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DLA Piper Scotland LLP’s highly acclaimed team, now led by Sharon Fitzgerald, is advising Transport Scotland on multiple variations to the First ScotRail Franchise Agreement. It is advising on the Forth Replacement Crossing and the Edinburgh Tram Network.

Dundas & Wilson CS LLP has a strong reputation on major transport projects. The group, headed by Ann Faulds, is advising Transport Scotland on all aspects of the delivery of the Borders Rail Project in Scotland. It has also advised Transport Initiative Edinburgh (tie) and the City of Edinburgh Council on consent, planning, road, and land matters relating to the Edinburgh Tram project.

Anderson Strathern remains visible in the transport sector, acting for the likes of Transport Scotland, the Scottish Road Works Commissioner and Strathclyde Partnership for Transport. Alastair McKie heads the group.

Biggart Baillie LLP’s transport group, headed by the ‘very capable’ Neil Amner, has a growing presence in maritime work, and has added the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) to its client list. The firm also handles road, rail and aviation work, where key clients include National Express and Virgin Trains.

Karen Hamilton took over as head of Brodies LLP’s transport team in 2010. Recent highlights include acting for developer LXB Properties regarding a complex objection to the Forth Crossing Bill; and advising tie on its procurement of a ticketing solution for the Edinburgh Trams project. Duncan MacLean, who heads the shipping team, and Odell Milne are also recommended.

HBJ Gateley has niche expertise in shipping and maritime matters. Practice head Ed Watt specialises in the sale, purchase and registration of commercial vessels, while James Lowe has carved a strong reputation in shipping disputes. Clients include Briggs Marine Group and Delta Marine.

MacRoberts LLP’s transport group is headed by David Henderson. It is acting for Western Ferries on a state aid and public tendering matter, and also added new clients to its roster including Forthspan, one of the two bidders for the Forth Replacement Crossing.

Pinsent Masons LLP’s work in the transport projects area is ‘excellent’. Michael Allan heads the group, and Stuart Barr is ‘a very talented lawyer with a large presence in the sector’. The firm advises clients including CalMac Ferries Limited, BAM PPP and Bilfinger Berger.

Practice head Chris Mackay is leading the team at Burness LLP in its ongoing advice to Scrabster Harbour Trust on procurement matters relating to the redevelopment of the Old Fishmarket Pier at Scrabster. Other key clients include BAA, Babcock Rail and Ullapool Harbour Trust.

Mackinnons’ shipping clients include Aberdeen Harbour Board, Gulf Offshore and Transocean. The practice spans vessel and quota acquisitions and disposals; vessel financing; marine insurance; and admiralty work.

Maclay Murray & Spens LLP handles matters in the rail, road and marine sectors. The team, led by Mark Macaulay, is on the legal panels of Network Rail and Transport Scotland, and has been advising client Stagecoach on the CC inquiry into local bus markets.

Morton Fraser’s transport group is known particularly for its strengths in aviation and shipping. Jonathan Seddon heads the team’s non-contentious work, while Ewan McIntyre leads on contentious matters. Clients include BAA Airports, Transport Scotland and the Private Jet Club.

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