Brodies LLP is the first port of call for numerous blue chips, investors, developers and contractors in large-scale projects and associated disputes. Practice co-head Louise Shiels specialises in contentious mandates, many of which have recently encompassed the healthcare and energy sectors, and is supported by Manus Quigg, an expert in construction insurance, as well as David Arnott and Christopher Duff, whose experience spans fire protection and cladding disputes. Fellow co-head Alistair Mclean heads up the firm’s non-contentious offering and has recently been involved in residential, mixed-use and regeneration projects, meanwhile Jane McMonagle's workload ranges from demolition and decommissioning projects to commercial office and social housing developments.
Construction in Scotland
Brodies LLP
Practice head(s):
Alistair McLean; Louise Shiels
Other key lawyers:
David Arnott; Manus Quigg; Christopher Duff; Jane McMonagle; Kirsteen Milne; Erica Johnston
Testimonials
‘The team are responsive and supportive when we are working to tight timescales, which is crucial to our business and marks Brodies out from other firms.’
‘Kirsteen Milne is great at getting into the detail of what we are really looking to achieve in a commercial agreement and finding a practical way of getting us what we need.’
‘Christopher Duff brings a calm and measured perspective to complex disputes and navigates a clear path through to achieving a cost-effective resolution.’
‘I value the industry-specific knowledge and expertise which Brodies provide as well as their highly focused and strategic perspective in helping to resolve commercial and contractual challenges.’
‘David Arnott has stood out for us over many years in his ability to quickly cut through the noise and get to the heart of the key issues which materially affect outcomes.’
‘Brodies have expert knowledge of both Scots and England and Wales law. I find that they are all very approachable and provide clear and concise advice and are responsive to our needs in both contentious and non-contentious matters, North and South of the border.’
‘David Arnott is our go-to lawyer on contentious matters – a very knowledgeable and experienced individual.’
‘Erica Johnston is knowledgeable, hardworking and always available when needed.’
Key clients
Drum Property Group
McLaughlin & Harvey Ltd
Aggreko
Robertson Construction Group
Multiplex Construction Europe Ltd
Amey Power Services Ltd
Balfour Beatty
John Graham Construction
Kier Construction Limited
Dragados
Bruntwood
EQT Exeter
Am Trust Europe Limited
Beck Interiors Limited
Cruden Building (Scotland) Limited
Apache Capital Partners
Ediston Real Estate
DWS
KSL Capital Partners
Last Mile Asset Management
Whyte & Mackay
Work highlights
- Advising Multiplex on the delivery and completion of the £490m construction of the new Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow; on contentious disputes arising out of the delivery and on the completion of the £150m construction of the new Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh.
- Advising Bruntwood Met Tower Limited on the construction aspects of the redevelopment of the Met Tower (Glasgow) into a digital and tech hub.
- Advising EQT Exeter on the mixed-use development of industrial floorspace and residential apartments in Bermondsey (London).
Pinsent Masons LLP
Under the leadership of Louise Forster and Michael Allan, Pinsent Masons LLP is well equipped to handle contentious and non-contentious matters, many of which pertain to large-scale infrastructure and energy sector projects. Forster anchors the team’s contentious offering, leading on high-profile disputes such as public inquiries, while Allan is the main contact in the non-contentious arena; his recent work has involved a number of residential projects. Other recommended individuals include Colin Fraser, an expert in UK-wide infrastructure contracts, Nicholas Carlin, a go-to in the renewable energy space for his expertise in supply chain arrangements, and Fiona Rossetter, who was promoted to legal director in May 2022.
Practice head(s):
Louise Forster; Michael Allan
Other key lawyers:
Colin Fraser; Nicholas Carlin; Scott Johnston; Craig Morrison; Simona Williamson
Testimonials
‘Excellent advice that does not sit on the fence. It is worth a lot more towards making key business decisions as to the next step in dealing with a contractual or commercial issue.’
‘Top level individuals across a range of relevant expertise. The practice works well as a team and is quick to identify who is best to lead a given situation.’
‘Scott Johnston is a standout in the industry – he has the impressive ability to grasp complex and often technical matters very quickly.’
Key clients
HF Developments
Balfour Beatty
BP plc
Port of Aberdeen
Barclays Bank plc
Galliford Try/Morrison
City of Edinburgh Council
AXA Group
Integrated Health Solutions Lothian
Winchburgh Developments Limited
Work highlights
- Advised HFD Construction Group Limited on the construction, letting and sale of 177 Bothwell Street in one of the largest single Scottish office investment transactions.
- Advised Integrated Health Solutions Lothian on the public inquiry concerning the new Royal Hospital for Children and Young People and the Department of Clinical Neurosciences in Edinburgh and Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Campus (Glasgow).
- Advised Harper Collins Publishers Limited on the construction of a 500,000 sq. ft. industrial distribution centre and offices at Nova Business Park (Glasgow).
Burness Paull LLP
Burness Paull LLP‘s expertise spans the renewable energy sector, from waste management to wind and solar projects, in addition to housing and commercial developments. Gavin Paton, who handles student accommodation and build-to-rent (BTR) schemes delivered through various procurement routes, and James Forbes, an expert in renewable energy projects, are essential contacts in the non-contentious space. The ports and harbour sector is an area of particular strength for Andrew Little, who was promoted to partner in August 2022.
Other key lawyers:
James Forbes; Gavin Paton; Chris Mackay; Andrew Little; Caroline Maciver; Mark Kirke
Testimonials
‘Collaboration is a key standout for me. Great partnership within the team across a range of projects.’
‘Approachable team that easily translates technical wording for the layman. Always at the end of the phone for any discussions.’
‘Andrew Little is readily available, knows what he’s talking about at all times, and is down-to-earth.’
Key clients
hub West
Port of Cromarty Firth
Heimstaden Bostad
Urbanite (Glasgow) Limited
Van Oord UK Limited
Fraserburgh Harbour Commissioners
Glen Grant Limited
Galliford Try
Graham Construction
Linear
Work highlights
- Advised hub West Scotland on various infrastructure projects over the past decade.
- Advised Port of Cromarty Firth on the £31m development of Invergordon Service Base, which involved the design and construction of a new quayside and laydown area.
- Advised Pencloe Wind Energy Limited on the construction aspects of Pencloe Wind Farm, a proposed development of 19 turbines and associated infrastructure with an anticipated generating capacity of 85.5 MW.
CMS
CMS is geared to support on large-scale developments which pertain to the healthcare, education, energy, retail and leisure sectors. Shona Frame specialises in construction dispute resolution, an area in which senior associate Laura West excels, acting on a wealth of construction delays, defects and cost fluctuations, among other issues. Frame co-leads the team alongside Christine Worthington who handles much of the firm’s non-contentious mandates, often working alongside construction contract and procurement expert, Christopher Dickson.
Practice head(s):
Shona Frame; Christine Worthington
Other key lawyers:
Rob Wilson; Christopher Dickson; Laura West
Testimonials
‘Extremely collaborative and able to navigate complex issues on projects, always delivering to demanding timescales.’
‘Christine Worthington is a leader in the sector. Her breadth and diversity is invaluable when seeking innovative solutions to complex challenges.’
‘We have a long-standing relationship so they understand our business. This is invaluable in providing tailored advice.’
Key clients
SSE plc
EDF
Scottish Water
Northern Ireland Water
Land Securities
Tilbury Douglas
Balfour Beatty
Galliford Try
Multiplex
Laing O’Rourke
MGroup Services
Aberdeen Standard Investments
Nuveen
M&G
Union Investment
Tarmac
City of Edinburgh Council
North Lanarkshire Council
Renfrewshire Council
WSP
AIMCo
Hargreaves
National Grid
UBS
Work highlights
- Advising Fife College on the new Dunfermline Learning Campus.
- Advising Arrow Capital Partners on one of the largest single asset warehousing acquisitions in the UK.
- Advising Gleneagles Hotel on their new Gleneagles Townhouse hotel in Edinburgh.
Shepherd and Wedderburn
Shepherd and Wedderburn�� is a regular port of call for developers, contractors, housing associations and investors in non-contentious and contentious construction matters. The former is an area of expertise for team head Euan McLeod, whose recent work has included a number of high-profile redevelopment projects, while consultant Lauren Thomson‘s expertise extends to housing and commercial developments. Solicitor advocate Iain Drummond is the main contact for construction and engineering disputes, including professional negligence claims, with recent work spanning the healthcare, education and energy sectors; he is often supported by private finance expert, Nathaniel Buckingham.
Practice head(s):
Euan McLeod
Other key lawyers:
Iain Drummond; Colin Archibald; Euan Murray; Lauren Thomson; Nathaniel Buckingham
Key clients
Balfour Beatty plc
City of Edinburgh Council
Acciona Industrial S.A.
Wheatley Group
Moray Offshore Wind Farm (West) Limited
Offshore Wind Power Limited
British Land
Mangata Networks
Tilstone Partners Limited
JPMorgan Chase
Work highlights
- Advising Wheatley Group – a major Scottish social housing provider – on a £500m contractor framework agreement.
- Advising the City of Edinburgh Council on construction contracts for the redevelopment of Meadowbank in Edinburgh.
- Advising Acciona Industrial S.A. on the £680m London-based Energy From Waste plant.
Addleshaw Goddard
With construction dispute specialist Anne Struckmeier (Edinburgh) at the helm, Addleshaw Goddard‘s contentious expertise translates into regular instructions arising from delays, defects and payment notices, among other issues, and is bolstered by the expertise of legal director Peter Clyde. Elsewhere, clients, including developers, contractors, energy sector players and funds, often instruct the team to assist with non-contentious mandates. Transactional expert Gordon Anderson is an essential contact in this space and, through his previous experience in London, continues to handle both Scottish and English projects.
Practice head(s):
Anne Struckmeier
Other key lawyers:
Gordon Anderson; Peter Clyde
Testimonials
‘The team have taken the time to really understand the client, such that they are able to act both strategically and tactically on our behalf.’
‘They are a very personable team, including the incredible Gordon Anderson – always attentive and accessible.’
‘Peter Clyde is excellent and can always be relied upon to provide good, commercially driven advice.’
‘Peter Clyde is a standout individual on the team and is my go-to construction disputes lawyer in Scotland.’
Key clients
Blackstone
Caudwell Properties
Maven Capital Partners
SGN
LabTech
BT plc
Equans
Maslow Capital
Dominvs Group
Ove Arup
Work highlights
- Advised Caudwell on the development of super prime residences in Mayfair, London.
- Advised Bywater Properties on the development of a low-carbon workspace in London.
- Advised Blackstone on the redevelopment of its logistics portfolio.
Dentons
With procurement expert Mark Macaulay (Glasgow) heading up Dentons‘ construction practice, the team is well-equipped in the non-contentious arena. Macaulay is a regular port of call for Scottish, UK-wide and international development, infrastructure and energy sector projects and the group also has a strong profile for contentious work in the transport sector, including rail, ports and roads, due not least to the expertise of the Edinburgh-based Kirsti Olson. Also active in the contentious sphere is Linzi Hedalen, who was promoted to partner in May 2022. Paul Young departed for Shepherd and Wedderburn in January 2023.
Practice head(s):
Mark Macaulay
Other key lawyers:
Kirsti Olson; Linzi Hedalen; Sarah Alexander
Testimonials
‘The people are very proactive and responsive with impressive IT skills.’
‘Mark Macaulay is simply the best construction lawyer in Scotland for his practical and pragmatic guidance.’
‘Kirsti Olsen is a top-class contentious construction lawyer who creates confidence with clients, argues coherently and advises honestly and directly.’
Key clients
Capita
P & O Ferries
Energy Vault
Jacobs Engineering Group
Taylor Wimpey UK Limited
Silverstone Circuits Limited
Prudential Assurance Company
Clyde Gateway URC
Network Rail Infrastructure Limited
Ruskhim LLC
Britishvolt
Work highlights
- Advising Britishvolt on the £2.5bn development of a landmark 30GWh electric vehicle battery production manufacturing facility in Blyth, Northumberland.
- Advising The Prudential Assurance Company Limited on all construction aspects of the prestigious, mixed-use development at Haymarket, Edinburgh.
- Assisted Capita Property & Infrastructure Limited with an action raised in the Court of Session by Greater Glasgow Health Board.
Harper Macleod LLP
Harper Macleod LLP has particular expertise in the drafting and management of construction and engineering contracts, such as those concerned with the provision of affordable housing, in addition to procurement law matters and contract disputes. In Edinburgh, infrastructure and projects head Euan Pirie is a key contact for non-contentious work, while Laura McCorquodale is a go-to for construction and engineering disputes, including professional negligence claims. Michael Conroy (Glasgow) handles a mixture of contentious and non-contentious work. Clients include contractors, public sector bodies and housing associations.
Practice head(s):
Michael Conroy; Euan Pirie; Laura McCorquodale
Other key lawyers:
John McHugh; Sandy Hastie
Testimonials
‘They have established an excellent reputation in a short amount of time. Their IT systems and platforms are excellent at handling the volume of papers involved in such large construction disputes.’
‘Laura McCorquodale is a standout in this area. She brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in construction disputes. She has been proactive in developing the team into the force it is.’
‘Laura McCorquodale’s strength lies in her communication skills – she gives incredibly user-friendly and clear advice.’
‘Sandy Hastie is a star and one of the best litigation partners in Scotland. He is knowledgeable about all areas of law and has the eye for detail that is essential in construction disputes.’
‘An increasingly prominent player in the contentious construction sector.’
‘Sandy Hastie, John McHugh, and Laura McCorquodale are all very impressive.’
‘Laura McCorquodale has considerable experience of adjudication and has been instrumental in the development of the firm’s presence in the market.’
Key clients
Providence Gate Group Holdings Limited/Providence Gate Saulmore Bay Limited
Orbital Express Launch Limited
hub North Scotland Limited
Oaknorth Bank plc
Marketgait Developments Limited
Fife Council
PRA Group (UK) Limited
Forest & Land Scotland
North Ayrshire Council
Kuehne+Nagel
Halfords
Historic Environment Scotland
Work highlights
- Advised Providence Gate Group Holdings Limited/Providence Gate Saulmore Bay Limited on a proposed golf, leisure and residential development which is set to rival the Trump Golf Development at Menie, Aberdeenshire.
- Advising North Ayrshire Council on the development of a new community campus on the disused former Shell site at the North Shore in Ardrossan.
- Advising Orbital Express Launch Limited on the contract negotiation and management of the design and construction of a vertical launch site named Space Hub Sutherland.
Anderson Strathern
Anderson Strathern is a regular advisor to public and private sector clients in contentious and non-contentious matters. Much of its work pertains to infrastructure and education sector projects though the practice also handles renewable energy, hotel and regeneration projects, with Martin Whiteford serving as the go-to contact in the latter space; he co-heads the practice with Alistair Dean, Karyn Watt and Pat Loftus, all of whom possess expertise on the contentious front.
Practice head(s):
Alistair Dean; Karyn Watt; Martin Whiteford; Pat Loftus
Testimonials
‘Forming part of a large, respected and historic firm, the construction team lives up to high standards of results-driven and client-focused work.’
‘Karyn Watt is a dynamic team leader who inspires loyalty and affection with her proactive but light-touch style.’
‘Karyn Watt leads a team which in my experience is very able and hardworking. They respond quickly and flexibly to client demands.’
Key clients
Scottish Government/Transport Scotland
Ove Arup
University of the Highlands and Islands
Wills Bros Civil Engineering
Iceland Foods Limited
Eurowind Energy
Victoria Square Woking Limited/Woking Borough Council
Midlothian Council
S1 Developments Limited
Axcel Hospitality
Infinite Renewables Group Limited
Effective Project Solutions Limited
Vento Ludens
O’Hare and McGovern Ltd
CCG Scotland Limited
J. Smart & Co
Caber House Limited
Haven Health Care Limited
Falkirk Council
Pitmain and Glenbanchor Ltd
Ripple Energy Limited
Greenforty Development Limited
Work highlights
- Advising the developers of the Victoria Square Woking project on all construction matters. This project includes 125,000 sq ft of commercial space, two thirty storey residential towers and a hotel.
- Advising the Buccleuch Group on the construction of a £25m low-carbon innovation centre at Shawfair Business park, Midlothian.
- Advising Ripple Energy on the development of the 18mw Kirk Hill Wind Farm.
Davidson Chalmers Stewart
With director Simone Young, a transactional expert, heading up Davidson Chalmers Stewart‘s construction practice, the team is well-equipped to handle non-contentious matters. Clients, including developers and commercial tenants, instruct the team to assist with residential, mixed-use and refurbishment projects, as well as associated transactions, leases and loan facilities. It further draws on the firm’s wider dispute resolution group to provide a contentious offering.
Key clients
Tartan Leisure Limited
Lateral City Limited
Chris Stewart Group
Royal Bank of Scotland plc
Peveril Securities Limited
Scarborough Hermiston Limited
Artfarm Property Limited
Pegasus Fire Protection Company Limited
AC Whillans Racing
Black Sheep Coffee Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Tartan Leisure Limited in connection with the design and construction of an inland, artificial surf wavegarden with associated leisure and accommodation facilities in a disused quarry in West Lothian.
- Advised Peveril Securities Limited on the design and construction of a mixed-use development at Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow.
- Advised Artfarm Property Limited in connection with the extensive refurbishment of an existing category B listed hotel, mews and dairy buildings at Braemar, to include the construction of a new build leisure complex and restaurant.
Morton Fraser MacRoberts
Morton Fraser MacRoberts‘s Edinburgh-based construction team (the result of the late-2023 merger between Morton Fraser and MacRoberts LLP) is geared to support on both contentious and non-contentious matters. Jonathan Seddon is the main contact in the latter space, where he is often supported by legal director Mimi Stewart, acting for developers and funders in commercial projects spanning a broad range of real estate assets. Following the merger, the practice now also fields Neil Kelly, Jennifer McKay, David Wilson, Gavin Thomson and Mike Barlow.
Practice head(s):
Jonathan Seddon
Other key lawyers:
Mimi Stewart; Julie Scott-Gilroy; Neil Kelly; Jennifer McKay; David Wilson; Gavin Thomson; Mike Barlow; Rebecca Barrass
Testimonials
‘Experienced construction team who are tuned in to their clients’ requirements. They provide sound advice and effectively manage what can often be challenging situations.’
‘The team are very proactive, providing clients with sound commercial advice based on solutions to situations rather than just reporting on the issues.’
‘Mimi Stewart is a very skilled lawyer who quickly grasps the key issues in any situation and provides advice based on sound commercial as well as legal considerations.’
Key clients
Diageo Scotland Limited
BAM Properties Limited
SRUC
Valneva
Phoenix Capital
WG Propco
City of Edinburgh Council
Transport Scotland
Aberdeen City Council
HAUS Architects
Oberlanders Architects
Work highlights
- Advising BAM Properties on the letting of the eight-storey office development at Capital Square, Edinburgh.
- Advising 6AQ in the letting of the refurbished office development at Atlantic Quay, Glasgow.
- Advising Diageo on the lease and refurbishment of new office space at the Onyx Building, Glasgow.
BTO Solicitors LLP
BTO Solicitors LLP‘s contentious expertise attracts a mixture of insurers, housing associations, contractors and developers and translates into regular instructions arising from design and construction defects, contract terminations and insurance-related issues. Practice head and construction dispute expert Fraser Hopkins is an essential contact in this space. Senior associate Michael Kitson anchors the team’s non-contentious work, which is often embedded in a transactional context.
Practice head(s):
Fraser Hopkins
Other key lawyers:
Mark Morton; Alan Eadie; Michael Kitson
Testimonials
‘Very detailed review of the case and good communication with clients.’
‘Fraser Hopkins stands out as enthusiastic and knowledgeable.’
‘Fraser Hopkins and Michael Kitson were proactive and constructive at all times.’
Key clients
RSA
AXA XL/Chubb
New College Lanarkshire
Bearsden Golf Club
Trelleborg Offshore & Construction AB
Partick Housing Association Limited
Gilbert-Ash Limited
Argyll Community Housing Association Limited
Bell Building Projects Limited
Calma Group Limited
Work highlights
- Acting through multiple successive insurers for a global technical services provider in connection with multiple claims at litigation and core participant involvement in a public inquiry concerning alleged design and construction defects, and resulting public health risks, arising out of the construction and commissioning of both the Edinburgh RHCYP/DCN and Glasgow QEUH hospitals.
- Advising a main contractor prior to and throughout a £4m dispute in relation to the construction of a new hotel in the south of England.
- Advising a national housebuilder on the construction aspects of the sale of its housebuilding and timber frame manufacturing business to a UK plc.
DWF
DWF’s Scottish construction team has recently been bolstered with Edinburgh-based Jonathan Gaskell joining from MacRoberts LLP in October 2022, and director Katherine Doran (Glasgow) joining from HFW in April 2022. Gaskell anchors the non-contentious offering and is active on commercial, regeneration and infrastructure projects, while Doran is the main contact for contentious work, such as renewable energy projects.
Practice head(s):
David McNeice
Other key lawyers:
Jonathan Gaskell; Katherine Doran
Testimonials
‘They are professional, knowledgeable and experienced. They ensure a collaborative approach from the beginning.’
‘Their unique and free-of-charge training was very useful for a foreign company as a newcomer to the UK construction market.’
‘I personally appreciated their knowledge, experience and professionalism.’
Key clients
Tarmac
Ocean Winds
Gulermak
Altrad
Severn Trent Water
Innocent Drinks
Adidas
Aberdeen City Council
Whitbread / Premier Inn
T-Squared
Work highlights
- Acting for Gülermak, a leading Turkish engineering and construction company, tendering for the Washwood Heath depot and NCC as part of the HS2 project.
- Assisting Aberdeen City Council with the preparation of construction documents for use in the Aberdeen City Council City Vision Programme.
- Successfully acting for Severn Trent Water in an adjudication commenced by a local council.
Shoosmiths
With the addition of Ian McCann (Edinburgh) from CMS in April 2022, the construction and engineering team at Shoosmiths is well-equipped to guide clients through various non-contentious matters. Much of McCann's recent work pertains to the provision of affordable housing and developments in the retail and transport sectors.
Practice head(s):
Patrick Garner; Ian McCann
Other key lawyers:
Nina Oliver
Key clients
Sigma Capital Property Limited
Housing Growth Partnership
PfP Capital Fund
Taylor Wimpey UK Limited
Lush Retail Limited
Screwfix Direct Limited
New Age
Sigma Capital Property Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Sigma Capital Property on purchase and construction contracts for a site at South Queensferry for the development of 185 PRS units.
- Advised Housing Growth Partnership on their investment in Scotia Homes Limited.
- Advised PFP Capital Fund on a variation to the existing development funding agreement for a residential development consisting of 151 flats for mid-market rent at Newhall Street, Glasgow.
Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP
Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP is retained to assist with non-contentious matters, which are often transactional in nature, for a mixture of retailers, developers, housebuilders, banks and energy sector players. The main contact is Lisa Dromgoole (Edinburgh), who was promoted to partner in May 2022; her expertise further spans contentious mandates, including public inquiries, fire protection and cladding disputes, among others.
Practice head(s):
Lisa Dromgoole
Other key lawyers:
Rosie Gollan
Key clients
Adston UK Limited
B&Q/Kingfisher
Hargreaves Services plc
Bowmer & Kirkland Limited
Robertson Group
Ashfield Land Retail Developers Limited
Bouygues Energy & Services Limited
Greggs plc
Triodos Bank UK plc
Shell UK Limited
Work highlights
- Assisting Triodos Bank UK plc with multiple projects, including a refinancing and a separate funding to a national care home provider.
- Advising Shell UK Limited on the relocation and fit out of its new headquarters in Aberdeen.
- Assisted Hutchison 3G UK Limited with the design, construction and completion (including contractual matters) of fit-out works to the first floor offices at 123 St Vincent Road, Glasgow.