The division is headed by Fergus Thomson and Lucy Murray, and its remit will include areas such as farm and estate management, planning and development, agricultural landlord and tenants, as well as sales and lettings.

The rural management division is also advising landowners on a series of renewable energy developments across onshore and offshore wind, solar, and batter storage, totalling in excess of 4 gigawatts of installed capacity.

Former Scotland rugby international player Fergus Thomson, a qualified chartered surveyor, joined Rettie from Davidson and Robertson as an associate director in 2021, and is based at Rettie’s Berwick-Upon-Tweed office. Rural consultant Lucy Murray is also based at the firm’s Berwick office, working with clients and partners across the country, while collaborating with Rettie’s other divisions.

Simon Rettie, director, Rettie & Co, said: “From day one, rural and farm advisory services have been an integral part of our offering, many of our own people are involved or closely connected with farming and estates, and we’re pleased to see a renewed focus via the recently launched rural asset management division.

“It’s great to have Fergus and Lucy in place to head the team, while working with clients nationwide.”

Also, associate director Hugh Rettie has moved to head up the firm’s Borders office in Melrose, following eight years in the Edinburgh lettings team. Alice Brown, branch manager, and Nicola Crombie, senior sales consultant, are also based at the Melrose office.

Hugh Rettie said: “The Borders has always been a big part of my family life, I studied rural business management at the Scottish Agricultural College, and it’s pleasing to come back full circle in professional terms. And it’s a busy time, with over one thousand active applicants looking to buy in the region.”