Thorntons Solicitors last night hosted a reception for more than 70 guests at the Fergusson Gallery in Perth to celebrate the launch of its new land and rural business law team.

The firm’s land and rural business team has been expanded through the appointments of consultant Richard Blake – legal adviser to the Scottish Rural Property and Business Association, and associate Anne Curtis. 

“We see rural Scotland as having rapidly growing influence in coming years. Issues such as food security, sporting use and recreation, public use of land, business development, energy, pollution and the environment look to give an increased focus on what lies ahead," saidMike Blair, head of land and rural business at Thorntons. 

“By investing in the development of our rural business team, we aim to be an unrivalled source of advice across the rural business spectrum, from straight farming either as owner or tenant to forestry, sporting, energy, environment, land development, estates and relations with the public bodies.”