CMS handles the full lifecycle of high-profile, high-value infrastructure projects. It counts the Scottish government and Scottish Water as notable clients. The team takes a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on expertise from areas such as procurement, planning and consenting, construction, energy and regulation. The practice is led by Ailsa Ritchie, who advises public sector bodies, investors and funders on infrastructure projects and partnering agreements. Michael McAuley handles project finance matters. Christine Worthington is also recommended. Chris McGarvey joined from Pinsent Masons LLP. In another development, Jenny Walker was promoted to partner.
Projects in Scotland
CMS
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Michael McAuley; Christine Worthington; Chris McGarvey; Jenny Walker; Amanda Methven
Testimonials
‘Practical, courteous, willing to listen to alternative view points and consistent with their approach and advice.’
Key clients
Scottish Water
Hub East Central Scotland Limited
NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
City of Edinburgh Council
Glasgow City Council
Infrastructure Managers Limited/3i Infrastructure Fund
Scottish Enterprise
InfraRed
The Moray Council
Galliford Try Investments
Aberdeenshire Council
Argyll & Bute Council
The Highland Council
Dumfries and Galloway Council
Renfrewshire Council
Work highlights
- Advising Scottish Water on over £5bn of investment over the 2021-2027 regulatory period.
- Advising NHS greater Glasgow & Clyde on the design, build, financing and maintenance of new health centres at Greenock and Clydebank and new mental health wards at Stobhill through the Scottish Government’s hub programme.
- Acting for Interserve on the high profile dispute in respect of the issues arising from the delayed Glasgow Recycling and Renewable Energy Centre.
MacRoberts LLP
MacRoberts LLP is noted for its strengths in handling the operational aspects of private finance initiative (PFI) and public–private partnership (PPP) projects. In addition, its first-rate team also excels in disputes and restructurings. The team generates mandates from governmental bodies, developers, equity investors, banks, construction contractors and facilities managers. Practice head Rod Munro has a wealth of experience of primary and secondary project finance transactions in the energy, renewables, outsourcing and facilities management spaces.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Aberdeen Standard Life
Amey
Angus Council
Babcock Wilcox Volund
Bank of Ireland (UK) plc
Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi
Charity Bank
ECG Facilities Services Ltd
Edinburgh Council
Glasgow City Council
Imagile
InfraRed
Infrastructure Managers Limited
Laing
M&G Investments
Morgan Sindall Investments Limited
NHS Lothian
NHS Orkney
NHS Tayside
NHS Ayrshire & Arran
NHS Highland
Perth & Kinross Council
Pentland Ferries
Robertson Group
Scottish Prisons Service
Scottish Government
Semperian
Shepherd Engineering
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC)
SSE Plc
SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK
Transport Scotland
Western Ferries (Clyde)
Wm Hamilton & Sons Limited
Wood Group
Work highlights
- Advised ECG Facilities Services Limited on establishing a new, unique, joint venture with Fulcrum Infrastructure Group to take over, from Integral and Kier, the provision of FM services to 35 operational LIFT projects across five separate LIFT areas in England.
- Acting for NHS Lothian on both the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary PFI Project and the Royal Edinburgh (“Sick Kids”) NPD Project at Little France.
- Advisers to Transport Scotland in relation to the ScotRail passenger rail services franchise.
Pinsent Masons LLP
The Scottish projects team at Pinsent Masons LLP attracts roles in high-profile transport and partnering programmes, where it advises procurers, bidders and lenders. Key areas of specialism include energy, infrastructure and real estate developments. The practice handles the full lifecycle of projects, with the work ranging from procurement and delivery to managing disputes. Team head Michael Watson is renowned for his experience of finance and debt-related work. Stuart Barr handles operational and procurement matters.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Morgan Sindall plc
Kier Highways Limited
Highways England Company Limited
Balfour Beatty plc
Allianz Global Investors GMBH
Galliford Try plc
European Investment Bank
BAM PPP Ireland
Iridium Concesiones de Infraestructuras SA
Obrascon Huarte Lain (OHL)
Equitix Limited
Dalmore
Foresight Group
Saur Services (Glasgow) Limited
Hub South West Limited
Robertson Capital Projects
Aecom Limited
University of York
University of Leicester
Equitix/Engie
Equitix/Campus Living Villages
Royal Holloway, University of London
University of Birmingham
London School of Economics
National Westminster Bank plc
Work highlights
- Acting for Dalmore Capital as their lead legal adviser on operational PFI projects.
- Advised the University of York (a Russell Group institution) on the largest student accommodation DBFO project to achieve financial close in 2019.
- Acting for Equitix Limited and Forth Holdings (Support Services) Limited in connection with its bid to be appointed the Welsh Government’s private sector delivery partner for the Welsh Education Partnership long term delivery model.
Brodies LLP
Brodies LLP handles a broad spectrum of projects work, which sees the firm draw upon its strengths in areas such as project finance, procurement and construction. Its team is well regarded for its public law, finance and project delivery skills. The practice generates mandates in the transport, social accommodation, district heating and energy from waste industries. Drysdale Graham and Michael Stoneham co-head the group. Senior associate Stuart Murray is also recommended.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Brodies strengths include, experience, relationships, depth of knowledge across many different business sectors, and response times’.
‘The individuals and relationships currently held with Brodies are extremely proficient, professional, knowledgeable and personable’.
‘The team is professional and diligent’.
‘The team has effective skills at communicating and disseminating information and advice into meaningful and understandable language’.
‘Drysdale Graham is an effective leader and critical friend to our business’.
‘Stuart Murray is motivated and highly diligent in the advice and services provided’.
Key clients
Hub South East Limited
Clyde Gateway Developments Limited
Indaver NV
Midlothian Council
Dumfries and Galloway Council
Aberdeen City Council
Abellio
Scottish Futures Trust
Aberdeen Standard
Oribtal Marine Power
Work highlights
- Advised Abellio on the re-let of the East Midlands Rail Franchise.
- Acted for Nord LB as the funder of the Aberdeen European Infrastructure Partners/FCC Construction consortium, which bid for Bundle 2 of the Irish Social Housing PPP programme.
- Advised Hub South East Scotland Limited on a programme of schools and primary healthcare projects in south east hub territory of Scotland.
Burness Paull LLP
Burness Paull LLP’s construction and projects team is led by Chris MacKay, who has deep experience of a wide range of public sector projects, including schools, hospitals, airports, ports and rail. Stephen Phillips and Gillian Harkness handle the drafting of project documentation and project structures, as well as funding structures. Associate Chris Horsley is adept at dealing with projects, energy and commercial contracts. The team also covers project implementation, governance issues and disputes.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Stephen Phillips; Gillian Harkness; Chris Horsley; Fenella Mason
Testimonials
‘Good team who understand our needs.’
‘Fenella Mason and her team are quick to understand our issues and provide focused and relevant advice.’
‘Recommend the application to clients’ interests and strategic consideration of the cases.’
Key clients
NHS Lothian
Falkirk Council
Roadbridge UK Limited
Highlands and Islands Enterprise
hub West Scotland Limited
Hub Community Foundation
Scottish Futures Trust Limited
Scot Roads Partnership Project Limited
Scottish Enterprise
University of St Andrews
Scrabster Harbour Trust
Galliford Try Construction (UK) Limited
John Graham Construction Limited
Ancala Water Services
Hampden Park Limited
Highland Spring
Work highlights
- Advising Hub West on a final DBFM scheme under the current hub model, the Clydebank Health Centre will greatly contribute to the regeneration of Clydebank as an early centrepiece of the Queens Quay redevelopment zone.
- Advising NHS Lothian on the potential for hub South East Scotland to make use of a variant of the Welsh Mutual Investment Model (the “Welsh MIM”) as a vehicle for the future delivery of revenue-funded projects, in particular phase 2 of the Royal Edinburgh Hospital.
- Advising Roadbridge UK in connection with its tendering of the £90m Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside Project, which involves the design and construction of the first opening road bridge over the River Clyde.
Dentons
Dentons is well known for its involvement in large-scale PFI and non-profit-distributing (NPD) project acquisitions, and also disputes and restructurings. It acts for public and private sector clients, lenders and investors, both domestically and internationally. Team head Euan Wilson is experienced in secondary market PFI/PPP transactions. Andrew Orr is recommended for project finance matters.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Excellent ability to work under high pressure, very organised and able to lead the issues under their responsibility at all times.’
‘Impressed with the indepth knowledge of the team.’
‘Andy Orr had excellent project knowledge and understanding.
Key clients
3i
Dalmore Capital
Sir Robert McAlpine
Aviva Public Private Finance
Network Rail
Infrastructure Managers Limited
Robertson Capital Projects
Morgan Sindall Investments
Semperian
Blue Transmission
Envac UK
ISS Mediclean
Transport for London
Choice Housing
Oaklee Housing
Department for Education
Bouygues / Axione
Work highlights
- Acted for funds managed by Dalmore Capital in their acquisition of the majority of 3i Infrastructure plc’s UK PPP portfolio.
- Acting for Lothian Health Board and Consort’s operating subcontractor in order to agree service transfer arrangements under a long term PFI contract for the operation and maintenance of the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.
- Ated for Choice Housing and Oaklee as the FM provider and Operator in Ireland’s first Social Housing PPP project.
Shepherd and Wedderburn
Shepherd and Wedderburn has a strong track record in renewable energy projects and projects in the Scotland-wide hub programme. It handles the full lifecycle of projects, including operational matters and disputes. The team generates mandates in the health, education, wastewater, street-lighting, roads and energy-from-waste sectors. Practice head Stephen Colliston is well regarded for his experience of high-profile PFI, PPP and NPD projects.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team are available and approachable with alternative resources utilised where necessary and in a timely manner.’
‘Nigel Sievwright and Stephen Colliston deserve a special mention. The team from top down are efficient, approachable with the ability to communicate complex issues in an easily understandable manner.’
Key clients
City of Edinburgh Council
Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale (Nord/LB)
South Ayrshire Council
States of Jersey
Acciona Industrial S.A
West Dunbartonshire Council
West Lothian Council
Ayr Environmental Services Limited and Caledonian Environmental Services plc
Consort Healthcare (Blackburn) Limited
Consort Healthcare (Birmingham) Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Acciona Industrial S.A. on the project to design, build and maintain an energy-from-waste plant in Aberdeen.
- Advised Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale on the financing of a project under the hub initiative to deliver new facilities at Clydebank, Greenock and Stobhill Hospital, including the £18m Clydebank variation.
- Advising the States of Jersey on its project to build a new hospital for the island.
Anderson Strathern
Anderson Strathern, which mainly focuses on advising public sector clients, advises on a mix of regeneration projects, public procurement, education sector projects and disputes. The team also has a strength in the construction space, where it advises the Scottish government, Transport Scotland and many local authorities. Practice head Karyn Watt leads on major projects for local authorities and private sector clients.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Woking Borough Council
Midlothian Council
Scottish Government / Transport Scotland
Strathclyde Partnership for Transport
South East Scotland Transport Partnership
Glasgow City Council
City of Edinburgh Council
Highland Council
INEOS
Edinburgh Napier University
Fife Council
Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service
Work highlights
- Sole advisers to Transport Scotland on the real estate aspects of the Scottish trunk roads (highways) network and associated roads projects, including the A9 Dualling project.
- Acting for Transport Scotland in the acquisition, for the A737 Dalry Bypass project, of servitude (easement) rights from Network Rail for a new bridge structure above the existing Glasgow to Ayr railway line, accesses via an underpass structure and running of service utilities both on the bridge and under the rail line.
- Advising University of Highlands and Islands on a proposed major Life Sciences research centre.
DLA Piper
The DLA Piper team is well regarded for its knowledge of the new mutual investment models (MIMs), for which it has been advising the Welsh Government. Lillian Mackenzie is the UK head of projects and she also leads the finance projects and restructuring practice in Scotland. Stuart McMillan left the firm for Burges Salmon LLP.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Sharon Fitzgerald is dedicated and punctual in her commitments’.
‘Sharon is always well prepared and very well-articulated’.
‘Professional attitude, in-depth knowledge of the Afghan laws and international best practices’.
‘The team is very responsive to the clients’ needs, and goes above and beyond in communicating and explaining various points’.
‘Sharon Fitzgerald is very personable and approachable’.
‘Sharon Fitzgerald is very diplomatic and great at diffusing tense situation’.
‘DLA Piper’s team has a great deal of in-depth knowledge and experience in projects, energy and natural resources law’.
‘Partners are backed up by experienced associates, giving the team a lot of depth.’
Key clients
City of Glasgow Council
Welsh Government
Equitix
InfraRed
Green Africa Power
Velindre NHS Trust
Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
Government of Ghana
National Grid
GE (General Electric)
Lloyds Banking Group
Nord LB
Work highlights
- Advising The Royal Bank of Scotland on the £25m cross‑border financing of Scotland-based leading multi-channel, time critical logistics business, Menzies Distribution.
- Advising the Welsh Government on the development of innovative investment framework, the Mutual Investment Model.
- Advising the Velindre University NHS Trust on the design, build, finance and maintenance of pathfinder healthcare project, a new cancer centre for the delivery of specialist cancer services.
Harper Macleod LLP
Harper Macleod LLP has a strong presence advising Scottish hub initiative clients and it continues to act for key client hub North Scotland. The team also has deep experience of student accommodation projects, major engineering projects and PPP disputes. Practice head Euan Pirie is noted for his PPP experience in areas such as education, health and roads. Senior associate Catriona Kemp is also recommended. Ken Ross left for Brodies LLP.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Hub North Scotland Limited
North Ayrshire Council
Stirling Council
NHS Lanarkshire
Glasgow City Council
City Property (Glasgow) Investments LLP
Equitix
Highlands and Islands Airports Limited
Inverclyde Council
Roadbridge UK
FCC Construcción S.A
NYOP Education (Aberdeen) Limited
River Clyde Homes
Work highlights
- Advising international consortium of contractors tendering for £500m (first) mutual investment model project in Wales.
- Advising hubco on £78m+ hub DBDA project for provision of 2 community hospitals, including adapting (at very short notice and within a 6 week period) from hub DBFM procurement route.
- Advising hubco on £171.6m linked education facilities procurement for two local authorities and involving different Tier 1 Contractors.