Blackwood & Smith

Business Details

Trusted Legal and Estate Services in Peebles

Established in 1843, Blackwood & Smith is a distinguished independent law firm and estate agency based in Peebles, Scotland. Our team of qualified solicitors, estate agents, and legal professionals delivers expert advice across residential and commercial property transactions, Wills, Powers of Attorney, Executries, Trusts, Family Law, and more. With deep roots in the Scottish Borders community, we combine over 180 years of experience with a client-centric approach, prioritising professionalism, transparency, and local market knowledge. Our multidisciplinary team includes specialists in property law, private client matters, and conveyancing, supported by dedicated estate agency services. Recognised for our commitment to community engagement and industry leadership, we provide tailored solutions for individuals, families, and businesses.

Our independence allows flexibility to adapt to market changes while maintaining rigorous compliance with legal and financial regulations. We pride ourselves on delivering clear, actionable advice with empathy, particularly during sensitive matters like estate administration. Our expertise is reinforced through active participation in legal committees and professional bodies, ensuring we remain at the forefront of Scottish property and legal practices. With offices in Peebles, we serve clients across the Borders, Edinburgh, Lothians, and surrounding regions.

Services

Residential Property Commercial Property Wills Family Law Estate Agency Executries Trusts Powers of Attorney Conveyancing Property Valuation

Highlights and features

Experienced team of solicitors and estate agents with local market knowledge
Independent firm offering flexible, client-focused solutions
Specialists in Scottish property law and private client matters
Award-winning community engagement and ethical practices
Comprehensive services spanning legal, conveyancing, and property sales

Associations and certifications

ESPC Chartered

What people say

Outstanding service Highly recommended Seamless process Excellent support Top value

Website

Update Listing

Services

Residential Property

Our residential property service specialises in buying, selling, and conveyancing across the Scottish Borders and Edinburgh. We provide market-leading valuations, tailored marketing strategies, and transparent transaction processes. Clients benefit from our local expertise and dedicated estate agency team.

Wills

We create legally robust Wills and inheritance plans, including complex trusts and tax-efficient arrangements. Our solicitors ensure your wishes are clearly documented while complying with Scottish legal requirements. Specialist support is available for rural estates and family businesses.

Family Law

Our family law team handles separations, divorces, and child custody matters with sensitivity. We prioritise amicable resolutions while providing robust representation in court. Services include financial settlements and pre-nuptial agreements tailored to Scottish legislation.

Executries

We manage estate administration following bereavement, including probate applications, tax returns, and asset distribution. Our team provides compassionate guidance through complex legal processes, with expertise in handling rural estates and commercial holdings.

Commercial Property

Specialising in commercial property transactions, we advise on purchases, leases, and development projects. Our services include title investigations, planning compliance, and negotiation of terms for retail, industrial, and agricultural properties across central Scotland.

People

Fiona Fleming

Partner

Specialising in Wills, Trusts, and residential conveyancing since 2003. Active in the local community, Fiona combines legal expertise with a client-focused approach to deliver practical solutions.

Struan Ferguson

Partner

Property law specialist with expertise in residential and commercial transactions. Chairperson of the Scottish Conveyancers Forum, actively shaping property law developments in Scotland.

Karen Valentine

Scottish Law Accountant

Over 30 years' experience in estate administration and tax compliance. Recognised for compassionate handling of sensitive cases, with specialist knowledge of inheritance tax and trust management.

Kenny Laing

Head of Estate Agency

23-year property professional with expertise in local market dynamics. Leads the estate agency team with a focus on architectural heritage and rural property sales.

Carrie Wright

Solicitor

Conveyancing and family law specialist with membership in the Family Law Association Committee. Provides practical advice on property transactions and relationship dissolution matters.

Questions

What areas do you cover for property transactions?

We operate across Peeblesshire, the Scottish Borders, Edinburgh, Lothians, and surrounding areas.

How experienced is your legal team?

Our solicitors have over 180 combined years of experience, with specialists in Scottish property and family law.

Do you offer online legal consultations?

Yes, we provide virtual appointments for initial consultations and document reviews.

What makes your estate agency different?

As a local independent firm, we offer personalised marketing strategies and deep market knowledge.

How are legal fees structured?

We provide transparent pricing with fixed fees where possible, and detailed cost breakdowns for complex cases.

Can you handle cross-border property sales?

Our team regularly manages transactions involving international beneficiaries and properties.

Reviews (6)

Write a Review

Rachael Ketchion

Sep 28, 2023 Report

We recently used Blackwood and Smith for their executory and estate agency services. The team at Blackwood & Smith were very professional & efficient. Special thanks to Frances, Karen, Fiona & Billy.

Susan Taylor

Sep 26, 2023 Report

Our lawyer Karen helped my parents during their lives and after their deaths, finalising their estates clearly and efficiently. Karen was so efficient and pleasant to work with that we also asked her assistance with a problem we had with another estate. She was very patient and kind while dealing with the issue and helped us to finalise that estate within months despite difficulties. I would always recommend Karen at Blackwood & Smith.

Meersh

Sep 19, 2023 Report

Blackwood & Smith dealt with my godmothers Executry. They more than met my expectations and offered excellent service. Special mention to Karen who was faultless throughout this difficult time. I was always kept up to date with the process, explained in a manner I could easily comprehend.

Robin Taylor

Sep 17, 2023 Report

No hesitation in recommending Blackwood and Smith. They dealt with the Wills of both my parents and an aunt, and did so in an efficient, professional, and friendly manner.

Cadien Reid

Sep 12, 2023 Report

I have been with Blackwood and Smith W.C. at least since the 1980s and would never use any other lawyer. I have always been treated so well, promptly, kindly and diligently.
Karen Valentine was new to me when, on my husband's recent death, she took on a very complicated job and dealt with all my mistakes, my woes, and I felt she was indeed a very professional friend. Such times require humanity as well as professionalism.

Everything was dealt with promptly, correctly and with understanding. I was kept up to date with what was happening. I have always felt comfortable with taking any problem to this firm, particularly now.

Alice Parmar

Aug 25, 2023 Report

Absolutely superb service. They were very accommodating to my millions of questions, not having any experience myself. They went above any beyond, even helping me with unrelated matters at the same time. Especially Karen, whom without her, I would have been very very stressed. Thank you all.