CMS has established a market-leading projects practice, instrumental in many of Scotland’s most ambitious transport, low carbon, social infrastructure and healthcare projects, and is experiencing continued growth in mandates related to 5G infrastructure and decarbonisation. Practice head Ailsa Ritchie advises across the full project life-cycle, from pre-procurement planning and strategy through to project structuring and business development. Amanda Methven’s expertise spans key areas such as procurement, commercial strategy and complex disputes, while Eleanor Lane is a specialist regarding public-private partnerships (PPPs), public service concessions and strategic outsourcing projects, especially in the marine sector. Below partner level, senior associate Fiona Scott has a solid reputation for large-scale infrastructure projects, from bid stage through to final close.
Projects in Scotland
CMS
Responsables de la pratique:
Ailsa Ritchie
Autres avocats clés:
Amanda Methven; Eleanor Lane; Fiona Scott
Les références
‘The team offer direct legal advice when sought, which any new client would benefit from.’
‘There is a sense of partnership when working on complex projects that is greatly appreciated, and deadlines are always met.’
‘CMS are always exceptionally professional and give that little extra when required.’
Principaux clients
Transport Scotland
Scottish Water
bp
Commissioner for Northern Lighthouses / Northern Lighthouse Board
Hub East Central Scotland Limited
Scottish Borders Council
MoD
NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT)
SP Transmission, Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission PLC, National Grid Electricity Transmission PLC
Galliford Try Construction Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Advising Scottish Water on its capital investment programme SR2021-2027 Water and on a broad range of matters including its PFI portfolio of nine wastewater projects, procurement, construction, disputes, corporate/joint ventures, regulatory matters and property and employment issues.
- Advising the Commissioners for Northern Lighthouses, to advise on the procurement of a vessel to replace the NLV Pole Star.
- Advising Scottish Borders Council on its procurement of two new secondary schools and a new combined primary school and GP practice.
Pinsent Masons LLP
Leveraging a comprehensive network that spans Europe, Africa, The Gulf and Asia Pacific, the projects practice at Pinsent Masons LLP offers specialists in all of the key sub-sectors including energy, infrastructure, and real estate developments. Stuart Barr heads the Scottish team and is highly active across the UK and Ireland when advising on operational projects and those in procurement, as well as dispute avoidance and resolution. Transactional construction specialist Michael Allan is experienced in conventional, renewable and nuclear energy projects, while Victoria Miller regularly advises large portfolios of funds and funders in relation to the management of complex operational assets. Legal director Chris Owens specialises in student accommodation and regularly advises both public and private sector clients.
Responsables de la pratique:
Stuart Barr; Graham Alty (London)
Autres avocats clés:
Michael Allan; Victoria Miller; Chris Owens
Les références
‘The projects team provides clear advice setting out the current position, but also suggesting options for the way forward to resolve issues. This pragmatism and understanding of the sectors in which they operate sets them apart from other firms.’
‘The projects team shows great resilience in seeing issues through from start to finish, often in challenging circumstances.’
‘Stuart Barr is an outstanding leader of both his team and other parties involved in projects.’
Principaux clients
Morgan Sindall plc
Edinburgh Trams Limited
Balfour Beatty plc
Galliford Try plc
Aberdeen Standard Investments
Kajima Partnerships Limited
Veolia Group
Aviva
Foresight Group
Saur Services (Glasgow) Limited
Hub South West Limited
University of York
University of Sussex
Royal Holloway, University of London
University of Birmingham
London School of Economics
Kingston NHS Hospital Trust
National Westminster Bank Plc Allied Irish Banks and Banco Sabadell
University of London
Ministry of Justice
Transport Infrastructure Ireland
City of Edinburgh Council
Port of Aberdeen
Integrated Health Solutions Lothian
ELWA Limited
Aberdeen Roads Limited
Equitix Limited
Sisk PPP Investments Limited
Hub South West Scotland Limited
Dalmore Capital Limited
Healthcare Centres PPP Limited
Arcus Infrastructure Partners
Nationwide
Winchburgh Developments Limited
Lloyds Banking Group
Diamond Transmission Hornsea One Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Advised the sponsors Equitix Limited and Sisk PPP Investments Limited on the financial close of this 14-site PPP Scheme procured by the Irish Health Services Executive.
- Assisted Winchburgh Developments Limited with one of the largest and most exciting placemaking projects currently underway in the UK.
- Representing the Project Company, Integrated Health Solutions Lothian, on a public inquiry which was announced in summer 2019. The client was engaged by National Health Services, Lothian for the construction of the new Royal Hospital for Children and Young People and Department of Clinical Neurosciences.
Brodies LLP
‘One of the largest practices, if not the largest in Scotland’, Brodies LLP acts on the full lifespan of PPP and Private Finance Initiative (PFI) projects across the UK and Ireland, servicing a diverse range of major public and private clients. The practice is well known for its market-leading public law, finance and procurement expertise, and head of infrastructure Drysdale Graham has a particular focus on advising project sponsors and funders. Michael Stoneham leads the energy and infrastructure finance group, utilising his extensive project finance expertise across a broad range of sectors including healthcare, education, transport and housing. Stuart Murray was promoted to partner in May 2022, with his experience working on Scotland’s hub programme of social accommodation procurement being ‘second to none’.
Responsables de la pratique:
Drysdale Graham; Michael Stoneham
Autres avocats clés:
Stuart Murray
Les références
‘The team’s considerable experience in this field allows it to draw on that experience to shape and direct focussed advice with realistic, workable solutions.’
‘There does not seem to be much that they have not encountered or seen before, allowing a pragmatic approach to difficult issues and value for money advice.’
‘Brodies experience representing various parties within the construction contract (DBDA) ensures the ability to give sound advice tailored to the client’s needs.’
Principaux clients
Scottish Water
Equitix
Hub South East Scotland Limited
Falkirk Council
Robertson Facilities Management Limited
Nord LB
European Investment Bank
Perth & Kinross Council
Dumfries and Galloway Council
Aberdeenshire Council
Galliford Try Investments Limited
Robertson Construction
WCHS DBFM Co Limited
Nord Landesbank Gironzentrale
North Lanarkshire Council
Principaux dossiers
- Advising Falkirk Council on its bundled PFI schools contract (the first to be executed in Scotland) as it nears the end of the concession period.
- Appointed as sole legal advisor to Hub South East Scotland Limited on its £853m social infrastructure programme as well as advising a number of local government, investor and contractor clients on operational projects across all five of Scotland’s Hub Territories.
- Acting for Nord LB, Bank of Ireland and European Investment Bank in its delivery of the €250m Irish Community Nursing Units PPP Project.
Burness Paull LLP
Burness Paull LLP is especially well regarded for its skill regarding public sector projects, where in addition to significant projects for NHS Lothian and hub West, the firm has been sought after by the Scottish Futures Trust to advise on template drafting and project structures, recently developing standard form documentation in relation to public electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Gavin Paton is a key figure, regularly handling secondary market sales and purchases on project finance deals; Andrew Little was promoted to partner in August 2022 and is an accredited specialist in construction law, while director Chris Horsley has extensive expertise in projects, energy and commercial contracts. James Forbes is adept at handling large capital infrastructure projects and is active across a number of sectors including education, waste, roads and healthcare. Former team head Chris MacKay retired in January 2023.
Responsables de la pratique:
Gavin Paton; Chris Horsley; Andrew Little
Autres avocats clés:
James Forbes
Les références
‘We have worked with the Burness team for a number of years, and their expertise and knowledge of our business makes their contribution invaluable.’
‘The key experience we rely on is dispute Resolution, and the Burness team are particularly strong in developing strategies with us to minimise the commercial impact to our business.’
‘Experience and knowledge of our business are the key attributes that we have sought from Burness.’
Principaux clients
NHS Lothian
Perth & Kinross Council
Highlands and Islands Enterprise
hub West Scotland Limited
Albany Infrastructure Management
Scottish Futures Trust Limited
Scot Roads Partnership Project Limited
Scottish Enterprise
University of St Andrews
Galliford Try Construction (UK) Limited / FM
Graham Construction
Ancala Water Services
Van Oord
Highland Spring Limited
Fraserburgh Harbour Commissioners
Port of Cromarty Firth
Welsh Government
Wilmington Trust (London) Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Acting for long-standing client Scottish Futures Trust, national infrastructure centre of expertise, on developing standard form documentation (including contracts between Local Authorities wishing to collaborate on projects and between Local Authorities and Private Sector Contractors) for its Public Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure funding programme.
- Advising Port of Cromarty Firth on the £31m Phase 4 development of Invergordon Service Base and Phase 5 to invest around £150m plan in developing additional infrastructure to effectively double the size of its existing capacity to meet the huge rise in renewable energy needs.
- Advising hub West Scotland on a phased Design and Build Development Agreement (DBDA) project to develop a new North East Health Hub on a site near Parkhead, Glasgow.
Dentons
Dentons combines both breadth and depth of expertise when advising a particularly diverse range of private and public sector clients, including lenders and investors, both domestically and internationally. Euan Wilson is one of those spearheading the practice, specialising in large infrastructure and project finance such as PFIs and hub transactions.
Responsables de la pratique:
Euan Wilson
Principaux clients
Her Majesty’s Government and the Official Receiver to Carillion plc
Semperian
Sir Robert McAlpine
Morgan Sindall Investments
3i Infrastructure
Network Rail
Tfl (Transport for London)
Infrastructure Managers Limited
Dalmore Capital
Ministry of Defence
Amey
Envac UK
Department for Education
Blue Transmission
Consort Healthcare (Edinburgh Royal Infirmary) Ltd
World Bank
Ofwat
Consort Healthcare (Durham) Limited
ISS Mediclean
Resolis
Consort Healthcare (Birmingham) Limited
Fife Health Board
Ayrshire Hospitals Limited
Stonehouse Hospitals Limited
Pale Blue Dot
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Semperian on the purchase of 3 major toll road interests in Ireland from DIF.
- Advising on the c.£4bn project development of the Acorn Carbon Capture & Storage project in Scotland.
- Supporting BIIF Infrastructure fund with the transitioning (to date) of 47 LIBOR-based project financings to SONIA with further projects still to transition.
DLA Piper
Servicing a broad range of clients from multinational companies to large public and private organisations, DLA Piper utilises a strong international presence to advise on significant Scottish projects, including key strategic and operational advice on large infrastructure PPP projects. Lillian Mackenzie heads up the firm’s Scottish finance projects and restructuring practice, widely regarded in the market as an authority on PPPs.
Responsables de la pratique:
Lillian Mackenzie
Principaux clients
Welsh Government
Velindre University NHS Trust
Biffa
Principaux dossiers
- Advising Velindre University NHS Trust on its multi-million-pound pathfinder MIM healthcare project, involving the design, build, finance and maintenance of a new Cancer Centre.
- Advising Biffa Waste Services Limited as the preferred bidder appointed to deliver the Deposit Return Scheme in Scotland, due to launch in August 2023.
- Advising the Welsh Ministers on the procurement of the £1.5bn Welsh Education Partnership (WEP) Strategic Partnering Delivery Model for the delivery of education and community facilities in Wales, including through mutual investment model (MIM).
MacRoberts LLP
MacRoberts LLP is an independent firm which supports its clients ‘all the way’ throughout their projects, regularly advising on the project finance aspects of infrastructure projects including PFIs, PPPs and Mutual Investment Models (MIMs). Catering to major sponsors, funders, contractors and public sector clients, practice head Rod Munro is highly respected across a wide array of sectors from accommodation and schools to health and social infrastructure. Project finance specialist Duncan Osler focuses on the public sector and the procurement of hospital, school and transport projects, while Jennifer McKay is highly experienced in complex project disputes. Legal director Ben Powell departed in late 2022 to join Brodies LLP.
Responsables de la pratique:
Rod Munro
Autres avocats clés:
Duncan Osler; Jennifer McKay
Les références
‘They are simply with you all the way in whatever issue you are trying to resolve.’
‘The team is very approachable, and interact very well between themselves, and with different disciplines within the organisation if required.’
‘They set out the scope of works and fees in an easy-to-understand way and proactively provide updates and options should further work be required.’
Principaux clients
Scottish Government
NHS Lothian
NHS Highland
NHS Tayside
NHS Orkney
NHS Lanarkshire
Glasgow City Council
Transport Scotland
Scottish Prison Service
Police Scotland
The Edinburgh Schools Partnership (Abrdn; Dalmore; Semperian)
3ED Glasgow Limited (Abrdn; Dalmore; Semperian)
ECG Facilities Services Limited
Lloyds Bank
M&G
Claymore Roads Limited (Morgan Sindall Investments; InfraRed)
E4D&G Limited (Amey Venture); Currie & Brown Investments)
The Renfrewshire Schools Partnership (Amey Ventures; Abrdn; Infrastructure Investments)
Robertson Group
Shanks
Scottish Water
SSE plc
Principaux dossiers
- Acting as legal advisers to 3ED Glasgow Limited on the Glashow Schools PPP Project – the largest multi-site Schools PPP Project in Scotland – on multiple variations for the enhancement of various Schools sites by the procurement, installation and construction of new teaching and sports facilities.
- Acting as legal advisers to the Scottish Ministers on the nationalisation of the ScotRail Franchise – the Scottish Government’s, a contract with a value of £6bn.
- Acting for NHS Lothian in multiple disputes with the PFI company, Consort Healthcare, the project company on the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh PFI Project.
Shepherd and Wedderburn
Shepherd and Wedderburn is heavily involved in major PFI and PPP projects in Scotland and throughout the UK, advising on all aspects of projects including procurement, construction and disputes. Best-known for his work with public sector, private sector and funder clients, practice head Stephen Colliston regularly handles projects across a wide range of sectors such as healthcare, street lighting, waste, education and energy. Nigel Sievwright is also a key contact and his expertise covers the design, build, finance and maintenance of projects.
Responsables de la pratique:
Stephen Colliston
Autres avocats clés:
Nigel Sievwright
Les références
‘They have depth of expertise, especially in regard to non-financial contracts and regulations.’
‘The team is pragmatic and takes a flexible approach, with a readiness to float innovative/unorthodox solutions.’
‘They seriously endeavour to understand where the client needs expert advice and support.’
Principaux clients
Balfour Beatty Construction Limited
City of Edinburgh Council
Acciona Industrial S.A.
Moray Offshore Wind Farm (West) Limited
Offshore Wind Power Limited
West Lothian Council
South Ayrshire Council
Consort Healthcare (Blackburn) Limited
Amey Community Limited
InfraRed Capital Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Acting for Acciona Industrial in connection with £680m London Energy From Waste Facility.
- Advising West Lothian Council in relation to hub projects for schools in West Lothian.
- Advising South Ayrshire Council on hub DBDA projects.
Anderson Strathern
Anderson Strathern has a proven track record in acting on significant public sector projects, advising clients across a number of key sectors including transport, education and renewable energy. Construction specialist Karyn Watt is a trusted advisor to public and private sector clients on complex procurement issues, while Martin Whiteford specialises in renewables and infrastructure projects, regularly handling significant wind, hydrogen and tidal developments. Public sector group head Audrey Cameron and commercial contract specialist Pat Loftus are also key contacts.
Responsables de la pratique:
Karyn Watt; Martin Whiteford; Pat Loftus; Audrey Cameron
Les références
‘A very-experienced, approachable, professional and diligent team.’
‘They are great to work with. The team are integral to the success of a complex deal.’
‘Very competent team who all have a very good grasp of this area of the law and are very alert to client needs.’
Principaux clients
Victoria Square Woking Limited, Woking Borough Council, Moyallen Woking Limited and Woking Town Centre Management Limited
University of the Highlands and Islands
Inovyn & Ineos
Vento Ludens Limited
Axcel Hospitality Management
Buccleuch Group
Peter D Stirling Ltd and Trustees of I D Meiklam
Fife Council
Crown Estate Scotland
Cireco (Scotland) LLP
Eco-Projects IOM
Oak & Green (O&G Group)
Ripple Energy
Eurowind Energy
European Energy A/S
Locogen Limited
Greenforty Development Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Advising Woking Borough Council and Victoria Square Woking Limited, as the developers of the Victoria Square Woking project on all construction matters. This project includes 125,000 sq ft of commercial space, two thirty-storey residential towers, a district heating network and a hotel.
- Advising Midlothian Council on the development of a major ski centre and related infrastructure.
- Advising Fife Council on a new “super campus”, incorporating two High Schools and Fife College. This is a large project and we understand that this will be the first of this type of campus in Scotland involving secondary and tertiary education.
Harper Macleod LLP
With ‘great depth of knowledge in the PPP market’, Harper Macleod LLP has a strong reputation for projects related to the Scottish hub initiative, Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP) funded projects, and PFI secondary market deals. Practice head Euan Pirie has extensive experience of handling complex construction, engineering and infrastructure projects, while senior associate Catriona Kemp is well regarded for financing and corporate projects capabilities, with a particular strength in the student accommodation sub-sector.
Responsables de la pratique:
Euan Pirie
Autres avocats clés:
Catriona Kemp
Les références
‘Highly experienced in the PFI environment and always able to distill complex contractual issues into terms that can be easily understood. Strong knowledge of current issues and developments.’
‘Euan Pirie is highly capable and hard working and will go the extra mile as a matter of routine. He is able to explain very complex issues and find innovative solutions to resolve matters much quicker than had been anticipated.’
‘Harper Macleod has a great depth of knowledge in the PPP market which makes them the go-to practice.’
Principaux clients
Angus Council
Ayrshire & Arran Health Board
Fife Council
Forestry and Land Scotland
Forth Health Limited
Glasgow City Council
Hub North Scotland Limited
Lanarkshire Health Board
National Library of Scotland
North Ayrshire Council
NYOP Education (Aberdeen) Limited
Orbital Express Launch Limited
Providence Gate Group Holdings Limited/Providence Gate Saulmore Bay Limited
University of St Andrews
Principaux dossiers
- Advising Providence Gate Group Holdings Limited on a proposed £100m+ project located near Oban on the west course of Scotland that is on course to be one of Scotland’s most prominent “high end” golf, hotel, leisure and residential developments.
- Advising North Ayrshire Council on the LEIP-funded Ardrossan Community Campus, one of Scotland’s largest and highest value PassivHaus projects.
- Advising Fife Council on the procurement of one of Scotland’s largest council house building projects in recent years.