Harper Macleod LLP offers ‘practical and useful’ advice to renewable energy clients, local councils and public entities on both contentious and non-contentious planning matters. The department is jointly led by Peter Ferguson, who leverages extensive environmental and offshore wind expertise in his practice, and Jennifer Jack, who frequently advises clients on judicial reviews, appeals and public inquiries.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'What makes this practice stand out is the combination of deep subject matter expertise with a genuinely collaborative and client-centric approach. The team is not only highly knowledgeable in their field, but they also bring a practical, solution-oriented mindset that is clearly aligned with client needs and business realities.'

  • ‘Jennifer Jack has excellent client skills. Peter Ferguson is diligent and highly competent.’

  • 'Peter has been a standout—always approachable and quick to grasp the nuances of a matter. He's someone who inspires trust and confidence.'

  • ‘I have always received attentive service from the team. Questions are answered quickly.'

  • 'Peter Ferguson provides outstanding legal support.'

  • ‘Calum Gee and Jennifer Jack are both approachable and I very much appreciate the excellent advice I have got from them over the past years.'

  • 'The advice given can be trusted and is both accurate in terms of the law and, perhaps more importantly, practical and useful.'

  • ‘Peter Ferguson is particularly effective with regard to planning matters associated with the renewables sector.'

  • 'The representation arranged by Harper MacLeod has been first class.’
  • 'Jennifer Jack stands out from the team with her knowledge and understanding.’

Key clients

  • NatureScot (formerly Scottish Natural Heritage)
  • Octopus Energy
  • Fred Olsen Renewables
  • EnergieKontor
  • The Foresight Group
  • Primark
  • Forestry and Land Scotland (formerly Forestry Commission Scotland)
  • Cairngorms National Park Authority
  • Pennon Power
  • Greenpeace UK
  • The Highland Council
  • City of Edinburgh Council
  • Marine Scotland
  • Fife Council
  • Glasgow City Council
  • Royal Zoological Society of Scotland

Work highlights

Represented NatureScot in a public inquiry regarding a proposed golf course at Coul Links, Embo, Sutherland.
Represented Dumfries and Galloway Council at a public inquiry regarding a proposed 432MW, 180-250m tip height, 60-turbine wind farm at Scoop Hill, located approximately 5km from Moffat, Dumfries and Galloway.
Represented Glasgow City Council in defending judicial review challenges brought by a residents’ association, who are campaigning and litigating to try to prevent the demolition by a developer of four tower blocks currently used as social housing.

Practice head

Peter Ferguson; Jennifer Jack

Other key lawyers

Calum Gee