Hall Of Fame

Next Generation Partners

Projects in Scotland

CMS

CMS has established a market-leading projects practice, instrumental in many of Scotland’s most ambitious transport, low carbon, social infrastructure and healthcare projects, and is experiencing continued growth in mandates related to 5G infrastructure and decarbonisation. Practice head Ailsa Ritchie advises across the full project life-cycle, from pre-procurement planning and strategy through to project structuring and business development. Amanda Methven’s expertise spans key areas such as procurement, commercial strategy and complex disputes, while Eleanor Lane is a specialist regarding public-private partnerships (PPPs), public service concessions and strategic outsourcing projects, especially in the marine sector. Below partner level, senior associate Fiona Scott has a solid reputation for large-scale infrastructure projects, from bid stage through to final close.

Practice head(s):

Ailsa Ritchie


Other key lawyers:

Amanda Methven; Eleanor Lane; Fiona Scott


Testimonials

‘The team offer direct legal advice when sought, which any new client would benefit from.’

‘There is a sense of partnership when working on complex projects that is greatly appreciated, and deadlines are always met.’

‘CMS are always exceptionally professional and give that little extra when required.’

Key clients

Transport Scotland


Scottish Water


bp


Commissioner for Northern Lighthouses / Northern Lighthouse Board


Hub East Central Scotland Limited


Scottish Borders Council


MoD


NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde


Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT)


SP Transmission, Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission PLC, National Grid Electricity Transmission PLC


Galliford Try Construction Limited


Work highlights


  • Advising Scottish Water on its capital investment programme SR2021-2027 Water and on a broad range of matters including its PFI portfolio of nine wastewater projects, procurement, construction, disputes, corporate/joint ventures, regulatory matters and property and employment issues.
  • Advising the Commissioners for Northern Lighthouses, to advise on the procurement of a vessel to replace the NLV Pole Star.
  • Advising Scottish Borders Council on its procurement of two new secondary schools and a new combined primary school and GP practice.

Pinsent Masons LLP

Leveraging a comprehensive network that spans Europe, Africa, The Gulf and Asia Pacific, the projects practice at Pinsent Masons LLP offers specialists in all of the key sub-sectors including energy, infrastructure, and real estate developments. Stuart Barr heads the Scottish team and is highly active across the UK and Ireland when advising on operational projects and those in procurement, as well as dispute avoidance and resolution. Transactional construction specialist Michael Allan is experienced in conventional, renewable and nuclear energy projects, while Victoria Miller regularly advises large portfolios of funds and funders in relation to the management of complex operational assets. Legal director Chris Owens specialises in student accommodation and regularly advises both public and private sector clients.

Practice head(s):

Stuart Barr; Graham Alty (London)


Other key lawyers:

Michael Allan; Victoria Miller; Chris Owens


Testimonials

‘The projects team provides clear advice setting out the current position, but also suggesting options for the way forward to resolve issues. This pragmatism and understanding of the sectors in which they operate sets them apart from other firms.’

‘The projects team shows great resilience in seeing issues through from start to finish, often in challenging circumstances.’

‘Stuart Barr is an outstanding leader of both his team and other parties involved in projects.’

Key clients

Morgan Sindall plc


Edinburgh Trams Limited


Balfour Beatty plc


Galliford Try plc


Aberdeen Standard Investments


Kajima Partnerships Limited


Veolia Group


Aviva


Foresight Group


Saur Services (Glasgow) Limited


Hub South West Limited


University of York


University of Sussex


Royal Holloway, University of London


University of Birmingham


London School of Economics


Kingston NHS Hospital Trust


National Westminster Bank Plc Allied Irish Banks and Banco Sabadell


University of London


Ministry of Justice


Transport Infrastructure Ireland


City of Edinburgh Council


Port of Aberdeen


Integrated Health Solutions Lothian


ELWA Limited


Aberdeen Roads Limited


Equitix Limited


Sisk PPP Investments Limited


Hub South West Scotland Limited


Dalmore Capital Limited


Healthcare Centres PPP Limited


Arcus Infrastructure Partners


Nationwide


Winchburgh Developments Limited


Lloyds Banking Group


Diamond Transmission Hornsea One Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised the sponsors Equitix Limited and Sisk PPP Investments Limited on the financial close of this 14-site PPP Scheme procured by the Irish Health Services Executive.
  • Assisted Winchburgh Developments Limited with one of the largest and most exciting placemaking projects currently underway in the UK.
  • Representing the Project Company, Integrated Health Solutions Lothian, on a public inquiry which was announced in summer 2019. The client was engaged by National Health Services, Lothian for the construction of the new Royal Hospital for Children and Young People and Department of Clinical Neurosciences.

Brodies LLP

One of the largest practices, if not the largest in Scotland’, Brodies LLP acts on the full lifespan of PPP and Private Finance Initiative (PFI) projects across the UK and Ireland, servicing a diverse range of major public and private clients. The practice is well known for its market-leading public law, finance and procurement expertise, and head of infrastructure Drysdale Graham has a particular focus on advising project sponsors and funders. Michael Stoneham leads the energy and infrastructure finance group, utilising his extensive project finance expertise across a broad range of sectors including healthcare, education, transport and housing. Stuart Murray was promoted to partner in May 2022, with his experience working on Scotland’s hub programme of social accommodation procurement being ‘second to none’.

Practice head(s):

Drysdale Graham; Michael Stoneham


Other key lawyers:

Stuart Murray


Testimonials

‘The team’s considerable experience in this field allows it to draw on that experience to shape and direct focussed advice with realistic, workable solutions.’

‘There does not seem to be much that they have not encountered or seen before, allowing a pragmatic approach to difficult issues and value for money advice.’

‘Brodies experience representing various parties within the construction contract (DBDA) ensures the ability to give sound advice tailored to the client’s needs.’

‘Stuart Murray’s knowledge of the form of contract is second to none, providing outstanding support to his clients.’

‘Brodies LLP are an excellent practice to work with, they give a very professional no fuss service and do not waste time discussing non issues.’

‘Stuart Murray has an outstanding approach to client relationships and delivers solutions to complex investment projects and is a great person to work with.’

‘The team act in a very professional way and have a high level of expertise. Their understanding and recognition of commercial challenges is largely unmatched by other firms, therefore solutions are found quickly.’

‘Stuart Murray’s good-natured approach coupled with his expertise and sector knowledge means that he is an automatic go-to for advice.’

Key clients

Scottish Water


Equitix


Hub South East Scotland Limited


Falkirk Council


Robertson Facilities Management Limited


Nord LB


European Investment Bank


Perth & Kinross Council


Dumfries and Galloway Council


Aberdeenshire Council


Galliford Try Investments Limited


Robertson Construction


WCHS DBFM Co Limited


Nord Landesbank Gironzentrale


North Lanarkshire Council


Work highlights


  • Advising Falkirk Council on its bundled PFI schools contract (the first to be executed in Scotland) as it nears the end of the concession period.
  • Appointed as sole legal advisor to Hub South East Scotland Limited on its £853m social infrastructure programme as well as advising a number of local government, investor and contractor clients on operational projects across all five of Scotland’s Hub Territories.
  • Acting for Nord LB, Bank of Ireland and European Investment Bank in its delivery of the €250m Irish Community Nursing Units PPP Project.

Burness Paull LLP

Burness Paull LLP is especially well regarded for its skill regarding public sector projects, where in addition to significant projects for NHS Lothian and hub West, the firm has been sought after by the Scottish Futures Trust to advise on template drafting and project structures, recently developing standard form documentation in relation to public electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Gavin Paton is a key figure, regularly handling secondary market sales and purchases on project finance deals; Andrew Little was promoted to partner in August 2022 and is an accredited specialist in construction law, while director Chris Horsley has extensive expertise in projects, energy and commercial contracts. James Forbes is adept at handling large capital infrastructure projects and is active across a number of sectors including education, waste, roads and healthcare. Former team head Chris MacKay retired in January 2023.

Practice head(s):

Gavin Paton; Chris Horsley; Andrew Little


Other key lawyers:

James Forbes


Testimonials

‘We have worked with the Burness team for a number of years, and their expertise and knowledge of our business makes their contribution invaluable.’

‘The key experience we rely on is dispute Resolution, and the Burness team are particularly strong in developing strategies with us to minimise the commercial impact to our business.’

‘Experience and knowledge of our business are the key attributes that we have sought from Burness.’

‘James Forbes’ understanding of our business goals has been a significant benefit to us.’

‘Chris Horsley’s experience and guidance on dealing with shareholders and creditors cannot be underestimated.’

Key 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


Wilmington Trust (London) Limited


Work highlights


  • Acting for long-standing client Scottish Futures Trust, national infrastructure centre of expertise, on developing standard form documentation (including contracts between Local Authorities wishing to collaborate on projects and between Local Authorities and Private Sector Contractors) for its Public Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure funding programme.
  • Advising Port of Cromarty Firth on the £31m Phase 4 development of Invergordon Service Base and Phase 5 to invest around £150m plan in developing additional infrastructure to effectively double the size of its existing capacity to meet the huge rise in renewable energy needs.
  • Advising hub West Scotland on a phased Design and Build Development Agreement (DBDA) project to develop a new North East Health Hub on a site near Parkhead, Glasgow.

Dentons

Dentons combines both breadth and depth of expertise when advising a particularly diverse range of private and public sector clients, including lenders and investors, both domestically and internationally. Euan Wilson is one of those spearheading the practice, specialising in large infrastructure and project finance such as PFIs and hub transactions.

Practice head(s):

Euan Wilson


Key clients

Her Majesty’s Government and the Official Receiver to Carillion plc


Semperian


Sir Robert McAlpine


Morgan Sindall Investments


3i Infrastructure


Network Rail


Tfl (Transport for London)


Infrastructure Managers Limited


Dalmore Capital


Ministry of Defence


Amey


Envac UK


Department for Education


Blue Transmission


Consort Healthcare (Edinburgh Royal Infirmary) Ltd


World Bank


Ofwat


Consort Healthcare (Durham) Limited


ISS Mediclean


Resolis


Consort Healthcare (Birmingham) Limited


Fife Health Board


Ayrshire Hospitals Limited


Stonehouse Hospitals Limited


Pale Blue Dot


Work highlights


  • Advised Semperian on the purchase of 3 major toll road interests in Ireland from DIF.
  • Advising on the c.£4bn project development of the Acorn Carbon Capture & Storage project in Scotland.
  • Supporting BIIF Infrastructure fund with the transitioning (to date) of 47 LIBOR-based project financings to SONIA with further projects still to transition.

DLA Piper

Servicing a broad range of clients from multinational companies to large public and private organisations, DLA Piper utilises a strong international presence to advise on significant Scottish projects, including key strategic and operational advice on large infrastructure PPP projects. Lillian Mackenzie heads up the firm’s Scottish finance projects and restructuring practice, widely regarded in the market as an authority on PPPs.

Practice head(s):

Lillian Mackenzie


Key clients

Welsh Government


Velindre University NHS Trust


Biffa


Work highlights


  • Advising Velindre University NHS Trust on its multi-million-pound pathfinder MIM healthcare project, involving the design, build, finance and maintenance of a new Cancer Centre.
  • Advising Biffa Waste Services Limited as the preferred bidder appointed to deliver the Deposit Return Scheme in Scotland, due to launch in August 2023.
  • Advising the Welsh Ministers on the procurement of the £1.5bn Welsh Education Partnership (WEP) Strategic Partnering Delivery Model for the delivery of education and community facilities in Wales, including through mutual investment model (MIM).

MacRoberts LLP

MacRoberts LLP is an independent firm which supports its clients ‘all the way’ throughout their projects, regularly advising on the project finance aspects of infrastructure projects including PFIs, PPPs and Mutual Investment Models (MIMs). Catering to major sponsors, funders, contractors and public sector clients, practice head Rod Munro is highly respected across a wide array of sectors from accommodation and schools to health and social infrastructure. Project finance specialist Duncan Osler focuses on the public sector and the procurement of hospital, school and transport projects, while Jennifer McKay is highly experienced in complex project disputes. Legal director Ben Powell departed in late 2022 to join Brodies LLP.

Practice head(s):

Rod Munro


Other key lawyers:

Duncan Osler; Jennifer McKay


Testimonials

‘They are simply with you all the way in whatever issue you are trying to resolve.’

‘The team is very approachable, and interact very well between themselves, and with different disciplines within the organisation if required.’

‘They set out the scope of works and fees in an easy-to-understand way and proactively provide updates and options should further work be required.’

Key clients

Scottish Government


NHS Lothian


NHS Highland


NHS Tayside


NHS Orkney


NHS Lanarkshire


Glasgow City Council


Transport Scotland


Scottish Prison Service


Police Scotland


The Edinburgh Schools Partnership (Abrdn; Dalmore; Semperian)


3ED Glasgow Limited (Abrdn; Dalmore; Semperian)


ECG Facilities Services Limited


Lloyds Bank


M&G


Claymore Roads Limited (Morgan Sindall Investments; InfraRed)


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


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


Robertson Group


Shanks


Scottish Water


SSE plc


Work highlights


  • Acting as legal advisers to 3ED Glasgow Limited on the Glashow Schools PPP Project – the largest multi-site Schools PPP Project in Scotland – on multiple variations for the enhancement of various Schools sites by the procurement, installation and construction of new teaching and sports facilities.
  • Acting as legal advisers to the Scottish Ministers on the nationalisation of the ScotRail Franchise – the Scottish Government’s, a contract with a value of £6bn.
  • Acting for NHS Lothian in multiple disputes with the PFI company, Consort Healthcare, the project company on the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh PFI Project.

Shepherd and Wedderburn

Shepherd and Wedderburn is heavily involved in major PFI and PPP projects in Scotland and throughout the UK, advising on all aspects of projects including procurement, construction and disputes. Best-known for his work with public sector, private sector and funder clients, practice head Stephen Colliston regularly handles projects across a wide range of sectors such as healthcare, street lighting, waste, education and energy. Nigel Sievwright is also a key contact and his expertise covers the design, build, finance and maintenance of projects.

Practice head(s):

Stephen Colliston


Other key lawyers:

Nigel Sievwright


Testimonials

‘They have depth of expertise, especially in regard to non-financial contracts and regulations.’

‘The team is pragmatic and takes a flexible approach, with a readiness to float innovative/unorthodox solutions.’

‘They seriously endeavour to understand where the client needs expert advice and support.’

Key clients

Balfour Beatty Construction Limited


City of Edinburgh Council


Acciona Industrial S.A.


Moray Offshore Wind Farm (West) Limited


Offshore Wind Power Limited


West Lothian Council


South Ayrshire Council


Consort Healthcare (Blackburn) Limited


Amey Community Limited


InfraRed Capital Limited


Work highlights


  • Acting for Acciona Industrial in connection with £680m London Energy From Waste Facility.
  • Advising West Lothian Council in relation to hub projects for schools in West Lothian.
  • Advising South Ayrshire Council on hub DBDA projects.

Anderson Strathern

Anderson Strathern has a proven track record in acting on significant public sector projects, advising clients across a number of key sectors including transport, education and renewable energy. Construction specialist Karyn Watt is a trusted advisor to public and private sector clients on complex procurement issues, while Martin Whiteford specialises in renewables and infrastructure projects, regularly handling significant wind, hydrogen and tidal developments. Public sector group head Audrey Cameron and commercial contract specialist Pat Loftus are also key contacts.

Practice head(s):

Karyn Watt; Martin Whiteford; Pat Loftus; Audrey Cameron


Testimonials

‘A very-experienced, approachable, professional and diligent team.’

‘They are great to work with. The team are integral to the success of a complex deal.’

‘Very competent team who all have a very good grasp of this area of the law and are very alert to client needs.’

Key clients

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


University of the Highlands and Islands


Inovyn & Ineos


Vento Ludens Limited


Axcel Hospitality Management


Buccleuch Group


Peter D Stirling Ltd and Trustees of I D Meiklam


Fife Council


Crown Estate Scotland


Cireco (Scotland) LLP


Eco-Projects IOM


Oak & Green (O&G Group)


Ripple Energy


Eurowind Energy


European Energy A/S


Locogen Limited


Greenforty Development Limited


Work highlights


  • Advising Woking Borough Council and Victoria Square Woking Limited, as the developers of the Victoria Square Woking project on all construction matters. This project includes 125,000 sq ft of commercial space, two thirty-storey residential towers, a district heating network and a hotel.
  • Advising Midlothian Council on the development of a major ski centre and related infrastructure.
  • Advising Fife Council on a new “super campus”, incorporating two High Schools and Fife College. This is a large project and we understand that this will be the first of this type of campus in Scotland involving secondary and tertiary education.

Harper Macleod LLP

With ‘great depth of knowledge in the PPP market’, Harper Macleod LLP has a strong reputation for projects related to the Scottish hub initiative, Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP) funded projects, and PFI secondary market deals. Practice head Euan Pirie has extensive experience of handling complex construction, engineering and infrastructure projects, while senior associate Catriona Kemp is well regarded for financing and corporate projects capabilities, with a particular strength in the student accommodation sub-sector.

Practice head(s):

Euan Pirie


Other key lawyers:

Catriona Kemp


Testimonials

‘Highly experienced in the PFI environment and always able to distill complex contractual issues into terms that can be easily understood. Strong knowledge of current issues and developments.’

‘Euan Pirie is highly capable and hard working and will go the extra mile as a matter of routine. He is able to explain very complex issues and find innovative solutions to resolve matters much quicker than had been anticipated.’

‘Harper Macleod has a great depth of knowledge in the PPP market which makes them the go-to practice.’

‘Euan Pirie’s knowledge of the PPP market is invaluable, and he uses his vast experience on each of the projects he undertakes.’

‘They are very close to the local market, with experience of working on all sides of transactions. This enables the team to provide tailored advice with full understanding of other parties’ drivers and points of view.’

‘Clients get genuine partner time and engagement, which is important in moving projects / matters forward in desired timescales.’

‘Our main contact and key person is Euan Pirie, who is generally very busy, but manages to find time to ensure a high-quality service is provided.’

‘Euan Pirie is constantly looking to innovate.’

Key clients

Angus Council


Ayrshire & Arran Health Board


Fife Council


Forestry and Land Scotland


Forth Health Limited


Glasgow City Council


Hub North Scotland Limited


Lanarkshire Health Board


National Library of Scotland


North Ayrshire Council


NYOP Education (Aberdeen) Limited


Orbital Express Launch Limited


Providence Gate Group Holdings Limited/Providence Gate Saulmore Bay Limited


University of St Andrews


Work highlights


  • Advising Providence Gate Group Holdings Limited on a proposed £100m+ project located near Oban on the west course of Scotland that is on course to be one of Scotland’s most prominent “high end” golf, hotel, leisure and residential developments.
  • Advising North Ayrshire Council on the LEIP-funded Ardrossan Community Campus, one of Scotland’s largest and highest value PassivHaus projects.
  • Advising Fife Council on the procurement of one of Scotland’s largest council house building projects in recent years.