Brodies LLP is home to a number of the market’s most accomplished commercial property lawyers outside of the Central Belt with the team often leveraging the firm’s wider planning, tax, environment, construction and litigation capabilities. In Aberdeen, Tracey Menzies specialises in commercial and residential transactions and developments, with a particular focus on the office, housebuilding and build-to-rent (BTR) sectors. Elsewhere, Inverness-based Karren Smith‘s recent work spans land acquisitions, reorganisations and portfolio management matters. Senior associate Jenna McCosh (Aberdeen) is geared to support on development, leasing, asset management and finance mandates.
Commercial property: elsewhere in Scotland in Scotland
Brodies LLP
Practice head(s):
Johane Murray
Testimonials
‘Depth of knowledge and skill in their sector.’
‘The team is friendly, responsive, and delivers all that we require in terms of quality of advice in a very timely manner.’
‘Tracey Menzies gives excellent support in the preparation of leases and property disposals which we regularly carry out as part of our daily business.’
‘Strength in numbers and the ability to look at a complex deal and help make it happen.’
‘Tracey Menzies is very commercial and to-the-point. She has the ability and experience to focus on the important points and not get bogged down with everything else.’
Key clients
Aberdeen City Council
Aberdeenshire Council
Bancon Group
CALA Homes
Cater Property Investment
Cooke Aquaculture
Drum Property Group
GSS Developments
Knight Property Group
Lerwick Port Authority
Mandale Group
Montrose Port Authority
Ponticelli
Tulloch Homes
University of Aberdeen
University of Edinburgh
University of West of Scotland
Warehouse 13
Workplace Commercial Estates
Work highlights
- Acting for Elmford Ltd in the sale of land to Avant Homes for two phases of residential development at Robroyston in Glasgow.
- Acting for Mandale in the purchase of a site in Edinburgh for residential development.
- Acting for Knight Property Group in the pre-let and subsequent lease of the first unit at the industrial development at Belgrave Logistics Park, Bellshill, Lanarkshire.
Burness Paull LLP
Burness Paull LLP has particular accomplishment in development, regeneration, investment, corporate occupier and finance affairs, with the Aberdeen-based team especially active within the energy, BTR, healthcare, housebuilding, retail, leisure and hospitality sectors. The main contacts include head of the firm’s housebuilding group Richard Goodfellow, an expert in residential and commercial development schemes, and John Strachan, a regular advisor to funders and developers on development transactions and affordable housing projects, respectively.
Practice head(s):
Scott Peterkin
Other key lawyers:
Richard Goodfellow; John Strachan; Yvonne Byrne
Testimonials
‘The team is particularly knowledgeable of Scottish property law and helpful in guiding English lawyers through the intricacies of buying property in Scotland.’
‘Yvonne Byrne is pragmatic and a good communicator.’
Key clients
Oceaneering International
CBRE
John Clark Motor Group
Mains of Taymouth Ltd
Verdant Leisure
Pure Leisure
University of St Andrews
Air Products plc
Forum Energy Technologies (UK) Limited
Highland Fuels Limited
Scanbio Limited
Uppermill Farms
Welltec
First Endeavour LLP
Levelling Up Real Estate
Bancon Homes
FirstGroup
Snowdrop Developments
Henry Boot Developments
TGI Fridays
Work highlights
- Advising University of St. Andrews and St Andrews West Properties Limited on their joint venture for the development of land for facilities, student accommodation, commercial uses, care homes and residential development known.
- Advising John Clark Motor Group on various developments, including a new Jaguar Landrover flagship facility in Stirling, a dealership at Baird Avenue (Dundee), the refurbishment of Land Rover Newbridge, and a new Volvo dealership at Newbridge.
- Acting for CBRE in respect of their 10-year lease of their new Aberdeen HQ within the Marischal Square development.
CMS
Active on leasing, investment, finance, asset management and development mandates, CMS‘s Aberdeen practice caters to a broad mixture of clients, including occupational leasers, investment funds and energy sector players thanks to the expertise of team head Carol Nisbet. The team, which also includes senior associate Karla Ritchie, often draws on the firm’s UK-wide funds, finance, construction, planning, environmental and litigation expertise.
Practice head(s):
Carol Nisbet; Paul Carter
Other key lawyers:
Karla Ritchie
Key clients
Opportunity North East
Storegga Limited
Columbia Threadneedle Investments
Knight Frank Investment Management
CBREGI
EnQuest plc Duncan & Todd Group
Abrdn
Hunting plc
Lloyds Register EMEA
Work highlights
- Acting for Opportunity North East on the SeedPod development (Aberdeen) in excess of £21m.
- Advising the UK decarbonisation developer, Storegga, on the development of a direct air capture facility in northeast Scotland.
- Advised Columbia Threadneedle Investments on the £10.25m sale of Aviemore Retail Park.
Pinsent Masons LLP
Among the key strengths of Pinsent Masons LLP‘s practice are commercial and residential development and regeneration schemes. The Aberdeen-based team is led by Rodney Whyte, an expert in housebuilding who often handles planning matters, s75 agreements, large-scale developments, and transactions. Also immersed within the housebuilding sector is senior associate Michael Shepherd, who provides advice in relation to acquisitions, sales and title examinations.
Practice head(s):
Rodney Whyte
Other key lawyers:
Michael Shepherd
Testimonials
‘Excellent engagement from the associates.’
‘A team with fantastic attention to detail alongside the ability to look at the wider objective.’
‘Rodney Whyte is an absolute expert in his field – a consummate and knowledgeable professional able to deal with the contractual intricacies of development deals.’
Key clients
CALA Group
BDW Trading Limited
Avant Homes (Scotland) Limited
Persimmon Homes Limited
GSS Developments (Aberdeen) Limited
Aker
Taqa Bratani
Aberdeen Harbour Board
Mactaggart & Mickel
Bellway Homes Limited
Bancon Homes
Watt Taylor Limited
Robertson Homes Limited
John Dick (Farming) Limited
Almond Valley Limited
TLW Trading Properties Limited
Cruden Homes
Stenprop
Railpen
Oakridge Properties Limited
China Triumph Engineering Ltd
Work highlights
- Acting for Cala in their 900-unit development at Builyeon Road (South Queensferry) including the acquisition and site assembly of the development, all planning and utilities advice, and the sale of 2 phases of the development to Lovell Partnerships.
- Advised Almond Valley Limited on development of land at Almond Valley Village (Perth) including the acquisition and site assembly of the development, as well as all planning and utilities advice.
- Advised Ropemaker Properties Limited on numerous transactions across Scotland, involving hotel premises, distribution warehouses, and student accommodation.
Aberdein Considine
At Aberdein Considine, the workload is spread across acquisitions, disposals, development, finance and leasing affairs. The main point of contact is Gemma Perfect in Aberdeen, whose recent work spans the oil and gas, construction, financial services and healthcare sectors; she is supported by Lindsey McDiarmid, who routinely handles residential and rural sites.
Practice head(s):
Paul Jennings
Other key lawyers:
Gemma Perfect; Lindsey McDiarmid
Testimonials
‘Very approachable and easy to deal with. A robust, professional team that really takes the time to understand you.’
‘Very personable – they deal with you and treat you like a person, not a number or a means of making money out of.’
Key clients
Handelsbanken plc
A & L Porter Limited
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc
Greggs Plc
Faro Group
Santander UK plc
SIPP (Pension Trustees) Limited
James F Donald (Aberdeen Cinemas) Limited
City Restoration Project Ltd
Indigo Sun Retail Limited
Web Pharmacy Limited
G.S. Brown Construction Limited
Ayres Wynd Developments Limited
Concept Group Limited
Work highlights
- Assisted Handelsbanken plc with a number of finance transactions across a mix of industrial and residential developments across Scotland.
- Advised Greggs Plc on new flagship drive-thru units across Scotland.
- Advised Porter Pharmacy Group on the acquisition of two pharmacies from a leading national pharmacy group.
Blackadders LLP
Blackadders LLP is equipped to support on the full remit of development, investment, landlord and tenant, acquisition and disposal matters. Dundee-based team head Emma Gray has particular accomplishment in the self-invested personal pension (SIPP) and affordable housing sectors; she is a regular advisor to housebuilders and developers on site acquisitions, assembly matters, and option agreements. Other recommended individuals include Stuart King (Dundee) and Neil Robb (Aberdeen).
Practice head(s):
Emma Gray
Other key lawyers:
Stuart King; Neil Robb
Key clients
Scape Homes Limited
Salvation Army Trading
AG Restaurants Ltd
DS Group
A & J Stephen
Morris Leslie Group
BMI Healthcare
Hays Travel
Curtis Banks
James Hay Pension Trustees
Coffeepots
Work highlights
Ledingham Chalmers LLP
Ledingham Chalmers LLP counts commercial leasing, development, investment, licensing and transactional support among its core strengths, and is a regular advisor to housebuilders, energy and hospitality entities. The practice is co-led from Aberdeen by David Scott, an expert in planning who often handles the lease, sale and purchase of hotels and licensed premises, and John Mitchell, regarded for his knowledge of office, retail and industrial assets in leasing and development matters.
Practice head(s):
John Mitchell; David Scott
Other key lawyers:
Stephen Morrice; Graeme Myles
Testimonials
‘An excellent team who support our housebuilding business through a range of aspects from land purchase, property lettingthrough to house sales completions. The integrated nature of the support and the focus on our business requirements is excellent.’
‘Stand out partners include John Mitchell and David Scott.’
‘Reliable, responsive, timely and efficient in taking forward transactions.’
Key clients
Anderson Anderson & Brown LLP
Plexus Ocean Systems Limited
Streamline Shipping Agencies Limited
Storegga Limited
John Codona Pleasure Fairs Limited
Carlton Rock Limited
AROS (Isle of Skye) Limited
Kirkwood Homes Limited
Work highlights
- Advising Kirkwood Homes Limited on the acquisition of multiple development sites.
- Advised Streamline Shipping Group, a freight and logistics operator, on a number of leasing and restructuring matters.
- Acted for Storegga Limited in the lease of new office in Westhill to account for an expansion in the workforce.
Thorntons Law LLP
Active on transactional, landlord and tenant, development, investment and finance matters, Thorntons Law LLP is noted for its expertise across the education, social housing, retail, healthcare and energy sectors. Practice co-head Ewan Miller‘s transactional experience attracts a number of Scottish universities, colleges, pharmacies and dental chains, while fellow co-head Janet McIntyre is reputed for her cross-border capabilities.
Practice head(s):
Ewan Miller; Janet McIntyre
Other key lawyers:
David Milne; Nicola McCafferty; Kyle Moir
Testimonials
‘I find that they have a very knowledgeable and helpful team. Importantly they are able to identify and deal with key issues giving practical advice in a way that is easy to understand.’
‘I have generally dealt with David Milne who I find to be excellent. He takes ownership of transactions and provides practical and relevant advice. I find him to be approachable, helpful and knowledgeable.’
‘Calm, confident and approachable. Always happy to help.’
Key clients
Members of Castle Stuart Golf LLP
University of Stirling
GM Ventures Limited
YORSIPP
Eddy’s Food Station
Scotch Whisky Investments Limited
Bank of Scotland Plc
Cullross Ltd
Teamcard Limited
Bauer Radio Limited
Playfair Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Scotch Whisky investments on the acquisition of a marque site for their proposed global headquarters in Fife.
- Advising a social housing developer, Cullross Ltd, on the acquisition and subsequent sale of a brownfield development site close to Dundee City Centre.
- Advised members of Castle Stuart Golf LLP in the sale of members’ interests.
Harper Macleod LLP
Ross Thomson leads the Inverness-based practice at Harper Macleod LLP and is praised for his purchase and sale, leasing, finance and corporate support; he and the team have particular accomplishment in deals encompassing the healthcare, leisure and hospitality sectors, many of which involve a cross-border element.
Practice head(s):
Ross Thomson
Other key lawyers:
Andrew Kerr; Euan Bowie
Testimonials
‘My main contacts are Andrew Kerr, Euan Bowie and Ross Thomson. Their guidance and advice is excellent and they always keep me updated even during difficult transactions where we are having limited feedback from the other side. I always learn something when I’m working with them.’
‘Andrew Kerr, Euan Bowie and Ross Thomson are all incredibly supportive. They help to take the stress out of the difficult aspects of property sales and also offer up ambiguity-free advice.’
‘They respond quickly and deal efficiently with our requests.’
‘Able to respond quickly with reasoned advice.’
Key clients
Scotia Homes Group
MacDonald & Muir Limited
Orion Engineering Services Retirement Benefit Scheme
Morrison Community Care (CCG) Holdco Limited
L Williamson Limited
QA Fish Limited
Portman Healthcare (Properties) Limited
Forsyths Limited
Nairn Golf Club
Cairngorms Taverns Ltd
Medivet Group
Scottish Natural Heritage
Moray Council
MacKenzie Harris Ltd
Ardersier Port Ltd
Orbital Express Launch Ltd
GDF Commercial Limited
Caley Timber & Construction Services Limited
Shetland Recreational Trust
Shetland Amenity Trust
Wester Ross Fisheries Group
Whiterow Properties Limited
Saltire Business Parks Limited
Inceptum2 Solutions Limited
Myrekirk Developments Limited
G & A Barnie Group
Tulloch Homes Group
Upland Group
James Keiller Property Group
Hazledene Group
Meallmore Limited
Boyd Brothers Limited
Fairways Inverness Limited
Home Farms Partnership
Jacobite Cruises Limited
Parkland Developments Limited
James Evans & Sons Limited
Gael Force Group
Rathven Investments Limited
Independent Vetcare Limited
Handlesbanken
Clydesdale Bank Plc
HSBC Plc
Bank of Scotland Plc
Ocean Kinetics Limited
Compass Building & Construction Services Limited
James Evans & Sons Limited
Whinhurst Properties Limited
Ardent Property Group
Loch Ness Homes Limited
Clyde Munro Dental Group
GF Job Limited
Craigton Foods Limited
Morrison Community Care Group
St Giles Shopping Centre Holdings Limited
Tulloch Developments Limited
Highland Home Carers Limited
Craigton Foods Limited
Angus Council
Louisville Properties Limited
Charlestown Holdings SSAS
KW1 (UK) Limited
Work highlights
- Advised James Keiller Group on the acquisition of a new retail park comprising in excess of 70,000 square feet.
- Advised Clydesdale Bank plc on the refinancing of the Glen Mhor Hotel Group and the funding of their new Brewstillery development.
- Advised GDF Commercial on an Inverness-based property investment deal with tenants including Halfords.
Lindsays
Lindsays‘ Dundee office is fronted by David Rose, an expert in acquisitions, landlord and tenant matters, renewable energy projects, developments, investments and financings. The team is especially well-regarded within the leisure, hospitality and housebuilding sectors; Darren Leahy is an essential contact within the latter space.
Practice head(s):
David Rose
Other key lawyers:
Darren Leahy
Testimonials
‘We have a long-standing relationship with the practice – a friendly, approachable and pragmatic team.’
‘Darren Leahy is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Nothing is ever a problem or a challenge. He is diligent and always professional.’
Key clients
Persimmon Homes Limited
DJ Laing Limited
Scotia Capital Partners Limited
Kilmac Properties Limited
GL Residential Limited
Greystone Estates (Scotland) Limited
Ground Developments Limited
Agile Energy Recovery (Inverurie) Limited
Invertay Homes
Stork Technical Services UK Limited
Work highlights
Stronachs LLP
Stronachs LLP runs a workload spanning acquisitions, disposals, leasing, finance, development and investment endeavours. The Aberdeen-based team includes Liz Stewart, an expert in development-related land purchases, renewable energy projects and option agreements, and Emma Stephen, who handles title and development transactions for residential property developers, compulsory purchase matters and environmentally contaminated sites.
Practice head(s):
Duncan Campbell
Other key lawyers:
Liz Stewart; Emma Stephen
Key clients
Global Energy Group
Strathdee Properties Limited
Peterson (UK) Limited
Spex Services Limited
Xodus Group Limited
DOF Subsea UK Limited
Morlich Homes Limited