Leveraging its international footprint, CMS houses a team of lawyers capable of handling a wide range of clients, spanning the energy, student accommodation, and hospitality sectors. Tenancy, insolvency, and development defect disputes all form part of the portfolio of work keeping the group busy in recent times. Practice chief Marc Armstrong is an established port of call for disputes arising out of the energy sector. Colin Hutton is a recognised authority among financial institutions and large corporates, while Fiona Tosh has amassed considerable experience at all levels of the Scottish court system. Rory Anderson acts for a roster of retailers and institutional investors.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Marc Armstrong and Neil Brannigan's understanding of our situation was excellent.
- Marc Armstrong stands out as a highly organized, calm, and strategically minded real estate litigator who combines strong technical property expertise with a practical focus on outcomes.
- CMS Scotland’s property litigation team combines deep expertise in Scots property law with the reach and resources of a leading international firm. I value the team’s commercial and strategic approach, with a strong focus on early risk assessment, cost control, and achieving pragmatic outcomes, including through ADR where appropriate.
- Marc Armstrong is very approachable and inspires absolute confidence. His advice is always well-considered and measured, leaving you in no doubt as to the options available to you. He is particularly good at explaining the proposed litigation strategy, emphasizing the risks as well as the potential benefits of the approach. He is an absolute pleasure to work with. Fiona Tosh is an associate within Marc's team. She is an excellent lawyer whose experience in restructuring and insolvency means that she always has an eye on protecting the client from the risks of an opponent's business failing. She is confident and assured and gives good pragmatic advice. She is definitely one to watch in the future.
- The Edinburgh office has an excellent partner-led litigation team that works closely with its partner-led property team in Aberdeen in matters involving property litigation. Particularly outstanding in the Edinburgh team are partner Marc Armstrong, supported by Ross Forrest, and in the Aberdeen office partner Carol Nisbet. They create a strong unit that deals with all aspects of property litigation throughout Scotland.
- Marc Armstrong heads up the team and is excellent - a lawyer I would trust to fight for my interests.
Key clients
- Hargreaves Land Limited
- Sopra Steria
- Edinburgh St James Limited
- SSE Plc
- Inspiring Scotland
- Network Rail
- Scottish Enterprise
- Highlands and Islands Enterprise
- Sapphire 15 Sarl and Sapphire 16 Sarl
- Aberdeen Group
Work highlights
Provided strategic vacant possession advice to the administrators of Sapphire 15 S.À R.L. and Sapphire 16 S.À R.L., the owner of Scotland’s largest undercover shopping centre.
Reappointed to advise Network Rail on complex litigation and property disputes.
Defended Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution plc from a multimillion pound infrastructure damage claim.
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.
Fiona Tosh
Rory Anderson
Practice head
Marc Armstrong
Other key lawyers
Colin Hutton; Fiona Tosh; Rory Thomson; Rory Anderson