Brodies LLP continues to be active in the build-to-rent sector (BTR) and the emerging retirement and co-living markets. The real estate team works closely with other related departments, including construction, planning, environment, tax and litigation. It is noted for its high level of instructions from government and industry bodies. The team is jointly led by Glasgow-based partner Johane Murray and Tracey Menzies in Aberdeen, who handles commercial and residential acquisitions and developments. Elaine Farquharson-Black joined from Burness Paull LLP.

Burness Paull LLP advises on high-profile development and regeneration work. It often acts for blue-chip corporate occupiers on asset management and office relocations. Its client base includes oil and gas companies, as well as industrial, leisure and public sector organisations. Team head John Strachan focuses on both residential and commercial developments. Another key individual is Richard Goodfellow, who is the head of the housebuilding sector group, and advises developers, landowners, housebuilders, investors and corporate occupiers on developments. Senior associate Sarah Stewart is also recommended. Neil Bruce made partner.

The real estate team at Blackadders LLP handles a broad range of commercial property matters, including sales and purchases, leasing, property finance, property development and property disputes. The practice generates mandates in the retail, leisure, healthcare and renewable energy sectors. Group head Emma Gray acts on high-value development transactions. Neil Robb joined the team as partner as part of the firm’s merger with Plenderleath Runcie.

Ledingham Chalmers LLP is well regarded for its development and commercial leasing work. Its team also handles residential site acquisitions, refinancings and secured funding transactions, where it acts for mainstream lenders. Department head Stephen Morrice works with Alan Michie, who heads up the firm’s housebuilding unit, and Alasdair Maclure, who leads the commercial leasing unit. John Smart departed for Harper Macleod LLP.

Stronachs LLP acts for domestic and international public and private sector clients, including private individuals and partnerships, oil and gas companies, public sector bodies, developers and investors. Practice head Duncan Campbell handles acquisitions and disposals, leases, investment and development matters. Ross Linn is the key practitioner in Inverness.

Aberdein Considine handles a broad range of commercial real estate matters, including acquisitions and disposals, finance, development and leasing. Clients include developers, retailers, banks, hotels and football clubs. Glasgow-based Paul Jennings is the overall head of the practice, with Ritchie Whyte being the name to note in Aberdeen. Anthony Quin is the key contact in Stirling.

Outside of the Edinburgh and Glasgow offices, Harper Macleod LLP’s real estate team operates in Inverness, Thurso, Elgin and Lerwick. Inverness-based Ross Thomson handles transactional work and litigation, recently shifting his focus to commercial property work, while Ian Davidson joined as a partner in Elgin from Wink & Mackenzie. John Meehan in Glasgow is the practice head.