The Lands Tribunal for Scotland is in effect an independent civil court. It has statutory power to deal with various types of dispute involving land or property. At the request of parties, it can also act as an arbiter to deal with any type of dispute. However, if there is no such agreement it can only hear cases covered by the statutes mentioned at Specific Statutory Jurisdictions.
The Tribunal has a President who has overall responsibility for the organisation of its work, and three Members who have recognised expertise in the fields of law and surveying. The current President of the Tribunal is the Hon. Lord McGhie, who is also Chairman of the Scottish Land Court. The present Members are John Wright QC, Kenneth Barclay FRICS, and Ian Darling FRICS.
You will find detailed information on this web site about
- the jurisdictions and powers of the Tribunal;
- the process by which the Tribunal resolves disputes;
- what you need to do if you wish to apply to the Tribunal to resolve a dispute.
There is a close relationship between the Lands Tribunal and the Scottish Land Court: they share the same offices, and the President of the Lands Tribunal is also Chairman of the Land Court. However, the work they do is quite distinct, and they have separate administrative staff and systems. The Land Court deals with cases involving agriculture and is mainly concerned in matters involving landlords and tenants. Most disputes about rights to land (for example, disputes over ownership or succession) are dealt with by the ordinary courts: the Sheriff Court or the Court of Session.
The Lands Tribunal for Scotland
George House
126 George Street
Edinburgh
EH2 4HH
DX ED 259
LP 14 Edinburgh 2
Tel: 0131 271 4350
Fax: 0131 271 4399
E-mail:
View the Lands Tribunal in pictures:
