The Legal 500 > United Kingdom - Solicitors > Scotland > Commercial property: elsewhere in Scotland

Brodies LLP has been notably active in the emerging build-to-rent sector while also maintaining its strong presence in the investment, development, hotel, retail and leisure, housebuilding and alternatives spaces. Glasgow-based practice head Johane Murray has a track record advising the government and industry bodies, while Aberdeen head Tracey Menzies has a particular focus on office developments, housebuilding issues and build-to-rent mandates. Also notable is Clive Phillips, who is an expert in agricultural law and leads the rural property team. Colin MacLaren retired.

The real estate team at Burness Paull LLP regularly acts for blue chip corporate occupiers on asset management issues and office relocations, and assists occupiers with taking spaces in major shopping centres and high-street locations across Scotland. The firm's housebuilding group, led by Richard Goodfellow, advises housebuilders on projects as well as landowners on major residential developments. Practice head John Strachan has a notable strength in development work, regularly acting for funders on development transactions and for developers focused on delivering affordable housing; senior associate Sarah Stewart also handles development mandates.

The real estate experts at Pinsent Masons LLP regularly act for high-profile local and national developers operating across Scotland. The team is spread across Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen and is recognised for its work for major oil and gas companies. Aberdeen-based Rodney Whyte leads the practice, which is also active in residential development projects. The team also handles energy developments, planning work and regenerations.

Blackadders LLP's real estate expertise spans sales and purchases, leasing matters, property investments, property finance work, property developments, renewable energy projects and property disputes. Group head Emma Gray handles the full spectrum of commercial property issues with key experience in the retail and leisure sectors. The firm's recent merger with Plenderleath Runcie brought Neil Robb into the team, who has notable expertise acting for developers; Dundee-based Stuart King was also recently promoted to the partnership.

The main strengths of Ledingham Chalmers LLP's Aberdeen-based real estate team include development work, commercial leasings, residential development acquisitions and disposals, and secured funding issues. The housebuilding sub-group is led by Alan Michie, while Alasdair Maclure leads the commercial leasing unit. Also notable are practice head Stephen Morrice and John Mitchell, who acts for landlords and tenants on the letting of office, retail and industrial premises.

Stronachs LLP acts for a diverse range of clients in the private and public sectors across Scotland including national and international entities, private individuals and partnerships, oil and gas companies, public sector bodies, developers and investors. Practice head Duncan Campbell assists many public sector organisations and also handles the commercial property requirements of multiple oil and gas clients. Ross Linn is the main name to note in Inverness.

Aberdein Considine’s commercial property team advises Scottish clients from its key bases in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow. The Aberdeen-based group has a particular strength in the oil and gas and marine industries; the arrival of practice head Paul Jennings in the Glasgow office has also substantially expanded the group's retail expertise. Ritchie Whyte is the key contact in the Aberdeen office and Anthony Quin is based in Stirling.

The Scottish commercial property team at Dentons fields a dedicated housebuilding unit, which advises major clients on project work, strategic options, consortium agreements, joint ventures and site acquisitions. Also notable is the group's strength in the renewable energy space, where practice head David Rose and members of the banking, corporate and real estate departments assist clients with acquisitions and disposals, leasings and joint venture arrangements.

Outside of the Central Belt, Harper Macleod LLP operates from its key bases in Inverness, Thurso and Lerwick. The team advises on rural, crofting and agricultural law through Calum MacLeod, who is based in Inverness and is a member of the energy and natural resources group. Other key practitioners include Ross Thomson, who handles property finance work; and department head John Meehan, who sits in the Glasgow office.

MacRoberts LLP fields a real estate team that covers all aspects of commercial property work across Scotland. Practice head David Milne has a particular focus on commercial developments, investment deals and real estate finance work.

Thorntons Law LLP’s commercial property team includes specialists in construction and project management issues. The group assists clients across the UK from its offices in Tayside, Fife, Angus, Edinburgh and Perth. With a notably strong presence in the education and healthcare sectors, the practice has recently expanded its work in the leisure and hospitality space, handling multiple hotel acquisitions. Housebuilding expert Graham Wilson and practice head Ewan Miller are the key names to note in Dundee.