We offer expert guidance through family law matters including divorce, child custody, and financial settlements. Our solicitors combine legal expertise with compassionate support, prioritising clients' emotional and practical needs. The team's membership in the Family Law Association ensures access to the latest precedents and best practices. We aim to resolve disputes amicably while protecting clients' interests in court when necessary.

Commercial Property

Our commercial property specialists handle transactions for businesses across Scotland. Services include lease negotiations, property development advice, and portfolio management. We understand the unique challenges of commercial clients, offering fixed-fee packages for regular property needs. The team's involvement in drafting Scottish Standard Clauses ensures our clients receive contracts aligned with current best practices and legal requirements.

Estate Agency

As independent estate agents in Peebles, we combine local market knowledge with national marketing reach. Our chartered status guarantees professional standards in property valuation and marketing. We offer tailored selling strategies including digital campaigns and traditional methods. The team's architectural expertise enhances property presentation, while our legal integration streamlines transactions for buyers and sellers alike.

People

Fiona Fleming

Partner

Specialising in private client matters since joining Blackwood & Smith in 2003. Provides expert advice on wills, trusts, and residential conveyancing. Combines legal expertise with deep local knowledge gained over 30 years in Peebles.

Struan Ferguson

Partner

Property law specialist and Law Society of Scotland council member. Leads development of Scottish property law standards through committee work. Brings 14 years' experience from trainee to partner, combining technical expertise with local market understanding.

Karen Valentine

Scottish Law Accountant

Office Manager with 35 years' service. Qualified in 1998, she specialises in tax returns, trust administration, and executry management. Recognised for compassionate support during estate administration, combining technical precision with empathetic client care.

Kenny Laing

Head of Estate Agency

Chartered estate agent with 23 years' experience across London, Portugal, and Scotland. Brings architectural expertise to property marketing. Leads the Peebles office with specialist knowledge of Borders and Edinburgh property markets.

Claire Ferguson

Business Manager

Former solicitor turned business development lead. Oversees firm growth strategies while maintaining legal compliance. Applies legal background to operational improvements, focusing on client service enhancements and team development initiatives.

Questions

What areas do you cover for legal and property services?

We serve clients across Peeblesshire, the Scottish Borders, Edinburgh, and the Lothians from our Peebles base.

How does your combined legal and estate agency service benefit clients?

Our integrated approach streamlines property transactions, reducing delays between legal work and sales processes.

What makes your estate agency different from national chains?

As independent local experts, we offer personalised service with deep market knowledge and architectural expertise.

How experienced is your legal team in Scottish property law?

Our solicitors actively shape national standards through Law Society committees and have 180 years combined experience.

Can you handle complex estate administration cases?

Our Scottish Law Accountants manage complex executries, including international beneficiaries and tax planning.

Do you offer specialist family law support?

Yes, our family law solicitor is a committee member of the Family Law Association with specialist training.

Reviews (5)

Write a Review

Peter M.

Jul 27, 2023 Report

We used Blackwood and Smith for the Estate management of an elderly relative and found the support and advice given to be excellent.

Struan was calm and efficient in his conveyancing work and we had total confidence in him. Michael added further to the team and kept us informed at all stages which was particularly helpful as we do not live nearby.

Karen was outstanding in her Estate management work, often organising matters before we had even thought to ask!

Lizzie Luckman

Jul 22, 2023 Report

We have used Blackwood & Smith for a number of conveyancing and property matters recently, dealing primarily with Struan. Everything was dealt with in a smooth, calm and knowledgeable fashion. Matters of importance were highlighted to us during the transactions, and everything else was taken care of. We felt we were in very safe hands. I am very pleased with the service we received and I wouldn't hesitate to use B&S again in the future.

Susan

Apr 02, 2023 Report

Many thanks to Karen and the Blackwood & Smith team for assisting us with our late mother's invalid Will. At what was already a devastating time for us they were efficient, readily available to answer all manner of questions, and kept us updated throughout. This is a kind and considerate team we would use again should the need arise.

Stephen Cameron

May 08, 2022 Report

We recently used Blackwood and Smith for the marketing, sale, purchase and conveyancing of our existing and new home. I was absolutely delighted with the service and they were flexible to additional requests from me. The one stop shop made everything seamless. Move day went so smooth with personal phone call at 10am on moving out and into new property day from Sally Swinney to confirm sale and purchase had been complete. Would certainly recommend.

Michael Noon

Sep 27, 2021 Report

Critical: Professionalism, Quality Avoid this organization at all costs. Sally Swinney unprofessional, poor communication and total rip off. All their interested in is taking your money. They'll probably say they don't recognize this.