A partnership set up to support NFUS (National Farmers Union Scotland) members has benefited landowners and tenants facing infrastructure issues in Scotland, with over a third of calls coming from Aberdeenshire, Angus and Moray.
Davidson & Robertson (D&R) has partnered with NFUS to support members by providing a free hotline call when statutory undertakers like Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN), Scottish and Southern Electricity (SSE), Scottish Water, or Network Rail need to do work on their land.
Ian Austin, D&R Director and Head of Utilities, Energy & Infrastructure said:
“The level of transmission infrastructure needed in the next five years is immense and the implications for farmers will be huge too. Much of the infrastructure needed is in the North East, so it is no surprise that over a third of calls from NFUS members are from the region.
“With so much activity in the North East of Scotland, we feel it is important that farmers and landowners have a platform from which they can ask questions and raise concerns, so we are joining the NFUS team on their stand at Turriff Show. It is a great opportunity and resource for NFUS members to tap into.”
Rhianna Montgomery, NFU Scotland Rural Business Policy Manager said:
“We are seeing a growing number of concerns amongst our membership about utilities and infrastructure projects impacting their land and businesses. These have a significant effect on farmers’ businesses through the need for access by the statutory undertakers, damage to crops and property, and time spent addressing all of these issues. Davidson & Robertson provides valuable expertise in utilities and infrastructure claims through their helpline, providing 15 minutes of free advice to all members.”
Commenting on the support to date, Ian Austin said:
“We are talking to members who are concerned about the effect on their land and who want to understand more fully their rights and options, seeking advice on matters such as access agreements, wayleaves and servitudes, crop loss and compensation.
“It is worth noting that reasonable professional advice costs are likely to be covered by the Statutory Undertaker, which means landowners can receive professional advice from the earliest stages, the effects of the scheme can be mitigated, and they are fully compensated, potentially without incurring costs themselves.
“We hope our presence at Turriff Show will give NFUS members the opportunity to ask questions, better understand their rights and make use of the free NFUS hotline 0131 609 9717 or email NFUSutilities@drrural.co.uk.”
