Harper Macleod LLP assembles a robust planning offering with capabilities spanning the renewable energy, housing, and retail sectors. The practice is jointly led by Peter Ferguson, who is frequently instructed by regulators and planning authorities, and disputes specialist Jennifer Jack, who handles judicial reviews, appeals, and public inquiries. Calum Gee bolsters the team’s contentious offering, acting for both public and private sector clients alike. Jacqueline Cook joined the team from Burges Salmon LLP in April 2026.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Peter Ferguson is definitely the standout partner because he is client-focused and totally understands the sector we work in. He has great technical as well as legal knowledge combined with a background of working in the industry for a reasonable period of time.
- What makes the practice special is the people, and in particular their background, which includes working and instructing as a client and the need to collaborate with others to get the transaction finalised. There are very few unnecessary walls when working with them, and you feel as if you are all one team.
- They are very easy to communicate with and have a strong, in-depth understanding of our projects. As a result, they are often able to provide reliable and well-considered advice at short notice.
- Wide sector knowledge and experience, and an understanding of the key commercial drivers for clients.
- Peter Ferguson is commercially savvy and technically very capable.
- Jennifer Jack is outstanding. A pleasure to work with - very knowledgeable. Peter Ferguson is good with clients.
- Peter Fergusson is personable, skilled, understands the legal/practice interface, and is quick.
- Experience across a range of private, SME, and corporate clients. Partner-level service. Highly competent.
- Peter Ferguson is a highly regarded planning solicitor with excellent knowledge across planning and consenting, including renewable projects. He brings a meticulous and structured approach to complex matters, ensuring risks are clearly identified and managed. His attention to detail is consistently strong, and his advice is clear, well-reasoned, and reliable, making him a trusted adviser on planning-led projects where accuracy and thoroughness are critical.
- Calum Gee is ferociously bright.
Key clients
- NatureScot (formerly Scottish Natural Heritage)
- Octopus Energy
- Fred Olsen Renewables
- EnergieKontor
- The Foresight Group
- Tag Energy
- Forestry and Land Scotland (formerly Forestry Commission Scotland)
- Cairngorms National Park Authority
- Pennon Power
- Odfjell Oceanwind AS
- The Highland Council
- City of Edinburgh Council
- AlphaReal
- Temporis Energy
- Glasgow City Council
- East Dunbartonshire Council
Work highlights
Advised TagEnergy on the environmental and planning aspects of its acquisition of four mid-stage development windfarm projects in Scotland.
Represented Dumfries and Galloway Council at a public inquiry objecting to a proposed 432MW, 180-250m tip height, 60 turbine windfarm at Scoop Hill.
Represented Glasgow City Council in defending judicial review challenges brought by a residents’ association.
Lawyers
Next generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Peter Ferguson; Jennifer Jack
Other key lawyers
Calum Gee; Jacqueline Cook