OUR TEAM
Tom represents a range of clients in relation to farm, forestry and estate purchases and sales throughout Scotland. He also represents a number of public sector clients, including Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS), Nature Scot (formerly Scottish Natural Heritage), Accountant in Bankruptcy and The Office of King’s and Lord Treasurer’s Remembrancer, in a variety of agricultural, forestry and commercial real estate related transactions, ranging from complex acquisitions and disposals to multiparty agreements and high-value leases.
Tom acts in a high number of acquisition and disposal transactions under Forestry and Land Scotland’s New Woodland Investment Programme (NWIP). Since 2017, Tom has completed the acquisition and disposal of more than 7,000ha of mixed forestry with a combined value of over £30 million, enabling FLS to successfully invest in new planting in order to meet the annual target of planting new woodland set by the Scottish Ministers.
As a member of The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, Tom is actively engaged with the farming community and is able to utilise his knowledge of the market to deliver essential advice to our HM Connect Network on Land Reform and agricultural tenancies. He frequently attends rural property, farming, forestry and environmental events across Scotland.
Tom is recommended in Agriculture & Estates in UK legal directory, The Legal 500 and is name by Chambers UK as an “Up and Coming” lawyer in Agriculture & Rural Affairs. He was previously shortlisted for ‘Junior Solicitor of the Year’ at the Law Awards of Scotland.
"Tom Gray and Hannah McIntosh are both excellent and manage a large caseload efficiently and thoroughly, whilst keeping me informed of progress."
"Individuals provide a sense of security, along with a personal touch and do provide a honest assessment with integrity and transparency. Tom Gray has provided an excellent service and has gained the trust and respect of myself and concluded the transaction with true professionalism."
"Tom Gray handled the sale of our land and further servitude rights with knowledge and efficiency. He was approachable and responsive."
"We have been very pleased to have Tom acting on our behalf. He is over all of the detail to do with all matters we put to him and acts in an incredibly professional but categorical manner."
"Tom Gray has the ability to get things done and goes that extra distance to achieve the desired result. A very competent person with a good understanding of agriculture."
"Tom Gray clearly explained things and suggested commercial alternatives."
"Tom Gray has acted for us in buying additional land and an loch area from adjoining owners with great skill and attention. He is always first to offer advice and to take us to task if ambitions are not reasonably achievable. We delighted in his appointment as partner, which was richly deserved. His attention to detail and a relentless terrier attitude to our instructions mark him apart in our very high-value transactions."
"We have an excellent relationship with Tom Gray. He seems to be ahead of the curve with the latest on land and forestry policy as well as the legal side. We have been particularly impressed with their grasp of the renewable energy sector. HM is a one-stop shop for everything that our farming business needs."
"Tom Gray has been excellent to deal with over the past few years. He has always made himself available – even after normal working hours, and I feel that he is also invested in the success of our business. There is also a good element of trust to the extent that I have made Tom one of the five trustees of my will alongside family members and close friends."
"Tom Gray and Graeme Nisbet have provided excellent support. Responses are timely, and they provide the reassurance necessary to proceed with rural public sector casework."
"Tom has been excellent to work with and provided clarity and explanation when needed."
"The whole process from start to finish was made as easy as possible with the knowledge and experience of Tom Gray. He was competent when dealing with other solicitors and professional in every manner."
“There is a huge breadth of knowledge and experience in this organisation. If something unexpected crops up there is always a colleague to turn to who has the experience needed to deal with it. Egos do not get in the way of getting things done. This gives me as a client confidence in the whole team. I usually work with Tom Gray, with whom I have a very good relationship.”
“Tom Gray was outstanding and very professional, the job was completed with card and precision and I was very pleased with our service.”
“Tom Gray’s performance has been genuinely excellent and we can only imagine how hard he works behind the scenes to achieve this level of service to not only us but to his other clients as well. During the various legal proceedings in connection with the above sale of land, Tom consistently met deadlines, turned information and documents around fast and responded to third-party solicitors very quickly.”
“Tom Gray’s works is extremely thorough and his decisions and advice is well thought through. He is extremely knowledgeable in his field and you get the feeling that he is ambitious through the level of professionalism he delivers.”
"Tom offers first-class service and customer interaction."
"Tom Gray conducts himself as a professional; he is extremely knowledgeable in his field and approachable."
INSIGHTS
Insights
Land Reform (Scotland) Bill: What are your rights when your landlord wants to grant options for renewable energy development?
Insights
‘Getting one’s ducks in a row’: What are the benefits of voluntary land registration for your farm?
Insights
Scotland’s natural capital is an investment for the future – read our report
Insights
Money doesn't grow on trees, but it can help nurture them
Insights
Land ownership and obligations
Insights
Carbon offset. If it looks like an illusion, it is
Insights
IPCC report findings and set the scene on climate change ahead of COP26
Insights