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Joint UK Lands Tribunals Conference takes place at the Judicial Institute

 

May 28, 2026

Delegates from across Britain were welcomed to the Judicial Institute in Parliament House last week, for the Joint UK Lands Tribunals Conference.

 

The conference brought together delegates from Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland on Thursday 21 and Friday 22 May 2026, to discuss a range of current issues affecting lands tribunals and property law.

The two-day programme included sessions on compensation matters, infrastructure rights, telecoms valuation, land registration, valuation case studies, easements and servitudes, and the Renters’ Rights Act.

Delegates pose for a group photograph in the Judicial Institute

 

Attendees also explored wider topics including the independence and impartiality of expert witnesses and the use of artificial intelligence within the sector.

Speakers included representatives from the Lands Tribunal for Scotland, the Lands Chamber, the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber), the Scottish Land Court and the University of Edinburgh.

Participants also took part in tours of Parliament House and the Faculty of Advocates Library and Paintings.

Attendees laugh together during a tea break

 

Lord Duthie, President of the Lands Tribunal for Scotland, said: “This conference provided a valuable opportunity to bring together colleagues from across the United Kingdom to consider shared issues.

“Delegates benefited from a strong and engaging programme which encouraged informed and constructive discussion in a collegiate environment.

“I am grateful to Diane Martin MRICS and Ralph Smith KC for organising the conference, and to all those who contributed as speakers.   

"I should mention, in particular, Professor Kenneth Reid, Emeritus Professor of Scots Law at the University of Edinburgh, who joined Mr Justice Edwin Johnson in a joint presentation on easements and servitudes."

Tea break discussionsImportant conversations about shared issues