Burges Salmon LLP advises on the full lifecycle of renewable and alternative energy projects in Scotland, with particular strength in regulatory, corporate, and project development matters. The team regularly acts for major developers, investors, and lenders on complex mandates across technologies including offshore wind, hydrogen, solar, and battery storage-related issues. Danny Lee helms the practice and is regularly sought out for his ability to handle complex M&A and PE transactions involving a broad spectrum of energy assets. Stuart McMillan is a go-to for project finance expertise, while Malcolm Donald has a broad corporate and commercial offering that involves M&A, commercial agreements and regulatory issues. Patrick Munro, Gregor Hayworth and Niall Mackle also come recommended.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Strong team and understanding towards start-ups, which is unusual for a large legal firm. Ability to tap into other internal teams' skills to solve complex legal challenges.'
‘Niall Mackle, exceeded expectations with his contract skills and negotiating prowess. Compared to other large legal firms we have used the service felt personal and was handled very professionally and fast.’
‘For me this practice stands out for its commitment to providing client-centred solutions through a combination of expertise, personalised attention, and a willingness to truly understand the case from the client's perspective.'
- 'What sets them apart is their ability to handle complex legal challenges where tiny nuances in the market specific regulations are critical to understanding the holistic view of the situation.'
- 'Clients will appreciate the team's collaborative approach, where diverse perspectives are valued, and collaboratively challenged to push the team to be the best. Every matter is treated with the utmost attention to detail.’
‘The individuals I work with at this firm truly set them apart to their competitors, with their deep legal expertise, strong client relationships, and ability to think outside the box.
Key clients
- Clean Energy Cap Ltd
- EDF
- AMPYR Solar Europe
- ENGIE
- ESB
- GLIL Infrastructure and Bluefield Solar
- Kirkton Wind Farm Limited (Wind2 Group)
- Wind 2 Limited
- Harbour Energy
- Drax Cruachan Expansion Limited
- Cambridge Power Limited
- National Westminster Bank plc and Export Development Canada
Work highlights
Acted for ESB in respect of its acquisition of a 33% interest in the Gwynt Glas Offshore Floating Windfarm project, as part of a strategic partnership with EDF Renewables and Reventus Power each owning 33% of the project.
Advising Drax on the extension of its iconic ‘Hollow Mountain’ pumped-hydro power (PSH) project, Cruachan power station.
Advising Aura Power Developments Limited as Borrower on a circa £44m project financing debt facility from Coöperatieve Rabobank U.A, for the construction of the 49.9MW solar farm.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Danny Lee
Other key lawyers
Stuart McMillan; Malcolm Donald; Patrick Munro; Gregor Hayworth; Niall Mackle