Tag Archives: Forfar

Mairi Gougeon takes on a new role of Minister for Rural Affairs and the Natural Environment

Mairi Gougeon takes on a new role of Minister for Rural Affairs and the Natural Environment

Mairi Gougeon

Hot on the heals of Fergus Ewing MSP being reappointed yesterday as Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy it was announced today that First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, had nominated Mairi Gougeon for the new role of Minister for Rural Affairs and the Natural Environment. As such she will report jointly to Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing and Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham.

Being SNP MSP for Angus North and Mearns (well outwith the Crofting Counties) I am unsure how familiar Mairi Gougeon will be with crofting law. However, as my law firm, Inksters, has an office in Forfar, within her constituency, I will be more than happy to meet her there (or indeed in Edinburgh) to fill her in on the complexities of crofting law and what reforms are required.

Brian Inkster

Law Awards of Scotland recognise Crofting Endeavours

Law Awards of Scotland - Finalist - Solicitor of the Year - Brian InksterBrian Inkster has been shortlisted for Solicitor of the Year at the Law Awards of Scotland.

This nomination recognises his endeavours in crofting law over the past year and in particular his quest to see justice done over the alleged abuse of power within the Crofting Commission over the sacking of three common grazings committees.

Brian Inkster has been very vocal in the press, radio and on TV over the issue. He has written 97 blog posts on this topic alone over the past six months.

The Crofting Commission recently accepted their decisions as being wrong and issued an apology to the crofters affected. However, conflict continues within the Crofting Commission with a clear divide between their convener and the other commissioners.

Brian Inkster said:-

I am honoured to be one of only three solicitors in Scotland shortlisted for this award.

Hopefully it will help to highlight further the plight of the ordinary crofter at the hands of a regulator that is out of control.

There is still much more that the Scottish Government needs to do to restore confidence in the Crofting Commission and I will be making my views known on that in the coming months.

Inksters Solicitors who have offices in Glasgow, Inverness, Forfar, Portree, Wick and a visiting base in Lerwick have also been shortlisted for Litigation Firm of the Year and their trainee solicitor, Alistair Sloan, for Trainee of the Year at this year’s Law Awards of Scotland.

The winners will be announced on 24 November at a gala dinner at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Glasgow.