CMS provides full lifecycle advice on major infrastructure, transport and energy projects across Scotland, with core strengths in HVDC and grid upgrades, battery storage, hydrogen and social infrastructure mandates. The team is increasingly active on PFI handback mandates and operational project disputes. Team head Ailsa Ritchie is a go-to adviser to utilities, government bodies and local authorities, assisting with procurement, bidding, construction and operational matters. Amanda Methven is a key driver behind the firm’s PFI handback offering, while Jenny Durie regularly handles complex PFI operational issues. Shona Frame and Fenella Mason offer deep contentious construction capabilities across a range of project types. The partner bench was bolstered in late 2024 by the arrival of Caroline Maciver from Burness Paull LLP and the promotion of Laura West to partner. Eleanor Lane relocated to the UAE in 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘This firm has a strong reputation in the construction sector. They offer an excellent service and have a very diverse team.’
‘Shona Frame is a friendly yet formidable leader. She is quickly able to grasp both the detail and big picture arguments.'
‘Instructions in connection with Projects work can often spread across a variety of disciplines and the strength of CMS' practice overall means that there is no weak link when needing multi-disciplinary support. The quality of advice and support is excellent across the board and CMS are bringing on a quality new generation of Projects lawyers.’
‘I liaise primarily with Amanda Methven and Jenny Durie. Each of them is hugely experienced in Projects work with extensive exposure to the lifecycle of a project (start to finish and all points in between) and with a deep understanding of how a project fits together including the commercial drivers of the different interested parties. There are few in the legal industry who can compare to Amanda's level of understanding and the quality of her advice.'
‘Has long standing relationship with the business so understands us and what we need well.'
‘Work as an extension of the inhouse team and so communicate effectively with non-legal stakeholders.’
'CMS stands out due to its comprehensive approach to legal services, combining deep industry knowledge with innovative solutions. We have experienced first-hand the practice's ability to handle complex legal matters in the healthcare sector. CMS' commitment to delivering high-quality, client-centred services is evident in its tailored strategies and proactive problem-solving approach, which are crucial for our organisation. Potential clients would be interested in the team's extensive expertise and collaborative spirit.'
Key clients
- Scottish Water
- Transport Scotland
- Innovate East Lothian Limited
- NHS Fife
- Scottish Borders Council
- Serco Caledonian Sleeper Limited
- NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
- hub East Central Scotland Limited
- Moray Council
- Scottish Ministers
- Strathclyde Partnership for Transport
- South Lanarkshire Council
- East Renfrewshire Council
- Serco
- Northern Ireland Water
Work highlights
Advising Scottish Water on expiry and handback of two of SW’s critical wastewater PFIs to public ownership. This follows on from advising on Scottish Water’s first PFI expiry project.
Advising Transport Scotland on the options for procurement in order to secure continuity of the Clyde & Hebridean Ferry Services.
Advising NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde in relation to the design and construction of a new Radionuclide Dispensary (RND) at Gartnavel Hospital, Glasgow and the design and construction of a new Health Centre at Bishopton & Dargavel.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Ailsa Ritchie
Other key lawyers
Amanda Methven; Jenny Durie; Shona Frame; Fenella Mason; Caroline Maciver; Laura West; Vini Cowden; Kayleigh Purves; Sally Smyth