Business Details
Trusted Legal & Estate Services Since 1829
Established in 1829, we are a distinguished firm of solicitors and estate agents with a rich heritage of serving clients across the North of Scotland and beyond. Our expertise spans property law, commercial matters, trusts, and executries, alongside specialised knowledge in rural issues, renewable energy, and dispute resolution. With offices in Forres, Nairn, and Inverness, we combine deep local insight with the capabilities expected of larger city firms.Our team of experienced professionals delivers tailored legal solutions, prioritising accessibility, professionalism, and value for money. Grounded in tradition yet forward-thinking, we remain committed to adapting to legal advancements while maintaining a client-centric approach that has defined our practice for nearly two centuries.
Services
Property Law
Wills & Executries
Commercial Law
Dispute Resolution
Employment Law
Family Law
Land Development
Planning & Environment
Renewable Energy
Agricultural Law
Highlights and features
- We have over 190 years of experience delivering legal expertise in Scotland.
- Our team handles complex legal matters typically managed by larger firms.
- We offer integrated capital tax planning and trust administration services.
- Our solicitors are qualified mediators with specialist employment law knowledge.
- We combine deep local understanding with national legal proficiency.
Services
Property Law
We handle all aspects of residential and commercial property transactions, including conveyancing, land development, and complex estate matters. Our local expertise ensures smooth processes for buyers, sellers, and developers across northern Scotland. With decades of experience, we provide clear guidance on property rights and obligations.
Commercial Law
Our commercial law team advises businesses on contracts, mergers, and regulatory compliance. We specialise in supporting companies with Scottish operations through tailored legal strategies. From start-ups to established firms, we deliver practical solutions that align with commercial objectives and regulatory requirements.
Renewable Energy
We represent clients in wind, hydro, and other renewable energy projects across Scotland. Our services include land acquisition, planning permissions, and regulatory compliance. With pioneering experience since the 1990s, we navigate complex environmental legislation to support sustainable energy development.
Dispute Resolution
We resolve legal conflicts through mediation and litigation in sheriff courts and higher tribunals. Our approach prioritises cost-effective solutions while preparing robust court representation when needed. Specialised mediators handle commercial, property, and family disputes with impartial professionalism.
Trusts & Executries
Our trust department manages will creation, inheritance tax planning, and estate administration. We guide clients through complex succession matters, including cross-border assets and charitable foundations. Personalised strategies ensure protection of wealth and compliance with Scottish legal frameworks.
People
Will Cowie
Solicitor
Specialising in property and commercial law, Will Cowie brings extensive experience advising corporate clients in the Moray Firth region. He also serves as trustee for multiple charitable foundations.
Jane Ferguson
Litigation Specialist
Jane Ferguson leads our litigation department with expertise in court representation and employment law. A qualified mediator, she handles cases across Scottish courts and specialist tribunals.
James Hotchkis
Nairn Office Head
James Hotchkis manages the Nairn office, focusing on property conveyancing, family law, and business transactions. He joined after merging his previous practice with our firm in 2002.
Jamie Whittle
Environmental Law Expert
Jamie Whittle specialises in environmental planning and renewable energy law. He lectures at the University of Edinburgh and represents clients on agricultural and land development matters.
Questions
What legal services do you specialise in?
We specialise in property law, commercial matters, trusts and executries, rural issues, renewable energy projects, and dispute resolution across Scottish courts.
Do you operate outside northern Scotland?
While based in Forres, Nairn, and Inverness, our expertise extends to clients throughout Scotland and those with Scottish interests internationally.
How does your estate agency service work?
Our local property teams in Forres and Nairn offer face-to-face service, integrated with legal support for seamless property transactions across northern Scotland.
What makes your firm different?
Combining 190+ years of heritage with modern legal practices, we offer city-level expertise with personal service, specialising in complex rural and energy matters.
Can you assist with renewable energy projects?
Yes, we've represented clients in wind and hydro energy projects since the 1990s, handling planning, land acquisition, and regulatory compliance across Scotland.
Reviews (3)
Steve Green
Jun 01, 2022
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Critical: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value Never been so badly treated by the Forres SOLICITOR office. Totally let down when you assume they're fighting your corner. Their complaints dept are quite rude also. Pay your money, that's all that matters to certain solicitor firms
Stephen Scott
Feb 21, 2022
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The expertise of R & R Urquhart from which we benefitted was nothing short of incredible, and I deal in property a LOT. Even in the current market, little did I expect that, from them putting a place which we were selling on the market at 11.46 on a Friday, by the Sunday we would have four offers, all over the upset price, all cash buyers, all sight unseen and including one from a purchaser in France.
The missives process was also handled with great aplomb, and we settled on schedule in a nice short timeframe. Highly recommended. Particular shouts out to Lorna for her selling advice and expertise, and to Will for making the formal legal side so painless.
The missives process was also handled with great aplomb, and we settled on schedule in a nice short timeframe. Highly recommended. Particular shouts out to Lorna for her selling advice and expertise, and to Will for making the formal legal side so painless.
Agnes Gardiner
Dec 31, 2021
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R and R Urquhart have represented us legally for many years. During 2020/2021 we sold two properties through the Property Dept and purchased our "forever home" locally, with their assistance. The professionalism and knowledge of the staff proved extremely helpful, at all times. Always ready to advise and react when required, proved invaluable to us, during what was a fairly stressful process. We would highly recommend R and R Urquhart, Forres.
