Harper Macleod LLP has a strong client base that instructs its energy and natural resources team on a number of key Scottish projects, with wind, solar, and battery storage work continually at the fore. The firm is well-geared to act on a wide body of contentious work, including increased climate change litigation, and has an active secondary market offering. Helming the practice is Omar Ali, who is highly proficient in advising on the property and real estate aspects of large-scale projects, especially in regard to grid connection offers and planning routes. Pamela Todd ‘provides first-class support’ to developers and investors with extensive activity in the wind space, while Lewis Hendry has a broad remit of work. David Bone retired in April 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Excellent knowledge of renewable energy industry.’
‘Pamela Todd is highly knowledgeable, commercially aware and respected by other lawyers, which assists in reaching acceptable outcomes for all parties. Experienced and very easy to work with.’
‘Highly professional, approachable and diligent. They have an excellent network with other legal providers. They understand, and are sympathetic to, their client's practical requirements to assist with navigating the legal landscape.’
‘Team are very approachable, extremely diligent and experts in their field. They are nearly always available at short notice or respond as soon as possible thereafter. They explain difficult legal matters in a clear manner and are patient in presenting information verbally to suit their client's expertise.'
- 'Pamala Todd has provided first-class support on many key legal aspects of the projects I have worked with her. This support has been provided during due diligence, acquisition, contraction and operation and through some very complex contractual matters.’
Key clients
- Fred. Olsen Renewables
- EnergieKontor
- Forestry and Land Scotland
- Pennon Group Plc
- Ardersier Port
- GreenPower International
- Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport
- Greenpeace
- Ocean Winds
- Greenswitch Capital
Work highlights
Advised Fred. Olsen Renewables Limited on the development of phase 4 of Crystal Rig wind farm, which will bring the total development to over 260MW.
Advised Pennon Group on the acquisition of the solar farm at Cullerlie in Aberdeenshire from Elgin Energy, dealing with all property, planning, environmental and grid connection matters.
Appointed as sole legal adviser to act for Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport Limited, one of only two green freeports in Scotland, including assisting in attracting investment into the offshore wind and hydrogen industries.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Omar Ali
Other key lawyers
Pamela Todd; Lewis Hendry