Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Estate Agency & Legal Services in Stranraer
Established in Stranraer over a century ago, our firm has built an enduring reputation for delivering expert legal and property services to local clients. Specialising in domestic and commercial property transactions, agricultural law, matrimonial matters, and estate planning, we combine deep local knowledge with professional excellence. Our dedicated team, led by Principal Kenneth G. Paterson and Trainee Solicitor David W. Paterson, prioritises clear communication and practical solutions.While we do not participate in Legal Aid schemes, our transparent approach ensures clients receive tailored advice without hidden complexities. As both solicitors and estate agents, we offer integrated services that streamline property-related legal work. With continuous operation since 1917, we remain committed to upholding the trust placed in us by generations of clients across Wigtownshire and surrounding areas.
Services
Property Sales
Property Purchases
Agricultural Law
Matrimonial Law
Separations
Wills
Executries
Legal Advice
Estate Agency
Property Marketing
Details
- Year established: 1917
Highlights and features
- We offer over a century of combined legal and property market experience
- Our integrated solicitor and estate agency services streamline transactions
- Local expertise in Wigtownshire and surrounding rural areas
- Transparent communication without legal jargon
- Dedicated team with clear specialisations in property law
Services
Property Sales
We facilitate residential and commercial property sales across Wigtownshire. Our dual as solicitors and estate agents streamlines transactions, handling legal documentation alongside marketing. Clients benefit from local market insights and dedicated support from initial valuation to completion.
Property Purchases
Our purchase service covers legal conveyancing and property sourcing. We guide buyers through due diligence, contract negotiation, and completion. Combined legal and estate agency expertise ensures efficient processing of both residential and commercial acquisitions in rural and coastal areas.
Agricultural Law
Specialised legal advice for agricultural land transactions and tenancies. We handle crofting law, farm business reorganisations, and rural property disputes. Our experience spans generations of farming families in southwest Scotland's agricultural communities.
Matrimonial Law
We provide sensitive handling of relationship breakdowns, including property division and financial settlements. Our approach prioritises amicable resolutions while protecting client interests in both urban and rural asset contexts.
Wills & Executries
Comprehensive will drafting and estate administration services. We assist with tax-efficient inheritance planning and executor support for rural properties, farms, and family businesses. Our local knowledge aids smooth probate processes in southwest Scotland.
People
Kenneth G. Paterson
Principal Solicitor
Qualified solicitor with extensive experience in property and rural law. Leads the firm's legal practice, specialising in agricultural tenancies and complex property transactions across southwest Scotland.
David W. Paterson
Trainee Solicitor
Trainee solicitor focusing on residential conveyancing and estate administration. Supports clients with property transactions and legal documentation under senior supervision.
Questions
What legal services do you offer alongside estate agency?
We handle property law, agricultural law, matrimonial matters, and estate planning in addition to real estate services.
Do you work outside Stranraer?
Yes, we serve Portpatrick, Wigtownshire, and surrounding areas including rural Dumfries & Galloway.
How long have you operated in the region?
Our firm has provided legal and property services continuously since 1917, spanning over 100 years.
Can you assist with farm property transactions?
Yes, we specialise in agricultural law, including crofting matters and rural property sales across southwest Scotland.
How do you handle property sales differently?
Our combined solicitor and estate agency资质 streamlines transactions, reducing the need for multiple advisors during property deals.
Reviews (1)
Vic Paterson
Dec 14, 2021
Report
We used Rankin & Aitken for a property purchase that involved: A very unpleasant vendor's estate agent A difficult mortgage provider / mortgage providers solicitor An unusual property And an anxious buyer (that would be me!) We dealt primarily with Mr Laburn and Ms Benniwith and they were both absolutely incredible, despite there being all kinds of obstacles thrown in their way by the above parties and property.
There is no doubt in my mind that by the end of it, Mr Laburn was delighted that I would no longer be cluttering up his email, but he was absolutely wonderful, polite and helpful at every step. Left to our own devices, we would have agreed to every single thing that the vendor wanted, including dates that we couldn't have met, but Mr Laburn - in the most professional way - steered us away from making crazy decisions and ensured that we got the best outcome, and even came in on his day off to ensure something got signed correctly. We would recommend them to anyone and everyone.
There is no doubt in my mind that by the end of it, Mr Laburn was delighted that I would no longer be cluttering up his email, but he was absolutely wonderful, polite and helpful at every step. Left to our own devices, we would have agreed to every single thing that the vendor wanted, including dates that we couldn't have met, but Mr Laburn - in the most professional way - steered us away from making crazy decisions and ensured that we got the best outcome, and even came in on his day off to ensure something got signed correctly. We would recommend them to anyone and everyone.
