The ‘very experienced and knowledgeable’ commercial real estate team at Brodies LLP works for both investors and developers and is equipped to handle the full gamut of work across the sector. The team is particularly active in matters involving build-to-rent investments, credit facility financings, and commercial investments. Department head Johane Murray is heralded as ‘the best real estate lawyer in Scotland’, while Richard Whyte frequently works on mixed-use development projects and the sale of office assets. Investment specialist James Roscoe strengthens an already deep bench, while Allan Cairns has a strong track record in the retail sector. The ‘outstanding’ Tanya MacLeod is a key name for debt financing work.

Burness Paull LLP is well respected for both its development and transactional commercial real estate work, offering a ‘top-class service’ to real estate investors, financial institutions and telecoms companies. Department head Peter Chambers is well-regarded for his assistance provided to his housebuilder clients, which he helps with site acquisition. Richard Rennie has a broad commercial skillset and is active in the student accommodation and retail sectors. Nick Naddell works for domestic and international property management companies, advising on land purchases. Graeme Bradshaw offers ‘consistently good advice’, building a strong track record in utilities and leisure-related real estate matters.

Under the supervision of Paul Carter, CMS' practice regularly handles a wide range of commercial property sales, real estate portfolio acquisitions and land agreements related to renewable energy projects. The team has experience dealing with leisure centres, offices and student accommodation buildings. Carter is singled out for his development expertise, working for both domestic and international clients. Allan Wernham advises on the full lifecycle of domestically significant regeneration projects, while Barry Edgar provides ‘calm, sensible advice’ to clients and is noted for his knowledge of the transportation sector. Claire Wallis and Darina Kerr provide additional depth to the bench.

Under the joint leadership of Andrew Hall and David Mitchell, the property and infrastructure team at Shepherd and Wedderburn is well-reputed for the support it offers in high-value real estate deals, in both domestic and cross-border transactions. The team has expertise in acquisition support, property sales and real estate portfolio management. Hall is equipped to handle the full gamut of work in the real estate space, representing housebuilders and renewable energy clients alike, while Mitchell is particularly active in leisure and retail-related matters. Other key lawyers in the team include Judith Stephenson, Scott Ritchie and Emma Guthrie.

Burges Salmon LLP is well reputed for its expertise in the renewable energy space; the commercial property team is also well-regarded in hotel acquisition and development work. Led by Robert Forman, the team is well regarded in portfolio management, property refinancings and real estate due diligence mandates, while Forman works for all key stakeholders and is equipped to advise on the full gamut of commercial property work. The team is strengthened further by Fay Lamb and Matthew Bruce.

The ‘efficient and knowledgeable’ real estate arm of Morton Fraser MacRoberts possesses a wealth of experience in acquisitions and transactional matters. Michael Ramsay leads the practice and regularly advises on high-value domestic and cross-border property sales, while Chris McLeish ‘goes the extra mile’ for clients, acting for blue-chip investment clients and hospitality groups. Kelsey Gibson has recently assisted clients with the negotiation of purchase contracts and the review of leases. The team is also noted for its capabilities representing large retail groups.

Spearheaded by Katharine Hardie, the commercial real estate practice at Pinsent Masons LLP assists international corporations and other blue-chip clients with portfolio acquisitions, transactional support and project developments. Hardie’s broad skillset is compounded by her specific expertise in the private sector, while Russell Munro excels at project development work, most recently contributing towards major proposals in the transport sector. Paul Connolly regularly advises banks and other institutional investors on a variety of transactional matters, while Jennifer Ballantyne is the team’s energy expert. The team is strengthened further with Lesley-Anne Todd, who manages large-scale property portfolios, and David Ross, who is making a name in Scotland’s growing renewable energy market. In 2024, both Ewan Alexander and Rodney Whyte retired, while Martin Devine left the team.

Shoosmiths‘ real estate team possesses 'very good industry knowledge and experience’, handling build-to-rent deals, commercial property purchases and real estate due diligence. Advising investors, developers and retailers, the practice contributes to large-scale residential, retail and industrial projects. The team is led by Barry McKeown, who is well-regarded for his abilities in development financing and corporate real estate support. The team is strengthened by the ‘very knowledgeable’ Lyndsey O’Connor and Robin Mitchell, who is a commercial leasing specialist. Rachel Munro is another key name in the team.

Anderson Strathern is praised by clients for its ‘excellent knowledge’ of the real estate sector, assisting with financing, project development and leasing matters. The team, which is spearheaded by Anne McGregor, is active in leisure, retail and mixed-use development projects. McGregor has a broad skillset and is particularly well known for her involvement in high-value leasing matters, while Euan Mellor is a key contact for public sector authorities looking for transactional real estate support.

Led by Nicola Scott and Andrew Chalmers in Glasgow and Edinburgh, respectively, the practice at Davidson Chalmers Stewart excels across the spectrum of property work, with notable expertise in the housing, health and social care sectors. Chalmers counts investment funds, developers and leisure operators among his clients, while Scott focuses on transactional work. Other key names include Bruce Lancaster, who focuses on development work, and Andy Tyler, who is active in the student accommodation arena.

The real estate team at DLA Piper possesses a wealth of transactional expertise which extends from acquisitional support and portfolio management work to property sales and refinancing facilities. The team, which is led by Drew Wallace, is active in the retail, office, energy and leisure sectors. Wallace is well regarded by property investors for his ability to handle the full gamut of real estate matters, while Steve Edgecombe is noted for his expertise in the management of commercial and hospitality assets. The ‘hugely experienced’ Finlay Campbell deepens the bench.

Gillespie Macandrew LLP has an active and ‘knowledgeable’ real estate practice, which is well-reputed for commercial property refinancing work, title deed reviews, and contractual negotiations. Department head Kenneth Irons is particularly well known for his involvement in the retail and energy sector, while Harry Smith leverages his construction expertise to assist housebuilders and property developers. Andrew Leslie is another well-regarded lawyer in the team.

Lindsays‘ real estate arm ‘stands out for its exceptional strength in due diligence’ and is also adept at handling a litany of matters related to real estate acquisitions. The team maintains a strong presence in the hospitality, retail, healthcare and charity sectors. The group is led by Derek Nash, who excels in leasing matters and property refinancings, and is strengthened by Clare Wilson, who frequently offers corporate real estate support, and Kenny Gray, who is an investment specialist.

Paul Jennings leads the team of ‘commercially aware’ solicitors at Aberdein Considine, which advises on a litany of transactional real estate matters. Retailers, property developers and financiers rely on the practice for acquisition support and asset management. The ‘extremely efficient’ Jennings assists with leasing matters, while David Orr excels at portfolio management and real estate financing matters. The bench is deepened by Chris Richardson and Nigel Eccles.

Blackadders LLP has a strong track record in healthcare real estate mandates and remains involved in the energy, housebuilding and leisure sectors, under the leadership of Neil Robb. The ‘extremely knowledgeable’ John Elder frequently assists with portfolio sales, title transfers and the purchase of renewable energy schemes. Andrew Yule works on both the tenant and landlord side and is the first point of call for clients looking to purchase holiday parks. Leanne Hill joined the team from Pinsent Masons LLP  in July 2024.

BTO Solicitors LLP advises investors, tenants and developers, with a strong focus on the energy, retail and leisure sectors. Department head Nicholas McBride assists with portfolio acquisitions and lease negotiations, while Scott Buchan leverages extensive commercial real estate expertise in his practice. They are supported by Jane Steel and Graeme Kelly. John Dunlop joined the firm from Shoosmiths in December 2024.

Dentons fields a team with broad expertise in the real estate sector, with a strong record of covering transactions and operational matters for a range of prominent clients. The team is active throughout the UK and internationally, as well as assisting clients working within Scotland. Leading the team is Brian Hutcheson, who has almost 30 years' experience in the practice area, and handles a broad range of issues including leases, acquisitions, and the management of large-scale property portfolios. Working with Hutcheson are Susan Gillon, noted for her strength in cross-border work, and Liam McCabe, who has notable experience in real estate issues in the telecoms sector.

The real estate team at Eversheds Sutherland ‘provides logical advice’ to banks, international corporations, investment firms and property developers. Steven Dick leads the team and is particularly well versed in the acquisition of student accommodation. Fiona Linklater excels at commercial leasing matters for both tenants and landlords, while Alisdair Jamieson is a key name in the practice; Jamieson frequently negotiates settlement agreements and sale contracts.

Harper Macleod LLP is home to real estate lawyers who possess extensive experience in retail, investment and industrial matters. The practice is jointly led by Caroline Summers, who is noted for her capabilities in retail leasing matters, and Chris Noble, who has recently been involved in a wealth of hospitality and leisure projects. John Meehan, who has wide-ranging experience in all aspects of commercial property law. In April 2024, Alexis Condie joined the team from Dentons, and Limor Wolfe left the firm.

Bellwether Green assists international investment clients, listed companies and real estate corporations with refinancing matters, portfolio sales and development projects. Under the purview of John Bingham, the team has a strong track record in the hospitality, financial services and conventional energy sectors. Bingham is noted for his capabilities in advising on debt transactions and joint ventures, and Steven Templeton is praised by clients for his ‘bespoke solutions’.

The ‘extremely knowledgeable and experienced’ Gary Thomas spearheads the real estate arm of Thorntons Law LLP. The team handles the full range of commercial real estate matters, demonstrating particular proficiency in industrial property sales, site acquisitions and title deed reviews. Thomas is particularly active on the transactional real estate side, while Aimee Gibbons is noted for her capabilities in leasing matters.

The real estate team at TLT offers ‘extensive and diverse legal expertise’ to clients in the hospitality, retail, and food and beverage sectors. The ‘outstanding’ Andrew McCowan leads the team and is noted for his capabilities advising on real estate portfolio purchases, leasing transactions and contractual negotiations. Other key members of the team include Donna Strong, Brian Armour and Howard Beach.

At Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP, the group is active throughout the real estate space with notable knowledge of mandates in the retail sector, development-related land acquisitions and issues relating to industrial units. Other key areas of sector focus span the hospitality, leisure, healthcare and renewables industries. Michael Dewar leads the practice and is a go-to name for owner-managed and family businesses. Joanne Ockrim is singled out for matters throughout the UK, and Gillian Cowie handles mandates relating to telecoms network infrastructure.