60 seconds with the Society's Rural Affairs Committee Convener

Sophie McIvor spoke to Jamie Whittle about his career, being the Society's Rural Affairs Committee convener, and the recent response to crofting law reform.

Jamie, can you start by telling us a bit about your career so far?

After studying the accelerated LLB and the Legal Diploma at the University of Edinburgh, I trained with Maclay Murray & Spens. Then after a stint outside of law working as a ski instructor and outdoor guide, I returned to where I grew up in the north of Scotland and joined R & R Urquhart in 2004, where I have been based ever since. I had the chance to work with my late father for more than 15 years at R & R Urquhart, which was such a special experience. My practice is rooted in rural law with a particular interest in environmental law, and I work in both contentious and transactional areas of law. I’m a big fan of mediation and trained as a mediator in 2005, which also happened to be where I met my wife! I’ve taught environmental law and renewable energy law on the Legal Diploma at the University of Edinburgh for the past 18 years. 

You started off with a degree in modern languages before getting your LLB, as well as following this with a master’s in human ecology. How have these educational pursuits enhanced your view of law (and your work more generally)? 

I studied for my first degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill through the Morehead Cain programme. I’d say it was more what I learned through the opportunities in that phenomenal programme than the degree itself that have influenced my world view and my attitude to the likes of leadership and the importance of being of service to other people and the natural world. From time to time I’ll speak French or German with clients, which is a handy skill to have! The human ecology degree had a huge impact on the way in which I relate to rural land matters, environmental law, renewable energy and the likes of rural communities and culture. My master’s thesis was about the River Findhorn – which then turned into a book, White River – and I’m currently involved in the Findhorn Watershed Initiative, a project to restore the habitats of the River Findhorn, including drafting some legal documents for that, so lots of my work and interests are interlinked. Spending time in the outdoors reinforces my interest in rural and environmental law.

The Rural Affairs Committee covers a wide range of issues – what influenced you to join the committee and can you share a personal highlight from your time as convener?

Working in rural land law and being interested in the way in which legislation comes about were the main drivers to becoming involved. Being able to work on consultation responses for the Law Society on a range of pieces of legislation affecting the countryside has been fascinating. My highlight so far has been giving evidence to the Scottish Parliament on the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024 – it was such a privilege to be involved.

The reform of crofting law has been a long-time focus of the Rural Affairs Committee – can you highlight the main themes in your recent response and what you hope the impact of this reform will look like for Scottish solicitors and crofting communities?

Common themes in consultation responses can be the importance of clarifying, simplifying and consolidating the law to make it more accessible for everyone, as well as making sure that there is consistency in any reforms across the wider rural sector (for example in agriculture, biodiversity and land reform of late). Since the first crofting legislation in 1886, with its aims of providing security to people and their rural communities, crofting law has become complex and there is unquestionably a need for reform. The recent consultation covered a range of proposals for crofting reform, aiming to create opportunities for new entrants in crofting, encourage the active management and use of crofts and common grazings, and support the rural population more generally.  

Looking back at your career so far, what would you say to your younger self?

There’s a line in the ‘Desiderata’ that says: “And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.”  Studying law, training and developing your practice and business can feel like a hard road at times, often confusing, frequently pressurised and full of challenging situations that you need to work through. That line reminds me to trust the process and just keep going even if the way ahead is not clear. Every day is a school day and every difficult situation provides a chance to grow. More and more I recognise the importance of resilience and self-care.

Finally, what keeps you busy outside of work?

My son and daughter are heavily involved in the performing arts, so I spend a lot of time as their driver/roadie! I run the Cub Scout pack in Hopeman and I’m a director/trustee of a number of charities and groups including the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation, SurfABLE, Wild Things and The Shieling Project. I’m an adviser to the Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland and a referral solicitor for the Environmental Law Foundation. I’m also an avid surfer and paddleboarder and try to be out in the water as much as I can. I recently completed the Great Glen SUP Challenge for the third time, paddling 92km from Inverness to Fort William.