In Conversation With Peter Graham

In April this year Paton & Co joined forces with Peter Graham & Associates, creating a combined firm operating across the Borders, Northumberland, the Highlands and North East Scotland. Reflecting the growing demand from clients for integrated advisory services across wider geographies, particularly within rural, property and land-based sectors, the Paton & Co rural team provides professional advice to landowners, farmers, estate owners and rural property buyers, along with specialist expertise in areas such as renewable energy.

The merger also brought together three members of the same family, with Patrick and his wife Celia joining forces with Celia’s father, Peter Graham, as three of the partners in the combined business. Based in Elgin, Peter brings more than 40 years of experience in estate and land management, offering clients a wealth of knowledge and strategic insight. We caught up Peter to chat about his work, and also to discover some of his favourite places to explore.

Firstly, can you tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?

I’m a rural practice charter surveyor, which means I work across almost every aspect of rural land management including farming, forestry, renewables, sporting interests, fishing and commercial lettings, to name just a few. A large part of the role is helping clients make informed long-term decisions about their land, businesses and investments.

I was brought up on a dairy farm in Dumfriesshire and by my late teens I realised I wanted to learn more beyond farming itself. A friend at the time worked as a land agent for the Buccleuch Estates and I remember thinking it looked like a fascinating career. He suggested that I start at The Royal Agricultural College, so off I went – and the rest is history.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

I love the variety. There really is no such thing as a typical day. Take this week: I spent one morning advising on the construction of a fire pond designed to support helicopter operations, and then in the afternoon I was dealing with access agreements relating to power infrastructure, and was instructed to begin negotiations with SSEN regarding a proposed substation development. The next day I visited an estate to advise on cleaner energy solutions for residential properties, and then met with clients about a new wind farm.

This diversity keeps the role incredibly interesting and reflects how varied modern rural consultancy has become.

What’s your favourite place to escape to or explore?

My little boat on the west coast. I keep my boat moored in Balvicar Bay on the east coast of Seil Island in the Inner Hebrides. I love taking it over to Jura, and fishing and wildlife spotting in the Corryvreckan. For me, that’s real escapism!

Can you tell us some of your favourite local businesses?

Strathbogie Forest and Garden Centre is a great place to browse lawn mowers, chainsaws, and other garden equipment.

The Highlander Inn in Craigallichie is a favourite for a pub lunch.

Gordon Castle has beautiful grounds to explore, along with a great restaurant . The castle shop also sells beautiful engraved glassware by Giles Lawson Johnston .

Logie Steading near Forres and Greens Nurseries near Nairn are a go-to for locally grown plants.

What are you enjoying reading, watching, or listening to at the moment?

I enjoy reading anything – a Dan Brown or Lee Child novel, or any other easy book to help me switch off after a busy day. I also love a good film – although it used to be so much simpler deciding what to watch when there were only four channels!

If you were to describe your dream home what would it look like?

I think we have built it already – in the middle of nowhere, with amazing views.