Plans for an overhead power cable network raise concerns.
Time for justice as occupants come up against authorities on infrastructure projects.
Systemic delays threaten delivery of 20 hydro schemes.
Telecommunication latest
Recent cases strengthen landowners’ rights on lease renewal.
Navigating the energy supply chain, whether as a producer, consumer or in any other role requires a cool head.
The consensus needed to address the climate change threat by switching to renewable energy sources was easier to maintain before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine sent gas prices shooting up
The previous Government maintained the green line in response to new threats, but compromised around the edges, delaying a ban on new petrol and diesel car sales from 2030 to 2035. And to boost carbon-free, baseload electricity, it reaffirmed its 2022 commitment to increasing nuclear capacity to 24GW by 2050.
Access to affordable, reliable energy is an absolute necessity to heat our homes and maintain Britain’s competitive position in the world economy. Yet electricity prices are higher in the UK than in the EU, even more so in the US, with its huge reserves of shale gas.
The new Labour Government swiftly reaffirmed its commitment to the energy transition, lifting a ban on new onshore wind farms plans in England, then announcing plans for Great British Energy, a holding company to invest in green projects and protect us from energy market shocks. GBE has partnered with The Crown Estate, owner of seabed land for offshore wind farms, to drive further schemes.
In September the Energy Secretary Ed Miliband announced the acquisition of the electricity and gas system operator ESO for £630 million, to balance supply and demand and, crucially, sort out connections – delays in plugging new projects into the
network remain a huge obstacle to a successful transition.
The administration has yet to inspire confidence on energy. Blaming a £22 billion Tory ‘black hole’, the Chancellor Rachel Reeves scrapped the winter fuel payment for millions of pensioners and imposed a windfall tax on North Sea oil and gas, prompting an investment slowdown.
Yet this approach ignores the wealth and know-how generated by that industry, particularly in Scotland. Meanwhile, any action against the fossil fuel industry must recognise its continuing (if paradoxical) importance as a source of innovation, expertise and investment in green energy.
It’s hard to see how increased state ownership will advance the transition when private investors, albeit many non-UK, have made almost all the running. Danish and Norwegian companies together account for 30% of UK offshore wind while China dominates solar panel production.
In nuclear generation, an industry all but invented in Britain, Ed Miliband has reportedly ordered a review of plans for a new reactor at Wylfa in North Wales. Meanwhile, Derby-based RollsRoyce is to design the first small modular reactors in the Czech Republic and is reportedly closing in on similar deals in The Netherlands and Sweden.
Britain remains a popular destination for UK and international capital, yet the need for robust infrastructure – in communications, transport and
building and most of all energy –remains largely unserved.
The 30 October Budget provides an ideal opportunity for the Government to clarify its pathway to the energy transition and even rebuild some enthusiasm about it, while providing some assurance to householders, businesses and those involved in renewable energy.
Energy and infrastructure are again at the heart of this issue of Energy Matters.
As we report on page 18 the Government’s most recent CfD auction round granted state subsidy to 9.6GW of renewable developments, principally offshore wind, which reflects significantly increased confidence by developers.
A series of decisions on telecom cases before the tribunal have resulted in increased value of rural mast sites, thereby providing clarity and encouraging lease renewals to support the essential digital network. Read Ian Thornton-Kemsley’s reports on pages 6 and 19.
This summer’s weather has been good for renewables, though not for warmth in Scotland. August, normally one of the quieter months, was the windiest month of the year for the wind turbine on my farm. n
Mike Reid
07909 978 642 mike.reid@galbraithgroup.com
Galbraith is a leading independent property consultancy. Drawing on a century of experience in land and property management the firm is progressive and dynamic employing over 200 people in offices throughout Scotland and the North of England. We provide a full range of property consulting services across the commercial, residential, rural and energy sectors. Galbraith provides a personal service, listening to clients and delivering advice to suit their particular opportunities and circumstances.
Rethink needed on Shared Rural Network mobile rollout.
6
Telecoms operator denied bid to renew equipment lease at lower rent.
7
Connecting North and South.
8
Statutory authorities - focus on fairness
14
Teeny Weeny Hydro. Lighting up the darkest glen.
15 Pumped storage hydro.
10
Progress on major road scheme set to spark compensation claims.
16
Biosecurity fears for farming land along overhead cable route.
18
CfD round lifts offshore wind.
20 Cockenzie power station update.
19 Telecommunication update. Recent cases strengthen landowners’ rights on lease renewal.
22
Planning a scheme? It's wise to think ahead.
24 High energy in summer event season.
12 Incentives take shape to transform energy efficiency of Scottish homes.
25 Energy day out to Whitelee Wind Farm.
26 Current sources of renewable funding.
Action to boost mobile-phone coverage should be reviewed to avoid significant impact on remote and protected landscapes where demand for mobile communication is generally low.
Residents of Scotland’s more remote and beautiful areas are increasingly concerned about disruption and environmental damage involved in connecting communities through the Shared Rural Network, a £1billion Government deal with the UK’s four mobile network operators to improve 4G coverage and level up connectivity across the UK.
It is time for Government and mobile operators to work more closely with local communities to ensure an effective, joined up digital rollout without damaging precious landscapes. That will require changes to the current SRN programme, but policy makers should carefully review the current commitments and take appropriate decisions.
In Scotland SRN aims to achieve 74% 4G mobile combined coverage from the mobile network operators, up from 44% at the start of the programme, with coverage from at least one mobile operator increasing to 91%.
It is time for Government and mobile operators to work more closely with local communities to ensure an effective, joined up digital rollout without damaging precious landscapes...
Mike Reid
The programme was introduced by the Conservative Government under then Prime Minister Boris Johnson in March 2020. The new administration is similarly committed, its manifesto pledging: “Labour will make a renewed push to fulfil the ambition of full gigabit and national 5G coverage by 2030.”
Improved coverage in rural areas is important for residents and businesses. The Partial Not Spot (PNS) element of the SRN programme provided additional coverage and choice of mobile services, whereas the next phase of the project, Total Not Spots (TNS), looks to locate masts in more remote areas where they are often not wanted by local communities and landowners. In some cases their very presence can have a detrimental impact on the reason people come to visit in the first place.
New masts are put up to fulfil the geographical requirements of the SRN commitment, without any wider consideration of the full impact of these installations, including areas that aren’t covered. Those who live and work in these areas need to have an alternative option for communication, should an incident occur where there isn’t any coverage, so the value to them of the new sites is questionable.
There is also significant environmental and other impact caused by new mast sites, whether that is the visual intrusion of the mast structure itself, the power and fibre services required, or access visits for refuelling generators, maintenance or other reasons.
Entitlement to costs of obtaining advice
Recent Tribunal decisions have increased the rent that should be paid for radio masts sites to a minimum of £1,750 a year, increasing the overall cost of the SRN programme. Some are questioning the logic of investing in the TNS phase when funds could be redirected to boosting coverage on the railways as frustrated commuters struggle to get online, as reported in a Telegraph report on 17 August.
Rural and remote locations must have the opportunity to play a full part in the digital economy – that means access to reliable mobile communication. However, this should not mean inflicting damage on our heritage; progress should not be at the expense of the environment or aesthetics of Britain’s most beautiful landscapes.
We at Galbraith have advised landowners on more than 150 approaches under the SRN programme to date. As the operators should be responsible for paying all the fees incurred for progressing their enquiries, obtaining professional advice at an early stage of an approach is recommended to protect your property rights. n
Mike Reid
07909 978 642 mike.reid@galbraithgroup.com
A challenge to a telecommunications infrastructure provider’s proposal to renew a lease at a much reduced rent under the Electronic Communications Code has resulted in a key ruling by the Scottish Lands Tribunal which will have ramifications across the industry.
In order to renew a lease under the Code, an operator must be a party to a Code agreement with the other party. In the case of On Tower UK Limited (“OTUK”) v the Church of Scotland General Trustees, the tenant of the radio mast installation in Kay Park Parish Church in Kilmarnock was Orange Personal Communications Services Limited (“Orange”).
The lease was later assigned by Orange to EE Limited and Hutchison 3G UK Limited (“EE & H3G”) whose equipment is understood to be on site. The lease was then assigned to Arqiva Limited, then to OTUK (at the time called Arqiva Services Limited). The lease placed certain restrictions on any assignation and the landlord was not told of the assignation.
OTUK served notice to renew the lease on its standard terms at a rent of £3,000, considerably lower than the contracted amount. The Scottish Lands Tribunal found OTUK was not a party to a Code agreement when it served the paragraph 33(1) notice to change the agreement, meaning the notice was invalid; thus the ensuing application was similarly invalid.
It is understood some 700 agreements were assigned from operators to Arqiva around 2015.
In 2019 the Arqiva group sold its telecoms infrastructure and related assets at an enterprise value of £2 billion to Cellnex, which later became OTUK. The transaction comprised some 7,400 of Arqiva’s cellular sites, including masts and towers as well as urban rooftop sites, and the right to market a further 900 sites across the UK retained by Arqiva. The sites retained by Arqiva incorporated its broadcast infrastructure and its interests in machine-tomachine data services, which provide smart meter networks for the utilities sector.
Over the years operators have transferred sites between themselves apparently without properly considering the lease requirements; the case illustrates this. Despite the wording of the Code, operators are not prepared to justify the changes sought to the existing lease; and they readily apply to the Tribunals to impose agreements if landowners do not agree to their terms, which are often heavily weighted in their favour. This appears to have been the case at Kay Park.
It is important to check that the renewal notices are valid and to adhere to the requirements of the Code. By successfully challenging the basis of the notice, the landowner has protected its income for the time being – important to a charity such as the Church.
Operators tend to weaponise their rights under the Code, using the threat of costs in legal proceedings to obtain settlements in their favour. The Kay Park decision, together with the Vache Farm case, is a welcome redressing of the balance, ensuring landowner’s rights are properly protected. n
Ian Thornton-Kemsley
01224 860710
ian.thornton-kemsley@galbraithgroup.com
Consultations are proceeding on the precise route of a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) electrical link connecting Fife to Norfolk.
Once operational, the Eastern Green Link 4 (EGL4) will be able to transmit up to 2GW of clean, green renewable energy – enough to power around 1.5 million homes.
The project consists of three main components:
• A 500km subsea HVDC cable between Kinghorn, Fife and South Humber, Lincolnshire;
• A 14km underground cable from Kinghorn to a new converter station at Westfield, near Ballingry, Fife; and
• A 100km underground cable from South Humber to a new converter station near Walpole, Norfolk.
The link is one of four similar projects being developed in partnership between SP Energy Networks (SPEN) and National Grid Electricity Transmission to significantly increase the capacity of the electricity network north and south of the Border.
Galbraith attended one of the public consultations held throughout April, hosted by SPEN, which has identified a route for the underground cables and preferred sites for the landfall point and converter station. The company is reviewing feedback from the consultations to reduce the preferred route into a narrower corridor, which will also be consulted on in due course.
Galbraith has vast experience acting against SPEN on a variety of works both large and small, and is currently representing landowners affected by the project.
If you are affected by this project or other SPEN works and need advice, please do get in touch. SPEN will cover all reasonably incurred costs and professional advice is essential when negotiating access and compensation, amongst other matters. n
Callum Woods
07766 250 796
callum.woods@galbraithgroup.com
It’s time for justice as occupants come up against authorities on infrastructure projects. Richard Higgins reports
When there is a dispute or even a variance of opinion, the landowner is sometimes left bereft of support or funding to protect their position...
Richard Higgins
We may differ over which projects proceed, but it’s widely accepted that the UK needs investment in infrastructure, to bring growth, provide for future generations and address climate change
But the statutory and other authorities that tend to undertake larger schemes should respect the rights of occupiers who find themselves subject to either a compulsory acquisition or the imposition of a scheme on their land. The use of compulsory acquisition and related powers is enshrined in a variety of legislation ranging from the Land Compensation Act to Flood Protection Schemes, the Electricity
Act, the Electronic Communications Code and many other acts of primary and secondary legislation that confer rights to statutory bodies and even private companies.
When a public body determines to commence a scheme, it notifies the affected party, who has to follow a set procedure in order either to object to the scheme or to engage with the authority in the hope that they will be adequately and properly compensated.
However, when there is a dispute or even a variance of opinion, the landowner is sometimes left bereft of support or funding to protect their position. We have recently been
involved in cases relating to flood prevention schemes which have taken more than 10 years to reach settlement with the local authority. Due to the actions of the local authority, we have struggled to find a solution that is both affordable to our client and offers a realistic pathway to a satisfactory settlement.
However, while local authority and public bodies have the power to delay and obfuscate well before the first shovel breaks the soil, uncertainty can leave a landowner subject to financial stress and business disruption.
They may be forced to accept a lower than fair settlement in any litigation
in order to avoid financial ruin following an order for their own legal costs and possibly those of the acquiring authority. This is a particular risk in cases under the Electronic Communications Code, where landowners challenge often much larger, private telecommunication companies.
One way to address this power imbalance would be to require an acquiring authority to fund occupants’ professional and legal advice – rather like the accused in criminal cases having the right to proper representation, whether or not they can afford it.
In one case in the North of Scotland, our client was forced to accept a much reduced settlement that did not reflect the impact of a scheme or the business losses incurred, following significant delay on the part of the acquiring authority. Sadly the client died shortly after the claim was settled.
In my view, legislation enabling infrastructure projects, however well intentioned, is drafted in such a way as to favour the acquiring authority too strongly. Even then, affected parties should be able to pursue valid and reasonable claims without the pressure of unfair risk.
As we embark on a period of increased public spending on infrastructure work, lawmakers should balance the scales a little less in favour of the State and more in favour of the people endeavouring to run their businesses and lives without undue interference from the powerful. n
Richard Higgins
07717 581 741 richard.higgins@galbraithgroup.com
One case illustrates how telecoms companies can utilise the extensive powers given to them under the Electronic Communications Code to the detriment of a landowner’s business.
For a number of years, Gravesend Council, as the landlord of a block of flats, had been anxious to undertake repairs to the roof of the building to prevent water from leaking into the flats below, but was unable to reach agreement with the telecoms firm On Tower whose equipment had to be moved to enable those works to be carried out. Initially the operator appeared prepared to remove it to allow roof repairs to take place but, after scaffolding was erected, the operator reneged.
The Council therefore gave notice terminating its tenancy on 30 June 2022. On Tower was entitled to apply for a new tenancy and did so in June 2022. The Court issued the claim on 12 July, returning it to On Tower's solicitors for service on the Council, but On Tower failed to effect service within the statutory timescale. Having sought an extension of the period, On Tower used its wide statutory powers under the Electronic Communications Code requiring the Council to enter into a new Code agreement. The Council responded with a notice under the Code requiring On Tower to remove its apparatus from the roof of the building to enable repairs to take place.
In February 2023, On Tower ’s claim for a new lease under the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954 was dismissed by the Court. On Tower made no attempt to appeal against that decision. With no new agreement having been entered into, On Tower however referred its request for new Code rights to the tribunal. The First Tier Tribunal refused the Council’s application for the application to be dismissed and held that an operator, whose right of renewal under the 1954 Act had lapsed, was entitled to pursue a claim for new rights under the Code.
That decision was appealed to the Upper Tribunal, which had to decide whether an operator, who has exhausted options to secure a new agreement under the 1954 Act, can then pursue rights under the Electronic Communications Code. The Tribunal found in favour of the Council, describing the suggested operation of the Code by On Tower as resulting in a “truly absurd state of affairs”.
This is not the only case where operators have prevented or
delayed redevelopment. On Tower delayed the redevelopment of the Kenton Road telephone exchange in Harrow, Greater London, by disputing the validity of notices. In Scotland, Arqiva delayed part of the redevelopment of Forth Valley College at Falkirk by some five years as it resisted removal of apparatus from a redundant building.
The Code is a statutory scheme of rights and obligations which enables operators to enter land against a landholder’s wishes, in order to install, erect, maintain and use any form of electronic communications apparatus together with any ancillary equipment for the purposes of an electronic communications apparatus. It operates in parallel with any contractual arrangements and may in many instances override any agreement.
The central tenet of the Code is that it confers upon an operator the right to come onto land, if necessary, by order of the Court against the will of the site provider, to exercise ‘Code powers’. The High Court has held that the statutory powers to compel a landowner to accept a telecommunications mast are akin to compulsory purchase powers and should only be used as a last resort.
The Code has safeguards to protect landowners, such as a requirement on the Tribunal to award terms that ensure the least possible loss and damage is caused to a site provider and those on the land. The Tribunal cannot make an order if the site provider intends to redevelop the property or any neighbouring land.
The issue is that operators are too ready to use their powers under the new Code and resort to the courts rather than address the issues raised by their proposals on a consensual basis.
Under the 30 odd years of the old Code, some 52,000 radio mast sites were rolled out across the UK and in only seven cases were the courts were involved. The new Code has proved very different; the operators with their new-found powers have readily resorted to the courts resulting in some 900 cases being referred to the Lands Tribunal in England & Wales, over 200 in Scotland and 100 in Northern Ireland. n
The Scottish Government has acquired over 40% of remaining sections of A9 dualling, paving the way for advance payments, reports Philippa Orr.
The Scottish Ministers have signalled their intention to purchase four more sections for the A9 dualling project – opening the way for compensation payments by property owners/occupiers and tenants affected by one of Scotland’s biggest transport projects.
The Ministers made ‘general vesting declarations’ at the start of April, affecting the Tay Crossing to Ballinluig, Pitlochry to Killiecrankie, Glen Garry to Dalwhinnie and Dalwhinnie to Crubenmore sections. Galbraith is already representing a large number of owners and tenants impacted by these sections of road, which equate to just over 35km in length. We suspect that more general vesting declarations will be issued for other sections of the A9 before the end of the year.
Advance claims for compensation may be submitted by owner/occupiers and tenants with land taken for the schemes. The claims can include the value of land taken, servitude rights acquired, severance, injurious affection, disturbance and fees.
Subject to receiving a valid claim for an advance payment, the acquiring authority must make an advance payment of 90% of the amount of either any agreed compensation, or the authority’s estimate of the amount due.
It’s important to note that although eligible claimants can receive 90% of the compensation in advance, this settlement doesn’t bind them to agreement of any final
claim. It is difficult for anyone to know the impact of the scheme on any property until the completion of the works so final claims are agreed at that stage.
Any prospective claimants should keep a record of any losses, including quotes, estimates and receipts which can be included in the final claim. This should include a record of claimants’ time involved with the scheme as that can easily be forgotten over a long construction period and evidence of time incurred helps to justify any claim.
The A9 programme upgrades 80 miles of road from single to dual carriageways to boost growth through improved safety and quicker journey times, as well as better links to pedestrian, cycling and public transport facilities. Inverness is the only UK city without access to dual carriageway.
Households, businesses, farms and estates along the A9 dualling scheme are being contacted by the Scottish Ministers through Transport Scotland about the acquisition of land and buildings to advance the £3.7 billion scheme.
Work on the infrastructure project has picked up pace in recent months. A ‘contract notice’ for the construction of the £155 million section, from Tay Crossing to Ballinluig, was published on 24 May, formally commencing procurement of the fourth section.
This is a big step forward following the announcement by the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Net Zero and Just Transition, Mairi McAllan, in December 2023, updating Parliament on the delivery plans for the dualling works. The plan anticipates completion of the entire A9 dualling programme between Perth and Inverness by the end of 2035.
The Tay Crossing to Ballinluig project is the first of the three in the south section that will be progressed by means of individual design and build contracts, due to be awarded by Transport Scotland in summer 2025 with the shortlisted contractors being announced at the start of August. Further north, it was announced in early July that Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering Ltd are expected to be awarded a contract worth nearly £185 million to upgrade the Tomatin to Moy section after a significant delay.
Galbraith has been working with claimants along the route since the project began in 2015 and we have guided many residents and owners through the CPO process. If you have been issued with a general vesting declaration and are unsure as to how to progress, we would recommend seeking agents’ advice and therefore please do get in touch with your local Galbraith office. n
Philippa Orr
07917 220 779
philippa.orr@galbraithgroup.com
has been working with claimants along the route since the project began in 2015 and we have guided many residents and owners through the CPO process.
Philippa Orr.
Several schemes are emerging to tackle long-standing challenge, reports Edward Fletcher, but older properties present challenges.
Heating homes and buildings produces approximately a fifth of Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions. With the Scottish Government’s legally binding net zero greenhouse gas emissions targets set for 2045, effectively reducing the emissions associated with the energy efficiency of Scotland’s built environment is critical to achieving this target. The scale of this challenge is immense, with challenges ranging from traditionally constructed buildings to the vagaries of the Scottish climate. The Scottish Government recently concluded a consultation on a proposed Heat in Buildings bill, to implement policies that will drive the move to zero-carbon heating systems. The extensive proposals for the bill include several dates specifying when properties might be required to achieve certain criteria, such as minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES). While the bill is yet to become law and its final form remains to be seen, a range of funding schemes are currently available to homeowners and tenants for undertaking energy efficiency works in Scotland. Funding schemes currently available Currently, funding schemes for energy efficiency measures in Scotland are implemented through two main routes. The first is a range of grants and loans directly funded by the Scottish Government and administered by Home Energy Scotland (which in turn are managed by Energy Saving Trust).
They are as follows:
Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan:
- Homeowners are eligible
- Grants or interest-free loans of up to £15,000 are available (up to £7,500 for energy efficiency improvements and £7.500 for clean heating systems).
Private Rented Sector
Landlord Loan:
- Registered private sector landlords are eligible;
- Interest-free loans (for landlords with up to five properties in their portfolio) and 3.5% APR loans (for landlords with six or more properties in their portfolio) are available (up to £15,000 for energy efficiency improvements for each property).
Warmer Homes
Scotland scheme
- Homeowners and private rental tenants are eligible (subject to further income, health, and property-related criteria);
-100% grants are available for eligible energy efficiency improvements.
The second route is the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) – a series of energy efficiency schemes in the UK that place legal obligations on energy suppliers to deliver energy efficiency and heating measures to domestic premises. Under the scheme, eligible homeowners and private rental tenant (subject to further income, health, and property-related criteria) can access 100% funding for a number of energy efficiency improvements.
RICS residential retrofit standard
Against the backdrop of the Heat in Buildings Bill consultation and funding schemes for energy efficiency improvements, the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) recently released a first edition of the Residential retrofit standard. This focuses on the factors that need to be considered when retrofitting existing housing stock on to meet proposed EPC targets.
Crucially, the statement highlights the potential for energy efficiency “improvements” to have adverse effects on traditionally constructed buildings. Specifically, RICS argues that it is neither appropriate nor feasible to attempt to achieve the same level of emissions reduction for every domestic building. This is due to the constraints posed by traditionally constructed buildings, and the potential for improvements to have unintended negative effects on these buildings.
These effects can make buildings unhealthy to live or in some cases uninhabitable. Given the significant number of traditionally constructed buildings in Scotland, this poses real challenges for energy efficiency works being administered and funded through the current schemes.
At present, funding schemes for energy efficiency measures in Scotland are complex and can be difficult for consumers to navigate. Furthermore, in instances where properties have had energy efficiency measures installed in a negligent or inappropriate matter, the outcomes can be negative both for residents and buildings alike.
Highlighting the scale of the issue, consumer Scotland has recently launched an investigation into safeguards in the green home heating market, citing concerns from consumers over misleading claims and poorly-skilled installers.
has much experience in guiding homeowners and landlords on effectively implementing energy efficiency in buildings of varying construction types. Come and talk to us about your energy efficiency challenges.
This investigation, combined with the RICS professional statement on retrofitting standards, demonstrates the challenges associated with the current schemes.
The Heat in Buildings Bill therefore presents an opportunity to not only set out policy objectives moving forwards, but also to reconcile the current funding mechanisms with retrofit standards and consumer protection.
Edward Fletcher
07990 130 753
edward.fletcher@galbraithgroup.com
Systemic delays threaten delivery of 20 hydro schemes, writes Calum Innes.
The new Labour Government has made clear its support for renewable energy generation projects, but the logistical challenge of making these projects a reality is eye-watering.
The effects of disturbance and disruption arising from electricity network reinforcement is well publicised, with communities reacting strongly against negative visual impact, loss of amenity potential property value reduction.
At a recent conference hosted by the British Hydropower Association, an energy industry group, the new Secretary of State for Scotland gave a very positive speech supporting the need for pumped storage hydro, and indicated that news about proposed incentivisation measures would be announced soon.
At present there are approximately 20 large-scale pumped storage hydro schemes being promoted in Scotland, representing many
hundreds of GW of potential generation – all are located in remote locations.
Even if only a handful of these schemes are developed, the impact on remote and fragile communities is likely to be enormous, as development on this scale has not been experienced for over half a century since the North of Scotland Hydro Electric Board (NSHEB) delivered the post-war boom in hydro infrastructure.
Off-grid living is a challenge, though many of us hanker after escaping to a remote bothy or the like to experience a simpler life as a break from everyday stresses.
I recently had the pleasure of visiting a property in Argyll where the owner had installed an ingenious electricity generating system to provide some modern comforts in a location far from the grid. We are all aware of the internet being the source of knowledge and inspiration for many a daydream, but stumbling over a website of a small New Zealand manufacturer of micro DIY hydro apparatus started a truly inspirational project.
New Zealand has always appeared to me to be a country where a ‘can-do’ attitude will take you a long way and PowerSpout appear to be a company putting this mindset into practice. Having spent a long time browsing their website, I am desperate to embark on my own project!
Turning to this endeavour, the property is located near a watercourse which provides a water supply as well as now fuelling two PowerSpout PLT HP 80v turbines, each with an installed capacity of
500 watts. They’re positioned in parallel to allow efficient use of the available supply i.e. two turbines operating in periods of high flow or one turbine when flows are reduced. After passing through the turbines, water is returned to the watercourse. The intake provides approximately 35 metres of head, with the penstock comprising a 90mm diameter plastic pipe. Generated electricity is stored in a series of eight simple 6V leadcarbon batteries, providing a buffer between supply and demand, with any excess power diverted to an immersion heater in the hot water cylinder (which is otherwise heated from a boiler stove).
In the rare event the batteries are fully charged and water storage is up to maximum temperature, any excess power generated is ‘dumped’ via ceramic heaters until there is onsite demand.
I’m afraid this description does not really convey the ingenuity of the system which is in all facets a miniature version of the run of river schemes with which we are more familiar.
However, the takeaway is there is a potential antipodean solution to having the benefit of electricity in the most remote location, with minimal engineering work required. n
Calum Innes
07909 978 643
calum.innes@galbraithgroup.com
Even if only a handful of these schemes are developed, the impact on remote and fragile communities is likely to be enormous...
Calum Innes
The logistics of delivering a single project are enormous, with thousands of workers to be accommodated, and plant and materials delivered to remote locations via inadequate roads infrastructure. If this is multiplied by even a small number, the scale of the undertaking is breathtaking.
Of course, we’ve been here before. NSHEB delivered tens of projects in the post-war period, but those were different times, when most remote communities were without electricity
and the benefits were tangible to those impacted by the upheaval. Today, this infrastructure is required to balance a grid serving the nation as a whole and it is likely there will be limited local benefit in comparison with the level of disturbance suffered. The need for energy storage to balance a grid reliant on intermittent renewable generation is understood, and pumped storage hydro might be considered to have many advantages over battery storage requiring lithium.
But delivery of these projects will be reliant on a global supply chain and the question remains whether that can be delivered whilst leaving a positive legacy. n
Calum Innes 07909 978 643 calum.innes@galbraithgroup.com
Plans for an overhead power cable network raise concerns about the potential for a ‘super spreader event’ infecting high-quality farming land in Scotland.
Ian Thornton-Kemsley 01224 860710
ian.thornton-kemsley@galbraithgroup.com
The project, led by Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks, is part of the East Coast 400kV Phase 2, aimed at modernising the electricity grid. This overhead pylon route traverses prime agricultural land, posing a significant threat to the agricultural industry which has yet to be properly addressed. The planned series of 187-feet pylons between Kintore and Tealing traverses prime agricultural land, unlike previous projects. SSEN must do more to properly address biosecurity dangers. Galbraith is advising a substantial number of landowners along the route.
Despite landowners identifying the risk to the agricultural industry in responses to initial consultations, SSEN still do not appear to have properly address the threat. After SSEN’s contractor, Balfour Beattie, asked landowners in the Mearns and
Angus to detail their concerns, the landowners produced a protocol of suggested biosecurity measures required in March 2023. SSEN has yet to explain its concerns about the document. Biosecurity measures outlined by SSEN and its contractor Balfour Beattie in August 2023 do not adequately address risks associated with potato cyst nematode (PCN), a microscopic pest that attacks potato roots, potentially leading to significant crop failures, nor clubroot, a soilborne disease affecting crops including brassicas such as cabbage and oilseed rape, causing swollen and deformed roots – both potentially significant for a route passing through prime agricultural land. Biosecurity measures proposed by Balfour Beattie are more suited to grazing areas than prime agricultural land. Despite recognising that protection is essential against soil-
is advising a substantial number of landowners along the route...
borne pathogens, the proposed measures omit mandatory steam cleaning of machinery and comprehensive soil testing before and after work – both potentially critical in avoiding disease spread.
SSEN, despite indicting that “soil sampling for both PCN and Clubroot will be carried out before and after both ground investigation works and construction works” in August 2024, has yet to carry out such works.
Notwithstanding the risks of proceeding without such tests being pointed out in meetings in February of that year, SSEN now appears to wish to proceed with invasive surveys using powers of entry available to it under the Electricity Act 1989, citing time pressures.
These notice procedures have no judicial oversight; SSEN is judge and jury in its own case. The onus of proving any loss is on the claimant, leaving landowners exposed if no proper independent testing has taken place prior to SSEN taking entry. To try to suggest time is an issue seems inherently unreasonable in such circumstances.
The second-biggest economic threat to potatoes after late blight, PCN has affected crops across numerous countries, sometimes causing yield losses exceeding 70% depending on soil type and potato variety. The UK loses some £26 million annually from PCN, rising to more than £60 million when taking into account the cost of yield protection measures.
PCN cannot be eradicated and can survive in soil for up to 20 years. Infected land can no longer be used to grow seed potatoes, a vital part of Scotland's £4.5 billion potato supply chain. A significant addition of PCN-infested land would threaten the industry’s sustainability
Clubroot, a further cause for concern, can reduce yields of oilseed rape by 10% ad in severe cases cause complete crop failure.
These lands are crucial for Scotland's agricultural output, particularly for high-value crops such as potatoes and daffodils – key crops along the chosen route. I know this as I own and farm a property along the route. The potential spread of soil-borne pathogens along this route could have long-term economic and environmental consequences for Scottish agriculture which will have to be addressed in planning applications.
Galbraith is recommending a series of actions by landowners potentially affected, including testing for PCN and clubroot and recording the condition of land prior to entry, and the adoption of strict hygiene protocols covering vehicles, equipment and footwear, maintaining detailed records and action logs, and undertaking regular inspections during works. n
The chief subsidy system for renewable energy projects is looking healthy again after last year’s blip, reports Cameron Main.
Last year, I wrote an article (issue 27) discussing the strengthening case for a rethink of the key pricing mechanism for the offshore wind market. This followed the failure of the August 2023 ‘Contracts for Difference’ (CfDs) auction round to attract any offshore bidders.
The UK Government and industry leaders put this poor result down to inflationary rises under the recently departed Conservative Government making offshore wind farms uneconomically viable, even with the CfD – a contractual mechanism designed to incentivise investment in renewable energy projects at the least cost to the consumer.
Results from the most recent auction round, published on the 3 September 2024, show a very different story, however, with 9.6GW of green energy projects gaining state subsidy, nine of which were offshore wind farm bids, out of a record total 131 projects. These include the colossal 2400MW Hornsea 4 as well as the smaller, but still large, 1080MW Hornsea 3 projects, to be developed by the Danish energy company Orsted off the Yorkshire coast.
Tidal technology off the Scottish coast made up a small percentage of successful projects, as well as a considerable amount of solar in England and onshore wind projects across the UK. In Scotland, there were a number of successful onshore projects, such
as SSE’s 130MW-capacity Cloiche Wind Farm, and Crystal Rig 4 in the Scottish Borders.
This prompts the question – why are bidders more forthcoming this time, and what has changed, economically and in the renewables markets, to facilitate this swift turnaround?
Looking back to the state of the UK’s economy 12 months ago, the Bank of England’s base rate was at its highest level since 2008 at 5.25% and inflation, although falling, was still at 6.3% in August 2023. Additionally, ahead of this year’s auction, the recently elected Labour Government raised the budget for top-up payments by £1.02 billion to incentivise bidders and assist with achieving their ambitious net-zero targets.
The level of economic uncertainty and cost of capital have fallen in the past year, with a degree of stability returning for investors and developers alike and, although some may wince at public money going to foreign investors and renewables developers, there can be no doubt that the successful projects in this year’s auction will make net zero more achievable.
Our experienced Energy team at Galbraith would be delighted to answer any questions you may have or offer advice with negotiations between energy suppliers and landowners providing land for renewable infrastructure development. n
Many landowners felt compelled to accept lower site payments due to pressures of legal action and terms which do not protect them.
Any landowner facing a telecoms lease renewal is urged to take independent expert advice before acting. Operators are obliged to pay reasonable costs towards this.
Ian Thornton-Kemsley
The case of EE Ltd & H3G Ltd -v- AP Wireless Ltd [2024] UKUT 216 (LC) was determined in late July by the Upper Tribunal Lands Chamber in England in respect of renewal of a radio mast site at Vache Farm in Buckinghamshire. In 2020, faced with a plethora of cases and competing arguments, the Tribunal had departed from the general valuation approach using market evidence and produced a table of rents in Affinity Water case [2022] UKUT 08 (LC) setting ‘bookmarks’ for rents based on previous decisions.
In Vache Farm the Upper Tribunal has now acknowledged that alternative use values are a relevant consideration, which reflect the real burdens of a telecoms lease compared to other “passive” rural agreements. They set a site payment of £1,750 a year, using comparable transactions for rents for unexceptional rural sites; a significant departure from earlier decisions which had previously determined a site payment of £750 for this type of site.
Vache Farm was followed a fortnight later by the First Tier Tribunal decision in respect of Ewefields Farm (LC – 2023 –000321) and 13 other sites which fixed rents of £1,750 – 2,000. The SLT in On Tower -v- MacLean fixed a rent of £2,000 for the renewal of a lease at Bank Hill near Peterhead based on Vache
Since the introduction of the new Electronic Communications Code in 2017, many landowners have felt compelled to accept lower site payments at renewal due to pressures of legal action and terms which do not protect them against further loss. Those who have accepted such terms will rightly feel aggrieved in that they will have no recourse to update their payments to reflect these rulings as operators are not prepared to accept open market rent reviews. Vache, Ewesfield and Bank Hill highlight the importance of agreeing appropriate lease terms to future proof and protect the landowners position,
such as the ability to review site payments to the market level.
Ewesfield is also important in that it casts doubt on the right of operators to share occupation. Previous decisions have granted such rights on the basis that paragraph 17 of the Code was a base not a ceiling. The right to share occupation is an extremely important facet for operators in that they can enjoy substantial income of up to £12,000 per operator for granting rights to third parties which is not reflected in the rents they are prepared to offer.
Another case, On Tower d -v- The Church of Scotland General Trustees [2024] LTS 21 was determined by the Scottish Lands Tribunal in respect of a telecommunications site at the Kay Park Parish Church in Kilmarnock. The Tribunal found that due to errors during multiple assignments of the lease, On Tower was not legally the tenant of the site.
On Tower had served a paragraph 33 Notice to instigate a lease renewal but the Tribunal found this notice was invalid as On Tower was not legally the tenant, so its application failed.
This ruling is likely to have ramifications across the industry. Over the years operators have transferred sites between themselves apparently without properly considering the lease requirements.
This case illustrates how important it is for landowners to check who is the legal tenant of their site before progressing any lease renewal and it is likely many agreements will be affected by this ruling.
Any landowner facing a telecoms lease renewal is urged to take independent expert advice before acting. Operators are obliged to pay reasonable costs towards this. n
Ian Thornton-Kemsley 01224 860710
ian.thornton-kemsley@galbraithgroup.com
As reported previously, the former Cockenzie power station site was acquired by East Lothian Council in 2018 to promote economic growth and create employment opportunities.
Richard Higgins 07717 581 741 richard.higgins@galbraithgroup.com
Significant technical work has been taking place to explore and plan for the necessary infrastructure and environmental, economic and sustainability work needed to support the site’s wider redevelopment.
Last year the council secured economic regeneration funding (Levelling Up) and has appointed Balfour Beatty to undertake the works. This will take place in two phases, starting in September 2024 with transfer of the embankment material surrounding the former coal store (over 30 acres) and involve using 175,000 cubic metres of material to infill the void where the power station was situated. This first phase is expected to be complete by spring 2025.
Phase 2 of the works will involve further demolition and ground works to create level platforms to allow for future development of up to 70 acres in size. A link road is being built to service the development areas and take pressure from the existing road network.
Inch Cape Offshore Ltd completed enabling works for its substation in autumn 2023 and construction of the building began in January. Inch Cape
Planning consent has also been approved for Seagreen to construct an electricity substation on another part of the site, taking power from its offshore windfarm. Works are expected to start in 2026. Earlier this year a separate planning application was submitted to the Scottish Government's Energy Consents unit for a 342MW battery storage facility on land immediately to the south of the Scottish Power substation building on the site.
The remainder of the site extending to around 70 acres is to be divided into development land parcels and public space to provide flexibility, allowing land to be consolidated for a larger user or divided for smaller use types as well as opening up areas for public use. A number of potential economic and commercial uses have been mooted for the site and highlevel discussions are proceeding.
There are also two community-led proposals, both of which have had the benefit of feasibility work funded by the council – for a port or cruise facility and the 360 National Climate Change Centre.
Advisers will be appointed to develop a marketing strategy to promote the site UK-wide and
Embarking on a renewable-energy project is usually positive for all parties concerned, but landowners should seek protection for the longer term.
Philippa Orr reports.
As the UK transitions away from fossil fuels towards greener alternatives with a view to being NetZero by 2050, a crucial part of this strategy is to generate our electricity with 100% zero-carbon generation and this is expected to come from renewable energy.
The UK Government has set energy providers a target for all electricity to come from 100% zero-carbon generation by 2035.
In order to reach these targets, our use of renewables will have to keep increasing. We have seen a proliferation of developers approaching landowners for solar, battery and wind projects.
When a landowner is approached by a renewables developer, we would always recommend involving an agent in the process.
It is our job to make sure that the offer being presented in the form
of an option and lease agreement is agreeable, at a market level and offers the landowner suitable protection. We do this through agreeing heads of terms before solicitors formalise the option and lease.
If all goes well, the developer will have got the grid connection and also planning approval. It would be at this stage, that the lease would
be entered into, after which the developer can start building the renewable project to be able to generate and/or store electricity.
Renewable-energy leases can run from 30 years to 50 years and will normally have the option for a lease extension. So a landowner will have 30 to 50 years receiving rent. But what happens at the end of the lease term? Or if the lease has to end early if the developer has financial issues and cannot continue to operate the project and is unable to assign the project? The project site would be required to be decommissioned.
Decommissioning is the deconstruction and removal of the above and below ground (to a certain depth) of renewable infrastructures and the reinstatement of the land back to the condition it was prior to the project being built.
During the early stages of discussing a project, as your agents, we are already thinking about and protecting our clients for what happens at the very end, even well in advance of the renewable project being approved and constructed.
We want to make sure the renewable project is properly decommissioned and that the land is returned to its natural state at the end of the lease or the project’s
lifetime. This is where decommissioning bonds come in –these are financial instruments that play a critical role in guaranteeing that the land is restored to its former state.
Financial protection
Serving as a commitment that the developer will fund and oversee the proper restoration of the land, bonds are a safeguard against the abandonment of renewable projects. If a developer fails to fulfil their obligations to restore the land, a decommissioning bond ensures there are funds available to the landowner to complete the restoration process.
We believe decommissioning bonds should be in place from as soon as a developer starts to build the renewable project, so that suitable protection is there from the onset of the lease. However, recently we are starting to see developers, particularly battery developers, push back on the start date for the decommissioning bond. We have seen some seeking delays until the 25th anniversary of the start of the lease.
Putting a decommissioning bond in place requires a budgeted payment to be made for the estimated amount that would be required for decommissioning. This adds a significant financial burden to the
developer who could apply those funds for other operational expenses or development activities. Many developers will call on investors to help finance renewable projects, but some backers do not wish to look beyond the duration of their investment, viewing the decommissioning requirement as outside the scope of the financing agreement.
Sometimes a decommissioning plan must be provided as part of the planning application process, with planning approval being subject to a decommissioning bond being put in place from the start of a project.
It is for landowners to take the risk of signing an option and thereafter a lease for a renewable project if there is no decommissioning bond in place. Like them, we would hope all leases will continue until the end of their term – but there is no guarantee.
As with any business relationship, all parties start positive, but they should not ignore the possibility of things going other than as planned. n
Philippa Orr 07917 220 779 philippa.orr@galbraithgroup.com
Summer brings with it the show season. Members of Galbraith’s Energy team have attended a number of events in recent months, ranging from large-scale, energy specific events to local agricultural shows.
While each show provides us with an opportunity to catch up with clients and keep updated on industry developments, two highlights of the show season to date have been All-Energy and the Royal Highland Show.
All-Energy and Dcarbonise is the UK’s largest low-carbon energy and full supply chain renewables event. Held in Glasgow’s SEC over 10–11 May, it again showcased a wide range of sectors in the industry including on- and offshore wind, solar, hydropower, marine energy, hydrogen and bioenergy. In addition, representatives from key supporting sectors such as grid and investment were present.
The annual event was an excellent opportunity to keep updated on developments across the sector. Offshore wind was a big topic for discussion, with the UK Government’s drive to reach its target of 50GW built by 2030 and
stiff competition from other countries for critical components (such as turbine parts and cabling) being key macro influences. Despite the focus on offshore wind, solar PV and onshore wind featured prominently at the event, reflecting their status within the UK Government’s top three technologies for low-carbon electricity generation in the energy security strategy.
Royal Highland Show
The Royal Highland Show is Scotland’s leading agricultural show and is the highlight of the show season for Galbraith, with a large presence of colleagues from all of our offices across Scotland and England.
With a large number of our clients attending the show for both business and leisure, the show offers a fantastic setting to catch up with them and discuss their objectives moving forwards. An increasing number of clients are receiving
approaches from renewable energy developers seeking to enter into option and lease agreements over their land, both for onshore wind and solar PV technologies.
With our wide breadth of expertise across the rural property sector, Galbraith’s Energy team are well placed to assist clients who have received approaches from developers by advising them on the commercial terms of the proposals to ensure fair and competitive terms are achieved.
Despite the unseasonably wet weather this summer, the show season has once again proved both informative and enjoyable for the Energy team, and we look forward to meeting with clients’ again next season. n
Edward Fletcher
07990 130 753
edward.fletcher@galbraithgroup.com
The Galbraith Energy team had our annual day out to Whitelee Wind Farm and it gave us the perfect opportunity to catch up with old and new colleagues across the country.
Whitelee is the UK’s largest windfarm with 215 turbines, together generating up to 539 megawatts of electricity. That is enough to power over 350,000 homes and it was certainly a great venue for the the Energy team to have a catch up.
After a breakfast of bacon rolls, Mike Reid, the head of Energy, provided us with an update on how the business stream had performed in the last financial year.
Next up was Larry Irwin, who presented on renewable infrastructure valuations and sales. We have seen many more renewable valuations coming across our desks in the last few years and Larry pointed out the main considerations that we need to have when undertaking renewable valuations, such as future energy prices and the lifespan of a project.
We were pleased to invite Steve Macken of Lomond Energy to be our guest speaker for the day. Lomond Energy is an independent onshore wind farm company formed in 2003 and has been involved in the building of five wind farms and 10 single turbines in Scotland. Steve spoke to us about the latest developments in wind turbine technology, other renewable technologies and changes and upgrades to the grid.
Ian Thornton-Kemsley and Mathew Austin provided an update on the telecoms industry, focusing on how to guide clients on lease renewal approaches from different operators seeking new Electronic Communications Code agreements. Galbraith has been negotiating generic terms with major network operators, strengthening the
landlord’s position within a difficult landscape.
The day was rounded off by Mike, who took inspiration from Dragons’ Den Steven Bartlett and his Five-Bucket Framework to help us climb the ladder to success both as individuals and as a collective.
There were lots of different takehomes from a great day, but what is the most valuable is speaking to colleagues and hearing what different types of work they are getting involved in and watching the business stream expand and evolve. n
Philippa Orr 07917 220 779
philippa.orr@galbraithgroup.com
The Domestic and Non-Domestic Renewable Heat Incentives have both closed to new applicants as of 31st March 2022. If you are already on the scheme, you will receive payments as usual as long as you continue to meet your ongoing obligations.
The Government is still providing financial support to help with the role out of low carbon heat technologies.
Scotland
Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan – The Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan is designed to make homes warmer and more comfortable by helping homeowners install a range of energy saving measures, through grants and/or an interest-free loan funded by the Scottish Government.
You can now apply for grant funding. Grants for energy efficiency improvements is up to 75% of the combined cost of the improvements, up to the maximum grant amount of £7,500. A rural uplift (up to £9,000) is also available to provide extra support to rural and island homes which can face increased costs to install home improvements.
In respect of how much a household can borrow, it depends on what improvement or installation is required. These are grouped into two types – Energy Efficiency Improvements and Renewables Systems
For Energy Efficiency Improvements the maximum grant and optional loan available for each improvement is as follows:
• Solid wall insulation: up to £10,000 (£7,500 grant plus £2,500 optional loan)
•High heat retention storage heaters: up to £5,500 loan (£2,500 grant available for high heat retention storage heaters when installed as part of a package of measures)
• Double glazing, triple glazing, secondary glazing: up to £8,000 (lone only, no grant available). Only available when improving single glazing, not for replacement or improvements of existing double, triple or secondary glazing.
•Insulated doors: up to £4,500 (loan only, no grant available)
•Flat roof or room-in-roof insulation: up to £4,000 (£3,000 grant plus £1,000 optional loan)
•Loft, cavity and underfloor insulation: up to £2,000 (£1,500 grant plus £500 optional loan)
• Warm air units: up to £8,000 (loan only, no grant available).
For Renewable systems the maximum loan/grant amounts are as follows:
•Heat pumps (either air source to water, ground source to water, water source to water, or hybrid air source to water): £15,000 (£7,500 grant plus £7,500 optional loan, or £9,000 grant plus £7,500 optional loan if the household qualifies for the rural uplift)
•District heating scheme connection: £7,500 (loan only, no grant available)
• Solar thermal: £5,000 (loan only, no grant available)
• Hybrid solar PV/ water heating systems: £5,000 (loan only, no grant available)
• Wind turbine: £2,500 (loan only, no grant available)
• Hydro turbine: £2,5000 (lone only, no grant available)
•Biomass boilers or stoves (non-automated, non-pellet stoves or room heaters are not eligible): £15,000 (£7,500 grant potentially available upon evidence that a heat pump is unsuitable for the property (£9,000 if the household qualifies for the rural uplift).
The grant and loan values stated above are subject to availability while funds last or until the end of the financial year – whichever is sooner. Funds will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Funding is reserved for householders when they receive a written loan offer, not on application to the scheme.
If you would like to find out if you are eligible and how you apply for the grant and loan funding please follow the link below.
Source: https://www.homeenergyscotland.org/home-energyscotland-grant-loan
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme – The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is a UK Government initiative to encourage more people in England and Wales to install low carbon heating systems.
The BUS covers three low carbon heating systems:
• Air Source Heat Pump: £7,500 towards cost and installation
• Biomass Boiler: £5,000 off cost and installation for properties in rural location and properties not connected to the gas grid
• Ground Source Heat Pump: £7,500 towards cost and installation. This also includes water source heat pumps.
This scheme runs from 2022 to 2028 and is an installer led scheme which means the installer will apply for the grant on behalf of the home owner. However, we are unsure as to the future of this funding following the recent change in Government.
Source: https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/grants-and-loans/boilerupgrade-scheme/
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a support mechanism designed to ensure small-scale generators are paid for the renewable electricity they export to the grid. This does not happen automatically, so you must sign up to receive the SEG tariff.
You are eligible to apply if you have one of the following renewable energy generating technologies:
• Solar PV Panels
• A wind turbine
• Hydro
• Anaerobic digestion
• Micro combined heat and power.
Under the scheme all licenced energy companies with 150,000 or more customers must provide at least one SEG tariff. n
Source: https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/smart-exportguarantee/
Aberdeen 01224 860 710
aberdeen@galbraithgroup.com
Ayr 01292 268 181
ayr@galbraithgroup.com
Blagdon 01670 789 621
blagdon@galbraithgroup.com
Castle Douglas 01556 505 346
castledouglas@galbraithgroup.com
Cupar 01334 659 980
cupar@galbraithgroup.com
Edinburgh 0131 240 6960
edinburgh@galbraithgroup.com
Hexham 01434 693 693
hexham@galbraithgroup.com
Inverness 01463 224 343
inverness@galbraithgroup.com
Kelso 01573 224 244
kelso@galbraithgroup.com
Morpeth 01670 331 500
morpeth@galbraithgroup.com
Penrith 01768 800 830
penrith@galbraithgroup.com
Perth 01738 451 111 perth@galbraithgroup.com
Stirling 01786 434 600 stirling@galbraithgroup.com
Galbraith operates from 13 offices across Scotland and Northern England, bringing our clients a wealth of experience in:
• Building consultancy
• Commercial forestry & woodland management
• Commercial property sales & management
• Estate, farm & forestry sales & acquisitions
• Estates, farming & land management
• Natural capital & carbon
• Property lettings
• Renewables and utilities
• Residential estate agency