As a result of a merger which combined entrenched expertise in developer and landowner-focused advice, Morton Fraser MacRoberts has a robust projects practice that is able to assist clients across the entire energy space. The firm has extensive experience overseeing the development and commercial aspects of substantial renewable projects, with specialist planning, crofting and regulatory acumen; it has also recently been engaged with significant M&A and PE transactions, complex procurement instructions, and public inquiries. Team lead Nick Jones‘ broad skillset is frequently utilised by wind developers for both early stage and operational commercial advice. Gail Watt is an agriculture and rural property specialist, often addressing key issues affecting the development and extension of renewable builds. Douglas Milne acts for a range of developers and public authorities on planning issues, while Nick Atkins is a nuclear expert.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The experience of the team working on our projects is excellent. Their attention to and understanding of our needs and requirements goes over and above that of other firms. They are innovative in their approach to problem solving for us.’
‘Their personal attention is exceptional - the partner responsible for our projects, Nick Jones, is always available and willing to work to our timescales.’
‘Ability to call on partners/experts across planning/property/M&A/energy if unusual queries come up.’
‘Nick Jones is always responsive and gives excellent advice and speedy execution. I can rely on his judgement and negotiation and this makes my business a lot easier.’
Key clients
- SSE
- Coriolis Energy
- Renantis UK
- E Power
- GridCodePower
- United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority, Dounreay Site Restoration Limited
- Scottish Ministers
- Historic Environment Scotland
Work highlights
Acting for Chirmorie Wind Farm Limited on the site assembly of numerous land, access and cabling agreements for leases and servitudes for the Chirmorie Wind Farm Project, a 76MW 21-turbine consented project located approximately 7km south-west of Barrhill, South Ayrshire.
Acting for SSE (specifically SSEN Transmission) in relation to major elements of its Pathway to 2030 programme, advising on the contract documentation for the procurement of Converters and Cable for the Arnish to Beauly HVDC Link and the Spittal to Peterhead HVDC Link, including the preparation of bespoke Framework Agreements and NEC3 Engineering and Construction Contracts.
Acted for onshore wind engineering specialist Realise Energy Services in obtaining a multi-million-pound investment from London-based private equity firm Rockpool Investments.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Gail Watt
Practice head
Nick Jones
Other key lawyers
Gail Watt; Douglas Milne, Nick Atkins