Burness Paull LLP‘s wide-ranging transport practice spans litigation, financing, construction and projects in the aviation, rail, road and shipping sectors. The firm is noted for its ports and harbours expertise, handling shipping and maritime disputes, carriage of goods and vessel operation matters. The practice is under the joint leadership of Andrew Little and James Forbes. Little brings extensive experience across the full lifecycle of ports and harbour projects, while Forbes specialises in the delivery of large infrastructure projects, including roads and bridges. Richard Lockhart departed the firm in December 2025.
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Key clients
- Volkswagen Group
- FirstGroup plc
- Arnold Clark Automobiles Limited
- John Clark (Holdings) Ltd
- Alexander Dennis Limited
- Forth Ports Limited
- CalMac Ferries Limited
- Port of Cromarty Firth
- Kishorn Port Limited
- Fraserburgh Harbour Commissioners
- Scrabster Harbour Trust
- Great Western Railway
- Avanti
- West Craigs Limited
- Bristow Helicopters Limited
- Hebridean Island Cruises
- Sustrans
- NorthStandard Limited
- Oceaneering International Inc.
- Port of Tilbury London Limited
Work highlights
Continued to advise FirstGroup entities on a number of strategically important matters.
Advised Port of Cromarty Firth on all aspects of its £110m phase 5 harbour development for a floating offshore wind farm.
Acted for Alexander Dennis in restructuring its operations and finding ways to continue to carry on its business in Scotland, in particular advising on a bespoke £4m 26-week furlough scheme, funded by the Scottish Government.
Lawyers
Next generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Andrew Little; James Forbes