Insight

Unlocking Land Value: Insights from the Caithness Show

06.8.25

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Scotland’s landowners are on the front line of a transformation - navigating shifting policy, rising energy demand, and growing environmental pressure.

At this year’s Caithness Show, we ran a survey and spoke to landowners about how they’re responding - to get a clearer picture of what’s driving decisions in the north.

The headline? Opportunity is increasing, but clarity is not.

Whether it’s preparing for grid upgrades, considering carbon markets, or exploring new land uses, the choices landowners make now will influence how rural assets are managed, enhanced and protected in the years ahead.

Contributors:

Clive Meikle

Partner, Head of Grid & Infrastructure

From Soil to Substations: What’s Driving Land Strategy in 2025

Landowners are thinking longer-term and broader than ever before. When asked about the greatest opportunities for land use in the next ten years, the most common themes were:

• Regenerative farming and soil health
• Grid connections and energy diversification
• Carbon markets and natural capital schemes

This shift matches what we’re seeing across our client base: environmental performance is becoming commercially material. Whether you're trialling cover crops or entering an agreement with a renewables developer, decisions about sustainability are now business decisions.

And it’s not just about land use; it’s about land value. Strategic sites with grid access, renewable potential or verified carbon schemes are already being prioritised by developers and infrastructure planners.

But uncertainty is slowing progress - there’s still some hesitancy. The majority of our respondents cited two key challenges:

• Ongoing uncertainty around agricultural policy and subsidy reform
• Planning and regulatory obstacles to new land use strategies

Landowners in Scotland are operating in a regulatory environment that’s changing rapidly, but not always clearly. Grid upgrades are being prioritised by government, and initiatives like the Electricity Infrastructure Consenting in Scotland paper aim to speed up delivery. Yet in practice, delivery remains complex. Many landowners are still unclear on how proposed reforms and grid upgrades will translate into action on the ground, and this requires expert advice.

Several landowners told us they want to do more but are unsure where to start. They’re looking for clearer guidance to turn ambition into action.

At Bidwells, we see first-hand how planning decisions, infrastructure corridors, and statutory consultations can shape - or indeed stall - progress. Which is why early engagement and strategic positioning are critical. With the right advice, landowners can act ahead of change rather than react to it.

Many Are Preparing for Change

When asked ‘Have you changed your land use strategy to be more sustainable?’, a small number of the landowners we spoke to said “yes - significantly”, but the majority are making small steps, or planning to change, but not sure how to go about it.

This doesn’t seem to be due to lack of interest - it’s about timing, funding, and confidence.

The regulatory environment is evolving and landowners want advice that keeps pace. That’s where we come in.

Bidwells’ teams advise landowners daily on how grid upgrades, on- and offshore wind connections, compulsory purchase, and strategic infrastructure are shaping the future of rural landholdings. We negotiate directly on behalf of farmers and landowners with developers and network operators, applying our deep knowledge of policy, compensation rights, and land-use legislation to protect and unlock long-term land value.

Whether you're being approached for wayleaves, servitude rights, renewable energy developments or land acquisition - or you're simply planning ahead - we’ll help you stay one step ahead of the process.

We also support landowners in unlocking the natural capital and carbon market potential of their land. That means identifying opportunities to generate income from peatland restoration, habitat creation, forestry, and verified carbon schemes, without compromising operational flexibility or long-term legacy.

Let us help you to:

Understand the economic value of your land and environmental assets
Assess and structure robust, long-term agreements that deliver environmental outcomes with financial returns
Navigate evolving policy, market pressures, and infrastructure demands across grid, carbon, planning, and natural capital

With strong networks, market insight, and experience across both regulated and emerging schemes, our role is to turn sustainability into a strategic advantage for your land.

The Bigger Picture: Infrastructure is coming

The UK’s energy transition is no longer on the horizon; it’s here. Grid operators are actively seeking land for substations, overhead lines, and cable routes. Offshore wind developers are planning landfalls and corridor connections. Compulsory purchase processes are being activated for major projects across the country.

Bidwells is already negotiating these rights on behalf of landowners - from initial consultations to full compensation claims. If you own land in a strategic location, you will likely be approached - if you haven’t been already.

Act early and plan strategically. Policy change will remain unpredictable. But landowners who understand their options early, and engage with expert advice, are best placed to benefit.

Whether it’s preparing for grid infrastructure, entering carbon markets, or futureproofing your land strategy, we’re here to help you make informed, confident decisions.

Get in touch with the team

Clive Meikle

Partner, Head of Grid & Infrastructure

Clive is a Chartered Surveyor with a broad experience gained in local and central government, private practice and the development industry throughout Scotland.

Energy & Climate Services

Climate resilience and sustainable practices aren't just a responsibility, they can be a strategic advantage. We help you capitalise on opportunities in forestry, renewable energy, and natural capital markets, allowing you to make informed decisions that benefit both your portfolio and the planet.

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