Leading Associates

Projects in Scotland

CMS

CMS provides full lifecycle advice on major infrastructure, transport and energy projects across Scotland, with core strengths in HVDC and grid upgrades, battery storage, hydrogen and social infrastructure mandates. The team is increasingly active on PFI handback mandates and operational project disputes. Team head Ailsa Ritchie is a go-to adviser to utilities, government bodies and local authorities, assisting with procurement, bidding, construction and operational matters. Amanda Methven is a key driver behind the firm’s PFI handback offering, while Jenny Durie regularly handles complex PFI operational issues. Shona Frame and Fenella Mason offer deep contentious construction capabilities across a range of project types. The partner bench was bolstered in late 2024 by the arrival of Caroline Maciver from Burness Paull LLP and the promotion of Laura West to partner. Eleanor Lane relocated to the UAE in 2024.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ailsa Ritchie


Autres avocats clés:

Amanda Methven; Jenny Durie; Shona Frame; Fenella Mason; Caroline Maciver; Laura West; Vini Cowden; Kayleigh Purves; Sally Smyth


Les références

‘This firm has a strong reputation in the construction sector. They offer an excellent service and have a very diverse team.’

‘Shona Frame is a friendly yet formidable leader. She is quickly able to grasp both the detail and big picture arguments.’

‘Instructions in connection with Projects work can often spread across a variety of disciplines and the strength of CMS’ practice overall means that there is no weak link when needing multi-disciplinary support. The quality of advice and support is excellent across the board and CMS are bringing on a quality new generation of Projects lawyers.’

Principaux clients

Scottish Water


Transport Scotland


Innovate East Lothian Limited


NHS Fife


Scottish Borders Council


Serco Caledonian Sleeper Limited


NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde


hub East Central Scotland Limited


Moray Council


Scottish Ministers


Strathclyde Partnership for Transport


South Lanarkshire Council


East Renfrewshire Council


Serco


Northern Ireland Water


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Scottish Water on expiry and handback of two of SW’s critical wastewater PFIs to public ownership. This follows on from advising on Scottish Water’s first PFI expiry project.
  • Advising Transport Scotland on the options for procurement in order to secure continuity of the Clyde & Hebridean Ferry Services.
  • Advising NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde in relation to the design and construction of a new Radionuclide Dispensary (RND) at Gartnavel Hospital, Glasgow and the design and construction of a new Health Centre at Bishopton & Dargavel.

Morton Fraser MacRoberts

Morton Fraser MacRoberts has a strong track record across Scotland’s major infrastructure projects, particularly in the education, health, and transport sectors. It is active on operational PFI/PPP matters, handback and expiry issues, and project-related disputes. Group lead Rod Munro is a seasoned practitioner with deep expertise in urban regeneration and social infrastructure projects, and is noted for his familiarity with both traditional and emerging infrastructure delivery models. Duncan Osler acts for a range of sponsors, developers and funders, and is especially well-regarded for his procurement expertise. Jennifer McKay supports the team with her focus on contentious matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Rod Munro


Autres avocats clés:

Duncan Osler; Jennifer McKay; Sarah Pengelly


Les références

‘Attention to detail. Work as an extension of the in-house team and so communicate effectively with non-legal stakeholders. Keen to develop relationships.’

‘The key benefit of MFM is knowledge of staff and interpersonal skills to work together to develop solutions.’

‘Stand out partner is Rod Munro.’

Principaux clients

The Scottish Government


The Ministry of Defence


Transport Scotland


NHS Boards


NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde


NHS Fife


NHS Lanarkshire


NHS Lothian


NHS Tayside


Glasgow City Council


Clackmannanshire Council


Police Scotland


Scottish Prison Service


3ED Glasgow Limited (Abrdn; Dalmore; Semperian)


Clackmannanshire Schools Education Partnership Limited


Class 98 Limited (Semperian)


Claymore Roads Limited (Morgan Sindall Investments; InfraRed)


The Edinburgh Schools Partnership (Abrdn; Dalmore; Semperian)


E4D&G Limited (Amey Venture); Currie & Brown Investments)


The Renfrewshire Schools Partnership (Amey Ventures; Abrdn; Infrastructure Investments


Town Hospitals (Southern General) Limited (Semperian)


Kinnoull House Limited


Glasgow Healthcare Limited


Facilities Management companies


ECG Facilities Services Limited


FES FM Limited


Robertson Facilities Management Limited


ABRDN


Bank of Ireland


Dalmore


InfraRed


Lloyds Bank


Morgan Sindall Investments


M&G


Semperian


Shanks


Scottish Water


SSE plc


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Scottish Water in relation to operational matters on and the « handback » of the Almond Valley, Seafield and Esk Valley PFI Project.
  • Advising SSE in relation to major elements of its Pathway to 2030 programme, including the procurement and installation of 1,700 km of cable (worth over £4Bn), both onshore and subsea, plus the construction of major Converter stations.
  • Acting for NHS Lothian on its multiple disputes with Consort Healthcare, the PFI company for the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh PFI Project, as well as dealing with adjudications addressing deductions to performance scores on a month-by-month basis as a result of failures by Consort Healthcare to meet the output specification.

Pinsent Masons LLP

Pinsent Masons LLP is instructed on many of the UK’s high-profile and complex infrastructure projects, acting for central government, major developers, institutional investors and key contractors. The team is especially strong across transport, social infrastructure and energy mandates, with growing demand for its expertise in operational matters, PFI expiry work, and cross-border project delivery issues. Stuart Barr leads the group alongside Graham Alty and is widely recognised for his deep experience advising on procurement, operational and handback issues in PFI/PPP projects. Victoria Miller focuses on operational asset development, while Michael Allan is a key contact for construction-related matters. Chris Owens handles a broad mix of project, finance, real estate and corporate work. James McDonald also comes recommended.

Responsables de la pratique:

Stuart Barr; Graham Alty


Autres avocats clés:

Victoria Miller; Micheal Allan; Chris Owens; James McDonald


Les références

‘Very pro-active and engaging team. I find they have a deep understanding of some very complex contractual structures.’

‘My longest relationship in PM would be with Stuart Barr, he is very knowledgeable in our space and also has a keen sense of humour which is required in our industry.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Advising the University of Manchester on a student accommodation DBFO project. The major redevelopment on part of the Fallowfield site covering Owens Park, Oak House and Woolton Hall will deliver up to 3,330 rooms to help meet the increasing demand for student bedrooms.
  • Advised the Scottish National Investment Bank in the provision of a £100m joint credit facility, along with UK Infrastructure Bank, to Haventus the energy transition facilities provider, and owner of Ardersier Port, east of Inverness.
  • Advised the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) on all operational issues associated with its portfolio of PPP and privately operated prisons.

Addleshaw Goddard

Addleshaw Goddard advises public and private sector clients on complex infrastructure projects across Scotland and the wider UK, with notable strength in transport, energy transition and secondary market mandates. The team is active on public sector decarbonisation initiatives and is recognised for its expertise in operational PPP/PFI handback and government advisory work. Team head Suzanne Moir is regularly instructed by public sector clients for her procurement expertise, particularly on major transport, hydrogen, and campus infrastructure projects. Andrew Orr advises sponsors, funders and contractors on finance and commercial arrangements, while Stewart Maciver oversees a variety of greenfield and brownfield transactions. Euan Wilson is noted for his strong track record in PFI/PPP handback matters. Sophie Black also comes recommended.

Responsables de la pratique:

Suzanne Moir


Autres avocats clés:

Andrew Orr; Stewart Maciver; Euan Wilson; Sophie Black


Les références

‘Strong understanding of client business. Excellent commercial, legal balance.’

‘Knowledge, technical capability, client engagement, timeliness.’

‘Euan Wilson continues to give excellent continuity and responsiveness to a highly complex matter.’

Principaux clients

Scotrail Trains Limited


Scottish Government


SSE plc


Oaklee Housing


James Hutton Institute


HCP Kings College Hospital


Aviva


NHS Highland


3i BIIF GP LP


Semperian


NHS24


East London Waste Authority


Scottish Futures Trust


Aberdeen City Council


Aberdeenshire Council


Highland Council


InfraRed Capital Partners Limited (and funds)


Agility Trains East


Agility Trains West


Principaux dossiers


  • Acting on Scotrail Trains’ rolling stock procurement programme under which it plans to replace 65% of its current train fleets over 10 years.
  • Acting for Agility Trains East and Agility Trains West on its £2.4bn Intercity Express Programme rolling stock PPPs.
  • Acting for Blackshaw Healthcare in respect to a number of upgrade and extension projects at St George’s Hospital, Tooting, being taken forward by its long term PFI partner, St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Brodies LLP

Brodies LLP advises on the full lifecycle of complex infrastructure and energy projects across the UK and Ireland. The practice is particularly strong in project finance, procurement, and public sector mandates, and regularly supports clients on transport, district heating, and renewables projects, as well as operational PPP and innovative financing structures. Stuart Murray leads the team and regularly advises high-profile public and private sector clients on large-scale PFI/PPP projects, with a focus on the education, healthcare and water sectors. Co-head Michael Stoneham contributes significant finance expertise across a broad range of infrastructure mandates, while Sarah-Jane MacArthur focuses on energy transition matters. Fiona Scott is active across bidding, procurement, operational, and handback instructions.

Responsables de la pratique:

Stuart Murray;. Michael Stoneham


Autres avocats clés:

Sarah-Jane MacArthur; Fiona Scott


Les références

‘Brodies have a commercially savvy approach facilitating solutions to what can be complex challenges. They further have a depth of expertise that means they are a one stop shop for all our legal requirements. They are also very responsive and act quickly when required.’

‘Stuart Murray is the partner that leads all our engagements. His expertise is second to none and his general approach facilitates positive outcomes and engagement from all parties.’

‘Very approachable and interact well with the business. Quick turnaround of work and effectively manage expectations.’

Principaux clients

Equitix Infrastructure Investments


Kajima Partnerships


Hub South East Scotland Limited


Aberdeen City Council


Robertson Construction


Galliford Try Investments


Nord LB


European Investment Bank


Midlothian Council


Perth & Kinross Council


Scottish Futures Trust


Orkney Island Council


Mears Group


Scottish Water


Orbital Marine


Principaux dossiers


  • Acting for Mears Limited on its 12 year, £1.8bn Estates Management tender which forms part of the North Lanarkshire Council’s vast Enterprise PPP Procurement project.
  • Advising Nord LB, Bank of Ireland and European Investment Bank on the €250m Community Nursing Unit PPP Project delivered by Equitix and John Sisk & Sons in partnership with the Health Service Executive in Ireland.
  • Sole legal adviser for Hub South East Scotland Limited and advised on projects with a total capital value of circa £200m and an overall programme value now in excess of £1bn.

Burness Paull LLP

Burness Paull LLP's projects team maintains a strong presence across the Scottish market, advising on high-profile infrastructure, energy transition, and digital connectivity projects. With experience spanning public sector strategies, procurements, operations, and disputes, the team is active across the full project lifecycle and has continued to support key clients including NHS bodies, local authorities, and Scottish Futures Trust. Team head Gavin Paton is a key adviser to hub West and plays a central role on numerous projects. Co-heads James Forbes, Andrew Little, and Chris Horsley bring their construction expertise to a wide range of operational issues and project contracts. Richard Lockhart focuses on project delivery, leveraging his extensive knowledge of various delivery models.

Responsables de la pratique:

Chris Horsley; Andrew Little; James Forbes; Gavin Paton


Autres avocats clés:

Richard Lockhart


Les références

‘The firm provides access to all relevant capabilities and is effective in providing an integrated service drawing these together.’

‘The knowledge of our business and the sector context that it operates within is wide and deep and continuity of working together for many years has facilitated an efficient operating model and the ability to focus on what is material and act proactively.’

‘Gavin Paton provides excellent client management and oversight of our relationship and the services provided. He is a very strong communicator who quickly and effectively identifies the crux of issues and presents pragmatic solutions and is always available when needed.’

Principaux clients

NHS Lothian


Perth & Kinross Council


Highlands and Islands Enterprise


hub West Scotland Limited


Albany Infrastructure Management


Scottish Futures Trust Limited


Scot Roads Partnership Project Limited


Scottish Enterprise


University of St Andrews


Galliford Try Construction (UK) Limited / FM


Graham Construction


Ancala Water Services


Van Oord


Highland Spring Limited


Fraserburgh Harbour Commissioners


Port of Cromarty Firth


Welsh Government


Forth Valley College


Carbon Energy Fund


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising hub West Scotland Limited on a £35m phased project to develop a new state-of-the-art education and community campus in Faifley. The campus will include a primary school; an early learning and childcare centre; an additional support needs base; a community centre and a new community library.
  • Advising Scottish Futures Trust Limited in connection with developing innovative approaches for the financing and delivery of public EV charging infrastructure across Scotland.
  • Advising Port of Cromarty Firth in connection with its proposed development aimed primarily at supporting the floating offshore wind industry including in connection with ScotWind.

Shepherd and Wedderburn

Shepherd and Wedderburn is active on projects throughout the UK, with a burgeoning contentious offering which supplements its well established expertise in operational projects practice. Clients include employers, procuring authorities, sponsors, and funders, across numerous sectors. Stephen Colliston leads the team, and has more than 25 years' experience in relation to both new build and operational projects. Also key area Nigel Sievwright, who has a particular focus on operational matters, and David Anderson, noted for his expertise as a commercial litigator.

Responsables de la pratique:

Stephen Colliston


Autres avocats clés:

Nigel Sievwright; David Anderson


Principaux clients

Acciona Industrial SA/Acciona Industrial UK Limited


Balfour Beatty


West Lothian Council


Pinnacle Schools


City of Edinburgh Council


Consort Healthcare (Mid-Yorkshire) Limited


Consort Healthcare (Blackburn) Limited


Consort Healthcare (Edinburgh Royal Infirmary) Limited


Highway Management (Scotland) Limited


orddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale


InfraRed Capital Partners


Equitix


Innisfree


Northumbrian Water Group


European Infrastructure Bank


Amey plc


Canadian Solar


Principaux dossiers


Anderson Strathern

Anderson Strathern advises on a broad range of complex and high-profile public sector infrastructure projects across Scotland, including for local authorities, national institutions, and higher education providers. The team also supports clients on renewables and decarbonisation matters, with an expanding private sector client base. The practice is jointly led by Martin Whiteford, who is highlighted for his experience handling complex regulatory and environmental issues; Pat Loftus, a key figure in the team’s construction offering; and Audrey Cameron, who advises local government and authorities on governance, procurement and operational matters. Mary Frances O’Neill leads on contentious issues.

Responsables de la pratique:

Martin Whiteford; Pat Loftus; Audrey Cameron


Autres avocats clés:

Mary Frances O’Neill


Les références

‘We have worked with Martin Whiteford on a number of transactions. We find him to be very helpful and collaborative.’

Principaux clients

East Lothian Council


East Renfrewshire Council


Victoria Square Woking Limited, Woking Borough Council, Moyallen Woking Limited and Woking Town Centre Management Limited


Inovyn & Ineos


EDP Renewables


Axcel Hospitality Management


Buccleuch Group


Peter D Stirling Ltd and Trustees of I D Meiklam


Crown Estate Scotland


Cireco (Scotland) LLP


Qair Scotland


Eco-Projects IOM


Oak & Green


Ripple Energy


Eurowind Energy


European Energy A/S


Locogen Limited


Greenforty Development Limited


Armstrong Capital


PFB Solar Limited


GreenSwitch Capital


Gresham House


Pacific Green


Finsbury Infrastructure


Easter Aberchalder Partnership


Taylormade Timber


Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Crown Estate Scotland on the INTOG leasing round. CES are granting property rights for seabed in Scottish waters to develop offshore wind projects that either reduce emissions from the North Sea oil and gas sector – by supplying renewable electricity directly to oil and gas infrastructure – or consist of small-scale innovative projects of 100MW or less.
  • Advising Perth and Kinross Council in developing a long-term Strategic Energy Partnership (SEP) with a private sector partner for the delivery of multiple strategic energy and low carbon projects.
  • Fielding a multi-disciplinary team to provide advice and support East Renfrewshire Council in respect of a potential new train station at Balgray Station, Barrhead. The station is funded by the Glasgow City Region City Deal.

Dentons

With a strong track record across the full energy and infrastructure project lifecycle, Dentons advises on complex domestic and cross-border mandates, including major developments in the renewables, digital infrastructure and CCUS spaces, with particular strength in regulatory and finance matters. Gareth Tenner sits at the helm of the group and is noted for his strong understanding of a wide range of assets, including transport and social infrastructure builds, with particular expertise in finance and PFI/PPP secondary transactions. Mark Macaulay is a key contact for transactional construction procurement mandates, regularly acting on national, UK-wide and international projects, while Kirsti Olson focuses on contentious construction matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Gareth Tenner


Autres avocats clés:

Mark Macaulay; Kirsti Olson; Linzi Hedalen


Les références

‘The team are very responsive and look for ways to make things easier for their clients. They are pragmatic and commercial in their approach. I can trust the team to get things done as efficiently as possible and to keep us updated and aware of additional requirements as they go.’

‘The individuals I work with have an excellent understanding and experience of PFI contracts, and are always able to share relevant industry knowledge and examples. They work well with my operational colleagues and have a genuine appreciation of the challenges that operational teams face, looking for ways to make things easier for them and to be practical in their approach and advice.’

Principaux clients

Pale Blue Dot


Department for Transport


Asian Development Bank


Diamond Transmission


Glasgow Prestwick airport Limited


Indigo Pipelines Limited / Indigo Power Limited


EnergoNuclear SA


XLCC Ltd


The Prudential Assurance Company Limited


Capita Property & Infrastructure Limited


Equans E & S Solutions Limited


Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising on the development of a Pumped Storage Hydropower project at Glen Earrach on Loch Ness, Scotland.
  • Advising on the €3.2bn Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management (EPCM) contract for the advancement of Cernavoda NPP Units 3 and 4 in Romania.
  • Acting as project counsel for the c. £4bn+ project development of the Acorn Carbon Capture & Storage project in Scotland.

Harper Macleod LLP

Harper Macleod LLP remains a key adviser on complex infrastructure developments across Scotland, with recent mandates spanning port upgrades, rail connections, urban regeneration schemes, and LEIP-funded education projects. The team has longstanding experience in operational PFI/PPP contracts, hub DBFM structures, and secondary market activity, and is increasingly active on public sector initiatives and project handbacks. Team head Euan Pirie is routinely instructed by sponsors, developers and public authorities for construction and engineering matters, and is well-versed across the full spectrum of infrastructure assets. Catriona Kemp is noted for her PFI/PPP operational expertise and growing involvement in secondary transactions.

Responsables de la pratique:

Euan Pirie


Autres avocats clés:

Catriona Kemp


Les références

‘This practice stands out due to its combination of deep expertise, personalized client service, and an unwavering commitment to excellence in both the strategic and operational elements of the field.’

‘Very capable team within the Scottish projects market.’

‘Euan Pirie is an invaluable resource to the team.’

Principaux clients

Ayrshire and Arran Health Board


City of Edinburgh Council


Euroports Group BV


Fife Council


Glasgow City Council


GT Equitix Inverness Limited


Hub North Scotland Limited


Inverclyde Council


Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport Limited


Lanarkshire Health Board


National Library of Scotland


North Ayrshire Council


NYOP Education (Aberdeen) Limited


Orkney Islands Council


Scottish Government


Scottish Police Authority


The Highland Council


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Hub North Scotland Limited in relation to the ACC Vision Project in Aberdeen.
  • Advising Inter Infrastructure Capital S.A. in relation to the Scottish aspects of its acquisition of a stake in the M8/M73/M74 Motorway Improvements NPD Project.
  • Advising Orkney Islands Council in relation to the procurement of the Scapa Deep Water Quay Project and other proposed schemes included within the Orkney Harbours Masterplan.