Business Details
14 Years
experience
Trusted Legal Advice for Rural Clients in Scotland
Dales Solicitors have been providing legal services since 1 July 2012, building on a legacy that began in 1986. Our offices in Galston and Stirling serve rural clients across Scotland, offering niche legal expertise tailored to agricultural and rural needs. Our team combines deep industry knowledge with a commitment to accessible, client-focused service. We specialise in agricultural tenancies, rural property transactions, and succession planning, while maintaining a comprehensive range of legal services for diverse clients. Our approach prioritises personal relationships, with solicitors regularly meeting clients at their homes or farms.The firm's family heritage, including four family members in key roles, underpins our dedication to continuity and trust. Our Stirling office, established in 2025, expands our reach in central Scotland's agricultural heartland. We integrate modern practices with traditional values, ensuring legal clarity for complex matters like renewable energy projects and estate planning. Our professionals, including specialists in executries and commercial property, deliver practical solutions grounded in decades of collective experience. This heritage and expertise position us as trusted advisors for Scotland's rural communities.
Services
Agricultural Tenancies
Executries
Farms & Land
Farm Finder Service
Renewables
Residential Property
Succession Planning
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of combined experience in agricultural and rural law
- Our team includes specialists in complex property transactions and executries
- We provide nationwide service with local knowledge of Scottish rural markets
- Our Stirling office offers central Scotland clients enhanced accessibility
- We combine family heritage with modern legal practices for practical solutions
Services
Agricultural Tenancies
We specialise in navigating complex agricultural tenancy law, helping clients manage farm leases and disputes. Our expertise covers regulatory compliance, contract negotiations, and dispute resolution tailored to Scotland's rural sector. With decades of combined experience, we protect landowners' and tenants' interests while maintaining productive relationships.
Executries
Our executry team handles estate administration from straightforward cases to complex rural estates requiring multi-disciplinary input. We guide executors through probate processes, asset distribution, and tax considerations while maintaining sensitivity during difficult times.
Farms & Land
We facilitate farm purchases and sales across Scotland, including title investigations and transaction management. Our services cover land acquisitions, boundary disputes, and property development advice, supported by our Farm Finder Service for locating suitable properties.
Renewables
Our renewable energy specialists advise on legal aspects of green energy projects, including land agreements and regulatory compliance. We handle complex transactions for wind, solar, and hydro projects, ensuring clients meet statutory requirements while protecting their interests.
Succession Planning
We create tailored succession strategies for individuals and businesses, covering wills, trusts, and asset transfers. Our approach ensures smooth transitions while minimising tax liabilities and maintaining family business continuity across generations.
People
Alastair Dale
Managing Partner
Specialising in agricultural law and renewable energy, Alastair oversees firm operations while maintaining client relationships. He combines legal expertise with strategic leadership to ensure service excellence.
John Dale
Partner
Founding partner with decades of experience advising rural clients on succession planning and property matters. His expertise spans agricultural tenancies and island-specific legal challenges.
Jennifer McFadzean
Partner
Manages firm administration and leads executry services. Her client work focuses on private client matters, combining organisational leadership with hands-on legal expertise.
Jean Forrest
Partner
Specialist in agricultural property transactions with expertise in complex title deeds. She advises on land purchases and succession planning for rural estates nationwide.
Jackie Campbell
Partner
Head of renewable energy services with extensive commercial property experience. She manages large-scale transactions and advises on energy project agreements across Scotland.
Questions
What areas do Dales Solicitors cover?
We serve clients nationwide across Scotland, with offices in Galston (Ayrshire) and Stirling Agricultural Centre.
What legal services specialise in rural matters?
Our core services include agricultural tenancies, farm property transactions, succession planning, and renewable energy projects.
Can I receive home visits for legal consultations?
Yes, we offer home visits for clients who prefer discussing matters in their personal environment.
Do you handle complex estate matters?
Our executry team manages both straightforward and complex rural estates requiring multi-disciplinary expertise.
How does the Farm Finder Service work?
We assist clients in locating suitable rural properties through our extensive market knowledge and networking capabilities.
Are there specialist property lawyers in Stirling?
Our Stirling office provides dedicated property law services with focus on central Scotland's agricultural sector.
