Rural surveyor on the move

The son of well-known Borders farmers Richard and Marion Oates, he made the move after 15 years with his former company.

Tom said: “Youngs RPS has a strong reputation for its core rural work, and I am pleased to be able to add my expertise to the existing capability here.

“The opportunity to join was one I was delighted to accept, and will allow me to continue to carry out and develop my work across the Borders and further north.”

He will continue to be based in north Northumberland but will work throughout Scotland.

Tom has worked in land sales and acquisitions; valuations; CAP reform; land and business management; and landlord and tenant work.

Last week was involved as an expert witness in only the second rent review case to appear before the Scottish Land Court since the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Act 2003, involving a Kelso farmer.

Tom is also an approved agent of the Scottish Tenant Farmers Association and is listed on the DEFRA valuation panel. He has worked throughout the Borders, Lothians, Perthshire, Angus, Dumfriesshire and the islands during this career.

Tom grew up at Lumbylaw, Alnwick, Northumberland, where his parents, now at Billerwell, Bonchester Bridge, Hawick, were noted Limousin and Texel breeders. He was with Harrison and Hetherington for three years, following his land agency qualification, before George F White approached him to become a land agent and auctioneer at farm sales. He still keeps his hand in and sells occasionally.