Burness Paull LLP is nationally recognised for the ‘proven results’ it obtains for infrastructure companies, hub projects, construction corporations, and public institutions. Gavin Paton spearheads the team and is reputed for his renewable energy infrastructure knowledge. James Forbes' non-contentious experience is geared to support on the full scope of non-contentious construction mandates, while Andrew Little is exceptional in maritime-focused projects. Chris Horsley is a key name in the team.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- I have worked most closely with Andrew Little, Kirstin Beattie, and Chris Horsley. Across all three, I have consistently found them to be exceptionally intelligent, commercially astute, and genuinely collaborative. They are highly responsive, operate calmly under tight deadlines, and bring clear, structured thinking to challenging matters. They demonstrate exemplary integrity and professionalism, and they communicate complex legal issues to non-lawyers with clarity and ease.
- Burness Paull stands out for combining deep technical expertise with a genuinely solutions-driven mindset. Having both instructed the firm and encountered them on the opposite side of transactions, I have consistently found their approach to be constructive, commercially astute, and focused on achieving the best possible outcome for the client and the project as a whole. They are extremely reasonable to deal with, and their collaborative attitude sets the tone for productive negotiations and smooth execution. What I value most about the team is the blend of strong legal judgment, sector-specific insight, and an ability to translate complexity into clear, actionable advice. Senior lawyers remain closely involved, ensuring continuity, accountability, and high-quality decision-making throughout a matter.
- The ability to listen and adapt to the communications of the contractor in often restricted and pressured timescales. A consistent approach to problem-solving, and an undoubted knowledge base of dispute resolution.
- Empathetic (non-transactional) communications, followed up by progressive actions with proven results. The ability of the partners to actively listen to the often complex problems and then navigate a way forward is very impressive.
- Gavin Paton is our first call for these matters - a trusted and respected partner in these matters.
- Excellent sector presence and knowledge; depth of resources.
- This practice has a wide range of skills and expertise, covering the entire spectrum of our operations, enabling seamless delivery from cradle to grave, which makes it an excellent fit for our business.
- Chris Horsley demonstrated in-depth expert knowledge on the subject matter that was an information gap for our business and greatly assisted in our negotiations.
Key clients
- NHS Lothian
- Perth & Kinross Council
- Highlands and Islands Enterprise
- hub West Scotland Limited
- Scottish Futures Trust Limited
- Scot Roads Partnership Project Limited
- Scottish Enterprise
- University of St Andrews
- Galliford Try
- Graham Construction
- Ancala Water Services
- Highland Spring Limited
- Fraserburgh Harbour Commissioners
- Port of Cromarty Firth
- Forth Valley College
- Carbon Energy Fund
- Graham Investment Projects
- Robertson Construction
- Linear Design & Construct
- Bellrock Consulting UK Limited
Work highlights
Advising hub West Scotland Limited on a range of matters.
Advising Kishorn Port Limited on the project documentation for a £42m port expansion and upgrade of the port’s infrastructure to enable the manufacture of floating offshore wind foundations at Kishorn Port, alongside its capabilities for concrete manufacturing for floating offshore sub-structures, marshalling, and lay down area.
Advising Amplus Energy (Holdings) Limited on the drafting and negotiation of contracts for the sale of, and front-end engineering design, vessel upgrade and operation and maintenance for, the floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel ‘Petrojarl I’ with Australian-headquartered Finder Energy, contracting through Finder’s Netherlands-incorporated subsidiary.
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.
Practice head
Gavin Paton
Other key lawyers
James Forbes; Andrew Little; Scott Duncan; Chris Horsley