Community Group Projects Solicitors

The community projects and bodies with which we are involved range from small, grass roots organisations to large corporate entities with substantial turnover and complex requirements.

This is a fast-moving, every changing area and we are seeing significant cross-over between the community, charity and renewable energy sectors. We have, for example, experience of advising community-based social enterprise vehicles.

Our advice comes with a full understanding of the wider strategic, political and economic issues that affect our clients’ particular requirements. As one of Scotland’s leading third sector practices, as well as community groups, we also work with charities, voluntary organisations, and housing associations.

Key services include:

• Advice on corporate structures
• Advice on constitution
• Incorporation services
• Charity law
• State Aid
• Commercial contracts
• Finance
• Community ownership
• Community renewables

Our team has specialist knowledge of this developing sector and the potential impact the Land Reform legislation could and has already had on this sector.

We act for a number of community landowners and also advise a number of other aspiring community landowners. We understand the challenges, aspirations and opportunities that community landownership can bring.

We have acted on a number of buy-outs both outwith the terms of the legislation and also utilising the strict legislation provisions of the Community Right to Buy (CRtB), such as acting for Sunart Community Company in what was the smallest extent purchased under the CRtB. Whilst the purchase was small in extent, it was a valuable asset to the Community.

We have acted in purchases of all types and sizes, including acting for Carloway Estate Trust in the purchase of a 13,000 acres crofting estates, utilising the provisions of the CRTB for Coigach Community Development Company and many more community purchases.

Key services include:

• Land reform
• Community Right to Buy
• Land Fund applications
• Purchases from public bodies
• Forestry
• Rural property
• Crofting

Renewable energy projects are a key factor in creating confident, resilient and independent communities.

We have particular expertise in helping communities to deliver their own renewable energy projects.
Backed up by one of Scotland’s leading teams of energy lawyers, we have expertise in all types of renewable project including wind, solar and hydro.

We have a strong relationship with community groups in relation to their renewable developments and, through our provision of training and legal helpline to members of Community Energy Scotland (CES), have sought to ensure that we are as accessible as possible.

One member of our team, Calum MacLeod, has spent considerable time with CES on its own community renewables projects and gained a much wider understanding of and exposure to the community renewables sector than most lawyers are able to gain.

We are also proud to have organised and hosted the annual Scottish Highland Renewable Energy Conference (SHREC) since 2010, at which community renewables has always been a focus.

Key services include:

• Option and lease agreements
• Cable agreements
• Joint venture agreements
• Shared ownership projects
• Financing of renewables
• Renewables on croftland
• Planning law