Brodies LLP ‘possesses strength in depth when it comes to construction specialists’, advising clients in the energy, housebuilding and technology sectors under the joint supervision of Louise Shiels and Jane McMonagle. As a key member of the firm’s contentious construction offering, Shiels ‘leads by example’, frequently working on high-value court actions and public inquiries. The team’s wealth of disputes experience is highlighted through Manus Quigg, a talented arbitrator, and David Arnott, who has considerable experience with defects claims. Christopher Duff offers ‘clear and practical advice’ to public authorities, healthcare clients and energy corporations. McMonagle spearheads the transactional arm of the team and regularly handles complex building agreements. This side of the team is bolstered by Alistair McLean, who regularly assists with cross-border projects, and Kirsteen Milne, who has built a reputation in handling new engineering contracts (NEC).
Construction in Scotland
Brodies LLP
Responsables de la pratique:
Louise Shiels; Jane McMonagle
Autres avocats clés:
Christopher Duff; David Arnott; Alistair McLean; Manus Quigg; Kirsteen Milne
Les références
‘A close-knit team who all operate at a top level. Personal yet professional, and they deliver fantastic service to their clients.’
‘One of the leading firms for construction disputes. Louise Shiels is excellent.’
‘Louise Shiels leads by example with her unparalleled work ethic. She runs a very talented team who are the ‘go-to’ in the market.’
Principaux clients
Drum Property Group
McLaughlin & Harvey Ltd
Aggreko
Robertson Construction Group
Multiplex Construction Europe Ltd
Amey Group PLC
Balfour Beatty
Galliford Try
Kier Group Limited
NG Bailey
Winvic
EQT Exeter
Am Trust Europe Limited
Farrans
FES
OCS
Principaux dossiers
- Acting on behalf of the design and build contractor, Multiplex, in relation to the public inquiry on the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and Royal Hospital for Sick Children.
- Advising Last Mile (and related companies) on its deal with Dagenham Green Limited (a joint venture between Hill Group and Peabody) to deliver electricity and water connections at the Dagenham Green Development.
- Acting for FES Limited in a dispute with HFD Construction Group Limited regarding the construction of a major office development in Glasgow.
CMS
The construction team at CMS 'employs a personable and commercial approach’ to assist energy, healthcare, property development and education clients with complex contentious and non-contentious matters. Leadership is shared between the ‘formidable’ Shona Frame, whose varied caseload encompasses fire cladding litigation, defect claims and arbitration, and Christine Worthington, who is a transactional specialist who often works with international real estate investors. Fenella Mason is a key contact for clients wishing to resolve contractual disputes, while Christopher Dickson is adept at handling complex procurement matters and large-scale transportation projects. Laura West has a strong track record in alternative dispute resolution, and Caroline Maciver joined the firm from Burness Paull LLP in October 2024.
Responsables de la pratique:
Shona Frame; Christine Worthington
Autres avocats clés:
Chiara Pieri; Fenella Mason; Christopher Dickson; Laura West; Karen Cossar; Caroline Maciver
Les références
‘I have worked with Shona Frame on several occasions and have always found her level of knowledge, calm and composed demeanor and practical approach to be beneficial in all situations. Definitely someone you would want on your side.’
‘The firm stands out for its specialised expertise in construction, ensuring tailored solutions for clients. The team’s strong track record and collaborative culture foster innovative approaches to problem-solving.’
‘The team employs a personable and commercial approach.’
Principaux clients
AIMCO
EDF
Scottish Water
Northern Ireland Water
Land Securities
Tilbury Douglas
Balfour Beatty
Galliford Try
Multiplex
Laing O’Rourke
AEW
Cadent Gas
Nuveen
Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN)
Scottish Government
Tarmac
City of Edinburgh Council
UBS
Renfrewshire Council
Abrdn
Curlew Capital
WSP
Commercial Estates Group
Serco Group
Robertson Construction Group Limited
University of Glasgow
Heriot Watt University
SGN Group Companies
National Grid
SSE Group Companies
Columbia Threadneedle Group Limited
South Lanarkshire Council
Moray Council
Unite
Tristan Capital
Garbe
LBA Realty
Firethorn
Phoenix
University of St Andrews
East Renfrewshire Council
National Galleries of Scotland
Pradera
Rothschild
Arrow
Brockwell
HFD
Iquony
Vantage RE
Vantage DC
Mercury Engineering
John Graham Construction Limited
OCS
Sanctuary Housing Association
Beech Grove Homes Limited
North Kyle Wind Farm
South Kyle Wind Farm
WH Malcolm
Principaux dossiers
- Advising Scottish Power on a £5bn+ procurement of framework agreements for overhead lines and sub-stations as part of the delivery of the biggest rewiring of the GB electricity grid since its inception.
- Advised Derwent on the development of Lochfaulds Solar Farm.
- Advised Unite on the delivery of two major newly built Student accommodation schemes in Scotland – £59m Scheme in Edinburgh and a £126m scheme in Glasgow.
Pinsent Masons LLP
The ‘very hard working’ construction team at Pinsent Masons LLP excels at handling transactional matters for energy, infrastructure and residential real estate clients. The practice possesses a wealth of financial expertise, advising on joint credit facilities and contractual matters. The department is jointly chaired by Michael Allan, who is adept at handling the full gamut of commercial construction matters, and Louise Forster, who spearheads the contentious disputes offering. Forster has recently worked on public inquiries and contractual terminations, while Colin Fraser is particularly well known for his infrastructure work, assisting clients with delay claims and logistical disputes. Nicholas Carlin has helped develop the firm’s growing reputation in the renewable energy market, often advising on supply chain arrangements.
Responsables de la pratique:
Louise Forster; Michael Allan
Autres avocats clés:
Colin Fraser; Iain Macphail; Neal Anderson; Nicholas Carlin
Les références
‘It’s the individuals who make the difference.’
‘Very hard working, committed and an appreciation of the commercial issues which can influence tactical decisions.’
‘Very experienced and knowledgeable on specialisms.’
Principaux clients
City of Edinburgh Council
Balfour Beatty
BP plc
Port of Aberdeen
Scottish National Investment Bank
Lloyds Banking Group
Galliford Try/Morrison
Harper Collins
AXA Group
Bilfinger Berger
Winchburgh Developments Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Scottish National Investment Bank on the construction contracts relevant to its share of the funding 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.
- Representing the Project Company, IHSL, in the public inquiry relative to the construction of the new Royal Hospital for Children and Young People and Department of Clinical Neurosciences in Edinburgh.
- Acting for Lloyds Banking Group in its plans to transform its Edinburgh city centre site into a state-of-the-art innovation hub.
Shepherd and Wedderburn
Shepherd and Wedderburn is active in domestic and cross-border construction projects, and is well equipped ‘to support in any matter’ related to the public, energy and real estate sectors. Under the supervision of Euan McLeod, the team’s varied caseload ranges from procurement issues to drafting and negotiating construction agreements. McLeod has recently advised local councils on high-value development projects, while ‘skilled negotiator’ Paul Young handles a range of work for international private sector clients. Euan Murray is highly active in renewable energy infrastructure projects.
Responsables de la pratique:
Euan McLeod
Autres avocats clés:
Paul Young; Euan Murray; Lauren Thomson
Les références
‘Paul Young is a fantastic adviser and has our utmost trust. His relaxed and good-natured personality conceals a fiercely smart and skilled negotiator and adviser.’
‘The construction team can support in any manner from being a back office taking care of specific issues to taking care of reviewing and negotiating large infrastructure contracts. They know the law, the business and the market!’
‘Our safe harbour, anchor, beacon, and port of call for contracts under the laws of Scotland, England & Wales.’
Principaux clients
Silverstone Circuits Limited
Canadian Solar
City of Edinburgh Council
AMIDS (Renfrewshire) LLP
International Music and Performing Arts Charitable Trust Scotland
Wheatley Housing Group
Parabola
The Royal and Ancient Golf Club
Baillie Gifford
Molo Hotels
Addleshaw Goddard
Addleshaw Goddard‘s ‘commercial’ construction team is jointly led by Gordon Anderson and Anne Struckmeier, often advising blue-chip clients on innovative development strategies, lending matters and contentious disputes. The ‘very responsive’ Anderson is particularly active in English projects but has recently worked on major offshore wind and solar projects. Struckmeier leads the firm’s contentious offering and is experienced at handling defective design claims and operational performance litigation; she also leverages extensive development and transaction expertise.
Responsables de la pratique:
Anne Struckmeier; Gordon Anderson
Autres avocats clés:
Peter Clyde; Sarah Quinn
Les références
‘The team is very responsive. An extremely personable and commercial team.’
‘Gordon Anderson is extremely responsive and almost an extension of our in-house capability.’
‘The team are very responsive with an appropriate level of resource swiftly applied to queries and tasks as they arise, meaning we get a good quality of service in good time.’
Principaux clients
Scotland Gas Networks plc
SSE
Caudwell Properties
QTS Data Centers
EDPR
Amsprop
Little Houses Group
Maslow
Care Concern
Bywater Properties
Vita Group
Principaux dossiers
- Advising a Scottish public body on a number of high-value complex disputes relating to the construction of an energy plant in Scotland, including time and cost claims.
- Acting for University of Lancaster on the procurement and construction of £21m government funded heat pump energy centre and network, to decarbonise campus and meet climate targets.
- Advising a major Scottish building contractor in relation to large Scottish city centre hotel project, representing it in successful adjudication proceedings and overall dispute resolution.
Harper Macleod LLP
Harper Macleod LLP‘s ‘highly professional’ construction practice advises housing associations, local councils and contractors on a litany of transactional matters. The department is jointly led by Euan Pirie, who offers ‘firm and assured advice’ to renewable energy and infrastructure clients, and Michael Conroy, who is adept at handling payment disputes. Catriona Kemp is noted for her capabilities in public-private partnerships and private finance initiatives.
Responsables de la pratique:
Michael Conroy; Euan Pirie
Autres avocats clés:
Catriona Kemp; Miranda Cannibal
Les références
‘They are highly professional and take great care to provide advice and services in the best interest of their clients.’
‘Euan Pirie has been pro-active and commercially focused, taking a pragmatic position in commercial negotiations.’
‘Euan Pirie has very sound knowledge and is a very good communicator.’
Principaux clients
Caledonia Housing Association
Eildon Housing Association
Fife Council
Hub North Scotland Limited
James Hutton Institute
North Ayrshire Council
Orkney Islands Council
Scottish Borders Housing Association
The City of Edinburgh Council
The Highland Council
Principaux dossiers
- Advising Hub North Scotland Limited in relation to the £1bn ACC Vision Project in Aberdeen.
- Advising the Scottish Government on the establishment of the Safer Buildings Accord.
- Advising Orkney Islands Council in relation to the procurement of the £200m+ Scapa Deep Water Quay Project and other proposed schemes included within the Orkney Harbours Masterplan.
Morton Fraser MacRoberts
Morton Fraser MacRoberts has strong visibility in both public and private sector construction matters, demonstrating particular proficiency in energy, student accommodation and healthcare projects. Department head Jennifer McKay has a contentious background and has recently advised public sector clients on public finance initiative litigation and construction defect cases. Neil Kelly is renowned for his skills in arbitration, while Jonathan Seddon strengthens the team with his contractual expertise.
Responsables de la pratique:
Jennifer McKay
Autres avocats clés:
Jonathan Seddon; Neil Kelly
Les références
‘The Construction team at MFM are quite unique in their deeply collaborative ways of working with us. They have a good all-round level of expertise in Construction law and work in an embedded way with our inhouse teams so that they understand our ways of working very well and our commercial approach.’
‘Personable, highly experienced and skilled practice, with a focus on nurturing relationships by effectively considering clients objectives and tailoring effective and efficient strategies.’
‘Jonathan Seddon: Partner: always very quick to respond, great at facilitating collaborative discussions with others who can help in solving a challenging problem. Always talks with clarity, very approachable, huge depth of knowledge.’
Principaux clients
Diageo
SSE
NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
McConnell Group
NHS Lanarkshire
Scottish Prison Service
McAleer & Rushe
Transport Scotland
Scottish Opera
Chancerygate
Principaux dossiers
- Acting for SSE in relation to its Pathway to 2030 programme.
- Acting for NHS Lanarkshire on the design and construction of the Monklands Replacement Project, which will deliver a new hospital at Wester Moffat in Airdrie, Lanarkshire.
- Acting for NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde in relation to the multi-million pound disputes with Multiplex, Currie & Brown and Capita in relation to the construction of the Queen Elizabeth University hospital and Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow.
Anderson Strathern
Anderson Strathern has a strong pedigree in project development work, drafting asset protection agreements and contentious construction disputes. Pat Loftus, Martin Whiteford and Michael Collins collectively lead the team, which is a key contact for public authorities, international construction companies and contractors. The non-contentious arm is jointly chaired by Loftus, who is particularly well known in the renewables sector, and Whiteford, who is an environmental specialist. Collins, a March 2024 arrival from BTO Solicitors LLP, frequently advises on high-value disputes.
Responsables de la pratique:
Pat Loftus; Martin Whiteford; Michael Collins
Les références
‘Michael Collins is a calm, safe pair of hands who provides thoughtful insight into complex issues. His contributions are much appreciated.’
‘Pat Loftus does a great job for us.’
‘The team are thorough in their investigations into the central issues.’
Principaux clients
Martifer UK Limited / Martifer Metallic Constructions
TFR Weatherproofing Limited
Swisslog (UK) Limited
Midlothian Council
Glasgow Clyde College
Falkirk Council
Stewart K Henderson Building Contractor
RSM UK Restructuring Advisory LLP
Scotland’s Rural College
Axcel Group
Buccleuch Group
University of the Highlands and Islands
Strathclyde University
Eurowind Energy
Victoria Square Woking Limited / Woking Borough Council
S1 Developments Limited
CCG Scotland Limited
J. Smart & Co (Contractors)
Tynecastle Teague Limited
Taylormade Timber Limited
Forma II Lux PropCo 1 S.à.r.l
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Forma II Lux PropCo 1 S.à r.l on development of the Aurora Building.
- Advised Victoria Square Woking Ltd on redevelopment of Woking Town Centre and large extension to the town centre shopping complex, including retail and restaurant space, 3x 30-storey residential towers and hotel with conference centre.
- Advised Tyneside Teague Limited on the development of a former high school to create large-scale student residences (468 beds).
BTO Solicitors LLP
BTO Solicitors LLP‘s construction offering assists housing associations, local authorities and property developers with both contentious and non-contentious work. Strengthening the team, Kieran Thrall and Kate Ross are praised by clients for their ‘clear, thorough, calm and pragmatic’ approach. Ian McCann joined the firm from Shoosmiths in November 2024, and Michael Collins left the firm in March 2024, while Fraser Hopkins departed to Beale & Co in 2025.
Autres avocats clés:
Ian McCann; Kieran Thrall; Kate Ross
Les références
‘Strong partner-led service.’
‘The team are a pleasure to work opposite – they are clever, engaged, exceptionally well organised, swift to respond and we can enter into meaningful, valuable discussions with them.’
‘Kieran Thrall is an excellent communicator, very professional and quick to understand the technical side of our defence.’
Principaux clients
Gilbert-Ash Limited
Clark Contracts Limited
Trelleborg Offshore and Construction AB
Bell Building Projects Limited
AIG Europe
PetroIneos Manufacturing Scotland Limited
Springfield Properties PLC
Allan Water Homes Limited
Loreburn Housing Association Limited
MacTaggart & Mickel Homes Limited
Akela Ground Engineering Limited
Cunninghame Housing Association Limited
New College Lanarkshire
Mactaggart & Mickel Homes England Limited
Partick Housing Association Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Successfully advising a main contractor in a series of five adjudications in relation to a main contract dispute arising from a major office refurbishment work to a Grade A listed building in central London.
- Advising a main contractor in the negotiation of a building contract with a various national housebuilders in relation to life-critical cladding remediation works.
- Successfully acting for a main contractor on various claims at adjudication under a main contract for the design and construction of a student accommodation development in Edinburgh City Centre.
DAC Beachcroft Scotland LLP
The ‘knowledgeable and pragmatic’ construction team at DAC Beachcroft Scotland LLP is very strong at handling contentious disputes for engineering companies, property developers and housebuilders. The team is jointly led by Alistair Dean, who has repeatedly been involved in precedent-setting construction cases, and Jilly Petrie, who has a strong track record in the insurance sector. The team's varied caseload ranges from liquidated damage recoveries and contractual disputes to defects litigation and smash-and-grab adjudications.
Responsables de la pratique:
Alistair Dean; Jilly Petrie
Autres avocats clés:
Salome Nillson; Christy Guthrie; Matthew Raftery
Les références
‘I have mainly worked for Jilly Petrie, who is very knowledgeable and experienced.’
‘Highly knowledgeable and committed team fully committed to the tasks at hand.’
‘The construction team has significant experience and is both knowledgeable and pragmatic in approach.’
Principaux clients
Electrosteel Castings Ltd
ATG Services (Scotland) Limited
George Beattie & Sons Limited
RRH Finance Limited
OCS Group Ltd
JFM Electrical Holdings Ltd
Deans Civil Engineering Ltd
QBE Insurance
Aviva
AIG
Principaux dossiers
- Advised ATG Services (Scotland) Limited on successfully enforcing an adjudication decision in the Court of Session.
- Advised George Beattie & Sons Ltd in its successful appeal before the Sheriff Appeal Court.
- Advising JFM Electrical (Holdings) Ltd in a dispute with GHI Contracts Ltd involving a ‘smash and grab’ adjudication.
Davidson Chalmers Stewart
Davidson Chalmers Stewart represents property developers that are looking for assistance with construction finance issues, contract negotiations and the drafting of ancillary documents. The team is active in the housebuilding, commercial and manufacturing sectors, and key names in the practice include Bruce Lancaster and Andrew Chalmers.
Autres avocats clés:
Bruce Lancaster; Andrew Chalmers
Les références
‘They are clever, super responsive, and trustworthy.’
‘Andrew Chalmers is a standout lawyer. He is super bright but modest and a pleasure to deal with.’
Principaux clients
Tartan Leisure Limited
Chris Stewart Group
VITA Group
Peveril Securities Limited
Scarborough Hermiston Limited
Artfarm Property Limited
Strathcarron Developments Limited
Chemify Limited
Black Sheep Coffee Limited
West Calder and Harburn Community Development Trust
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Tartan Leisure Limited in connection with the design and construction of an inland, artificial surf wavegarden with associated leisure/accommodation facilities in a disused quarry in West Lothian.
- Advising West Calder & Harburn Community Development Trust in connection with its re-development of the iconic Central Bakery building.
- Advising Artfarm Property Limited, the UK investment vehicle for the Wirth family, from initial design and procurement stage onwards, in connection with its substantial refurbishment of former hotel premises in Braemar to create luxury serviced apartments, together with the construction of new-build leisure facilities.
DWF
DWF advises city councils, renewable energy companies, and blue-chip infrastructure clients on a litany of non-contentious construction matters. Jonathan Gaskell assists clients with drafting building contracts, construction due diligence, and project development support. He shares leadership of the team with Katherine Doran, who has a wealth of dispute experience and is well equipped to handle both litigation and arbitration proceedings.
Responsables de la pratique:
Katherine Doran; Jonathan Gaskell
Les références
‘Katherine Doran has strength in the construction field.’
‘Strong team that is well represented at all levels of seniority. Responsive to client demands.’
‘Katherine Doran – approachable, very hard-working – puts in the extra mileage for clients.’
Principaux clients
Ocean Winds
Nordex
Noble Projects
Whitbread
Diamond & Co
Moortown Group
Host Students
Aberdeen City Council
Alumno Group
Maven Capital Partners
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Nordex on the treatment of concurrent delay under Scots law.
- Advised Whitbread/Premier Inn on cladding remediation works and alleged dilapidations at a hotel in Scotland.
- Advising Aberdeen City Council on construction elements of various urban rejuvenation projects.
TLT
As head of the construction practice at TLT, Stacey Cassidy‘s ‘no-nonsense approach’ ensures her team is well placed to advise financial institutions, public authorities, retail entities and property developers. The team remains active in both contentious and transactional matters and frequently assists clients with procurement work, contractual issues and construction diligence. Cassidy handles complex trade contracts and is involved in major student accommodation, historical refurbishment and commercial development projects.
Responsables de la pratique:
Stacey Cassidy
Autres avocats clés:
Alyson Cowan; Hannah Thomson
Les références
‘Stacey Cassidy has a no-nonsense approach.’
‘Excellent service by the TLT team.’
‘‘Simply a straightforward, ‘tough but fair’ approach to negotiations.’