Building a specialist agricultural practice in Scotland: Ryan Bowie a year in at gunnercooke

Real Estate Partner Ryan Bowie joined gunnercooke a year ago as part of the firm’s Scotland team. Ryan specialises in agricultural law and has developed a distinctive niche advising on high-profile and often historic castle purchases across the country.

Here Ryan reflects on his first year. From complex land disputes to prestigious property acquisitions, he explains how the gunnercooke model has enabled him to deliver the service he wants to provide and shape a practice he is genuinely passionate about.

What attracted you to gunnercooke, and has this met your expectations in your first year at the firm?

I wanted something different from a traditional law firm model where I could look after my clients in a way that I felt was appropriate. I was specifically attracted to gunnercooke because of the firm’s values and the support network offered.

You are a specialist in agricultural law and developing a niche in castle purchases. How did you develop this specialism and is it a passion of yours?

Some people say you shouldn’t take your work home with you. Well, I farm at home with my partner, Rose, so have practical farming experience as well as firsthand experience of the issues faced by my clients. It helps me to understand things from their perspective and connect with them.

I have been fortunate enough to act for lots of clients buying castles in Scotland. Some international clients and some UK clients too. It’s great to feel that you are part of someone’s journey and the property’s history.

How have you found the gunnercooke support in getting your practice off the ground?

Part of the attraction to gunnercooke was the support offered. The teams around you perform incredibly well. They make you feel like a special customer and go out of their way to assist; it’s not something I have experienced at any other firm, quite the opposite.

How do you collaborate at gunnercooke? What are the benefits of the network?

I have met some wonderful people at gunnercooke from across the firm. Some of my bigger transactions involve working as part of a larger team and that has allowed me to showcase what I do and receive referrals. There are many social events throughout the year too, so there are always opportunities to widen your network.

Can you share a highlight or particularly rewarding deal you’ve completed in your first year?

I’ve been fortunate to work on some amazing deals this year. My practice is wide ranging from an action in the Scottish Land Court against Nature Scot (ongoing), to buying the most prestigious fishing beat in Scotland working with colleagues from across gunnercooke.

I’m currently buying a highly sought after property on the shore of an idyllic Loch near Skye and a 17-bedroom Castle for a famous UK comedian.

How has working at gunnercooke enabled you to win and deliver complex or high-profile matters?

The marketing team have been a great support to me providing information at short notice and assisting to prepare tender documents. I had to pitch recently for the Castle purchase to the client’s TV production company and fought off competition from 2 other large Scottish firms.

What stands out for me at gunnercooke is being able to offer a fast response without having to seek permission. I am empowered to deliver the service that I want to provide and build my reputation upon it.

What advice would you give to someone starting out at gunnercooke?

Don’t panic! Follow your plan initially then be open to change as the year progresses. It took me a few months to overcome an overwhelming feeling of guilt, guilt that I was so happy in my work and only responsible to my clients.

Take the time to shape the practice that you want. If you are happy, it will show in what you do and attract the business that you seek.

You can read more about Ryan and his practice here.

Reach out to the gunnercooke team below for a confidential chat about how the model could work for you.