Business Details
Trusted Legal and Estate Services in Peebles
Established in 1843, we are a trusted independent law firm serving clients across Peeblesshire, the Borders, Edinburgh, and the Lothians. Our team of qualified solicitors and legal professionals provides expert advice on residential and commercial property transactions, Wills, Powers of Attorney, Executries, Trusts, Employment Law, and Family Law. With deep roots in the Scottish Borders community, we combine decades of legal expertise with a client-focused approach, prioritising accessibility, transparency, and personalised service.Our estate agency division complements our legal services, offering local market knowledge and tailored property solutions. Recognised for our commitment to professional excellence, we maintain strong accreditations and actively contribute to community initiatives, ensuring clients receive both legal proficiency and ethical stewardship.
Services
Residential Property
Commercial Property
Wills
Powers of Attorney
Executries
Family Law
Trusts
Estate Agency
Highlights and features
- We have over 180 years of experience serving Scottish Borders communities
- Our team includes specialists in property law, family law, and estate administration
- We provide integrated legal and estate agency services under one roof
- Our solicitors hold active roles in Scottish legal professional bodies
- We combine local market knowledge with national legal standards
Associations and certifications
- ESPC Chartered Qualification
What people say
Promptly, kindly and diligently
Very professional
Smooth, calm and knowledgeable
Kept up to date
Outstanding estate management
Services
Residential Property
Our residential property service specialises in buying and selling homes across the Scottish Borders and Edinburgh. We handle conveyancing, title registration, and transaction negotiations with local market expertise. Clients benefit from our integrated legal and estate agency approach, ensuring seamless property transfers while maintaining compliance with Scottish property law.
Commercial Property
We provide comprehensive commercial property services including sales, purchases, and leasing of business premises. Our solicitors advise on property development, landlord-tenant relationships, and commercial contracts. Clients receive tailored guidance on regulatory compliance and transaction structuring within Scotland's legal framework.
Wills
Our will-writing service ensures clear asset distribution plans tailored to individual circumstances. We advise on tax implications, guardianship arrangements, and legal validity requirements. Clients receive ongoing support for updating wills to reflect life changes while maintaining compliance with Scottish succession laws.
Powers of Attorney
We specialise in creating tailored Powers of Attorney documents to manage financial and welfare decisions. Our experts explain different attorney types, registration processes, and legal responsibilities. Clients gain peace of mind through comprehensive guidance on appointing trusted decision-makers.
Estate Agency
Our independent estate agency offers local market expertise for residential property sales. Services include property valuations, marketing strategies, and transaction management. Clients benefit from our legal knowledge integrated with property services, ensuring smooth conveyancing processes and competitive market positioning.
People
Fiona Fleming
Partner
Partner specialising in private client matters since joining Blackwood & Smith in 2003. Provides expert advice on Wills, Trusts, and residential property transactions. Combines legal expertise with community engagement in Peebles.
Struan Ferguson
Partner
Property law specialist and Law Society of Scotland council member. Leads developments in Scottish conveyancing practices. Qualified solicitor since 2011 with expertise in residential and commercial property transactions across the Borders region.
Karen Valentine
Scottish Law Accountant
Office Manager and legal accountant with 35 years' experience. Specialises in estate administration and tax compliance. Qualified in 1998, providing continuity and expertise in Trust and Estate management for Peebles clients.
Carrie Wright
Solicitor
Qualified solicitor since 2017 with expertise in conveyancing and family law. Active member of the Family Law Association Committee. Provides practical legal solutions while balancing community involvement in the Scottish Borders.
Jennifer Richardson
Solicitor
Experienced conveyancing specialist returning to practice after career break. Combines property law expertise with local knowledge gained through family roots in Peebles. Focuses on clear client communication during property transactions.
Questions
What legal services do you offer in Peebles?
We provide residential/commercial property law, Wills, Powers of Attorney, Executries, Trusts, Family Law, and estate agency services across the Scottish Borders and Edinburgh.
How long has Blackwood & Smith been operating?
We've served Scottish Borders communities since 1843, combining 180 years of legal tradition with modern professional standards in both legal and property services.
Do you handle property transactions outside the Borders?
While our focus is Peebles, Scottish Borders, Edinburgh, and Lothians, we assist clients with property matters across Scotland through our integrated legal and estate agency services.
What makes your estate agency different?
As qualified solicitors operating an independent agency, we uniquely combine legal expertise with property marketing, ensuring smoother transactions and better-informed clients throughout the process.
How do you support executors during estate administration?
Our specialist team provides step-by-step guidance on probate, tax returns, and asset distribution, with Scottish Law Accountants handling complex financial aspects of estate management.
Can I get legal advice on family property matters?
Our family law specialists handle property division during separations, cohabitation agreements, and child-related property arrangements, combining legal expertise with compassionate client support.
Reviews (4)
Michael Noon
Sep 27, 2021
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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. Theyll probably say they dont recognize this.
Avoid this organization at all costs. Sally Swinney unprofessional, poor communication and total rip off. All their interested in is taking your money. Theyll probably say they dont recognize this.
Melissa Valentine
Mar 02, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness
As a first time buyer, the whole process at times was daunting when buying a property however Sally reassured me every step of the way and definitely made the process of buying easier. She was very responsive and made sure every step was clear. I would highly recommend the service that Sally and the team at Blackwood & Smith offer.
As a first time buyer, the whole process at times was daunting when buying a property however Sally reassured me every step of the way and definitely made the process of buying easier. She was very responsive and made sure every step was clear. I would highly recommend the service that Sally and the team at Blackwood & Smith offer.
Sophia Bee
Feb 14, 2021
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Avoid avoid avoid. My family has used this firm for years, as in generations, but personally I wouldn't give them address book space. Lacs in responding to emails and phone calls to say the least. I would definitely recommend going elsewhere. There must be other lawyers in Peebles....or in any other Borders town.
Jamie Urey
Oct 24, 2020
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Sally Swinney acted on our behalf for our sale and purchase. communication was excellent throughout, she kept us updated every step of the way making what could have been a stressful experience a pleasant one. would highly recommended Blackwood and Smith
Sally Swinney acted on our behalf for our sale and purchase. communication was excellent throughout, she kept us updated every step of the way making what could have been a stressful experience a pleasant one. would highly recommended Blackwood and Smith
