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Brunton Miller remains a strong force in licensing, particularly on the Scottish West Coast. Douglas Dalgleish, Frank Collins and Archie Maciver are recommended.

Lindsays enjoyed a busy year in 2010, and recruited consultant John Batters, whose ‘knowledge is second to none’. Stephen McGowan joined from Tods Murray.

The expertise of Jack Cummins at R & JM Hill Brown & Co remains highly sought after. The firm has a broad client base and particular strength in the retail sector; clients include Tesco, Morrisons and The Co-operative.

Harper Macleod LLP has a ‘strong understanding of the commercial implications of any licensing work’. Clients include William Hill, Greene King and BP Oil. Graeme Nisbet and Andrew Hunter are key individuals, with licensing, gaming and betting expertise.

McGrigors LLP’s licensing team offers expertise to clients such as Gala Casinos, Hilton Hotels, PizzaExpress and Prezzo. Senior associate Audrey Ferrie heads the team and is praised for her ‘good, practical knowledge, consistency, dedication and results’.

Morton Fraser’s licensing practice, headed by David Hossack, provides ‘an excellent service on a wide range of topics’. It recently won licensing work outsourced by the City of Edinburgh Council. Other key clients include Travelodge and Heineken.

Anderson Strathern saw an increased volume of liquor and later-hour-catering licence work, and acts for clients including McDonald’s and the National Trust for Scotland, although practice head Frank Gill recently left the firm.

Brodies LLP’s ‘efficient, helpful and accommodating’ licensing team earned instructions from new clients such as Giraffe, Prezzo and Café Rouge. Alex Buchan heads the team.

Burness LLP won renewal of its appointment to advise Ladbrokes on all licensing matters. Key individuals include Gary Moffat and senior associate Diane Turner, who heads the team.

Delivering a ‘superb service’, DLA Piper Scotland LLP’s licensing practice forms part of the firm’s wider UK licensing team. Clients include Rezidor Hotel Group, Santander and Shanti Hospitality Group. Stephen Dick is the main contact.

Gillespie Macandrew LLP’s Andrew Williams is a highly regarded expert for liquor and civic government licensing matters.

Maclay Murray & Spens LLP’s clients include House of Fraser and the Hammerson Group. Ewan Easton is the main contact.

Shepherd and Wedderburn advises Sainsbury’s on all its licensing requirements. Team head Hugh Smith has particular expertise in the leisure sector.

Tods Murray LLP provides ‘excellent advice’ to clients such as the Scotch Malt Whiskey Society, although it saw the departure of Stephen McGowan to Lindsays. Elaine Brailsford heads the team.

Joanna Brynes and Tom Johnston at Young & Partners are well-respected licensing experts.

Blackadders LLP in Dundee is recommended.

Brechin Tindal Oatts has licensing capability in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Graham Cooper is the main contact at Ledingham Chalmers LLP.

Thorntons Law LLP in Forfar is recommended.

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