AN Inverness-based Partner at leading law firm Harper Macleod has become one of only two lawyers accredited as a Crofting Law Specialist by the Law Society of Scotland.

Calum MacLeod, a fluent Gaelic speaker originally from the Isle of Skye, has received the specialist accreditation in recognition of his particular expertise as a crofting lawyer, advising both crofters and landowners on matters including applications to the Crofting Commission and the Land Court. He also has particular experience in relation to renewables projects on croftland.

The specialist accreditation scheme was set up by the Law Society of Scotland in 1990 to recognise those who have developed specialist knowledge and help members of the public and businesses choose a solicitor with the necessary expertise, particularly in more complex cases.

Mr MacLeod said: "I am delighted to have received this accreditation from the Law Society, which reflects the scale of crofting work I have been involved in over the years. Crofting holds a special place in the fabric of the Highlands and Islands and the rural economy. It's a unique area of law in our jurisdiction and the complexity of the legislation and procedures which apply to it requires a level of experience and involvement which mean it's not something to dabble in. I've made it my goal, along with support from colleagues at Harper Macleod, to be able to offer specialist advice on crofting law and this recognition shows we know what we are talking about."

Calum is also a key member of the Rural Economy and Energy and Natural Resources teams at Harper Macleod, advising clients on a wide range of rural property work, including agricultural tenancies, forestry purchases and sales, farm purchases, community group purchases, land reform and other rural property matters. He has acted for developers and landowners in a number of renewable energy projects and he has significant experience in community renewables projects.