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MacRoberts LLP’s construction team provides ‘tailored industry and legal advice promptly and to a consistently high standard’. In 2011 it acted for the University of Strathclyde on the procurement of a new technology and innovation centre. Neil Kelly heads the practice, which includes the ‘outstanding’ David Arnott; Shona Frame, whose ‘tactical ability in litigation is a real asset’; and Mike Barlow, who is noted for his ‘excellent contractual knowledge’.

Pinsent Masons LLP’s construction team is ‘a leader in the field’, particularly for renewable energy projects, where it provides ‘well-considered, commercial advice that is second to none’. In 2011 it represented Bilfinger Berger (UK) Limited in the Edinburgh Trams project. Fraser McMillan is ‘a key adviser when it comes to disputes’, and transactional team head Michael Allan ‘provides good input and overall assistance’. Contentious construction head Kenny Valentine is also recommended.

Brodies LLP’s construction team ‘always shows a good level of acumen and industry knowledge and has the best interests of the client at the heart of its strategy’. 2011 saw the opening of its Aberdeen office, and practice head Mark Finlay represented The Drum Group in the construction of an office campus development in Aberdeen. Contentious specialist Manus Quigg is recommended for his strategic expertise.

Fenella Mason leads Burness LLP’s six-partner team, which has notable expertise in PFI construction projects. In 2011 it represented Heartlands in the design and construction of a new junction of the M8 motorway.

DLA Piper Scotland LLP adopts ‘a pragmatic, straightforward approach’, and also draws praise for its ‘willingness to find solutions’. Energy and cross-border matters formed the backbone of the Scottish practice’s workload in 2011, with ‘excellent adviser’ Gareth Parry representing Scottish Water Horizons in the procurement of the first of a series of anaerobic digestor plants across Scotland.

Dundas & Wilson CS LLP is valued for its ‘practical experience and sound judgement’ in contentious and non-contentious construction matters. It has a strong energy focus and acts for clients such as SSE and Inch Cape Offshore. Practice head Lindy Patterson is ‘outstanding in terms of her knowledge, advice, speed of service, and professionalism’. Former head of infrastructure Andrew Renton joined Bird & Bird in 2011.

Maclay Murray & Spens LLP’s construction practice is ‘robust enough to deal with any complex legal matters that can arise’. Mark Macaulay’s team was strengthened by the arrival of contentious construction expert David Scott from McGrigors LLP in 2011. Highlights included representing RBG Limited in a dispute with SGL Carbon Fibers.

Shepherd and Wedderburn’s construction team is prized for its ‘willingness to fully embed itself within the client, giving it the ability to fully understand and anticipate its needs’. Practice head Kevin Taylor combines ‘great people skills with detailed industry knowledge’, and brings that knowledge to bear for a client base of suppliers and purchasers such as City of Edinburgh Council and Taylor Wimpey.

Anderson Strathern provides ‘a comprehensive range of services across the construction sector, and has high-calibre staff’. In 2011 it acted for Edinburgh Napier University on the redevelopment of the Sighthill and Merchiston campuses. The ‘prompt and proactive’ Karyn Watt leads on the non-contentious side, and contentious expert Keith Bishop is ‘always ready to provide direct advice’.

The team at DWF Biggart Baillie remained active in construction matters in its core sectors of energy, transport, retail, and hotel and leisure. In 2011 it advised J Sainsbury on the design and construction of a new store at Kelso. Ian McCann and Murray Shaw are the key figures.

Though small, Ledingham Chalmers LLP’s team has ‘a strong background in the PFI/PPP sector’, and Jennifer Young has ‘undoubted knowledge and experience in the field’. Clients include Galliford Try Construction.

Mark Cowie heads McClure Naismith LLP’s construction practice, which includes Brandon Malone, previously of Bell & Scott. Clients include Co-op Bank and NHS Lanarkshire.

Morton Fraser’s Jonathan Seddon acted for key client the City of Edinburgh Council in the new hub regime of projects set up by the Scottish Futures Trust, and in the redevelopment of James Gillespie’s School in Edinburgh.

In 2011, Semple Fraser LLP acted for Kintyre Development Company on a £3m redevelopment project to restore the Royal Hotel and also on the £3m redevelopment of Ugadale Hotel. Stuart Macfarlane heads the practice.

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