Real Estate: Scotland

This Scottish legal titan has one of the country's largest and most sophisticated property practices. The team is staffed by a host of seasoned solicitors, many of whom are accomplished advocates. The team has played a crucial role in some of the biggest projects in the market this past year on behalf of Maxim Property and HSBC Specialist Investments. The group continues to represent public sector bodies and has won new leisure clients such as Tragus Holdings and Prezzo. 

Client Service "They fight very hard for our needs and interests."

Commercial Awareness "They introduced me to other clients within the retail sector, which have been valuable resources."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Nick Scott leads the practice area and operates at the high end of the property market, facilitating investment in and the development of commercial, leisure, residential and industrial real estate. He is valued for providing clear advice on the route of least exposure to clients. Denis Garrity looks after the property affairs of many of the firm's largest public sector clients. He has some prestigious new client wins under his belt this year, among them Regus and J D Wetherspoon. Dale Strachan is most at home advising on and overseeing high-value development and investment schemes - many of which have an international dimension - for multinational corporations and government bodies. Colin Morrison is well liked by clients for being “very responsive and sensitive to time constraints.” He is recognised as one of Scotland's premier retail and leisure property specialists and represents top brands of the sector, such as Fitness First, Tragus and La Tasca. James Roscoe is a force behind many of Scotland's most significant development deals and financings. He acts for major clients such as INVESCO and BAA/Scottish Airports. Trailblazing associate Lorne Graham is busy making a name for himself in landmark Glasgow city planning projects such as the 2014 Commonwealth Games athletes' village, Glasgow harbour and the Zaha Hadid-designed Transport Museum.

Burness goes up in the rankings in recognition of the sterling efforts that have gone into making its real estate offering one of the finest in Scotland. The team is described as "first class" by sources, who appreciate the lawyers' flexible and joined-up approach. The financing of major development and investment projects is an area of excellence for the team, as is its work for retail, leisure and public sector clients. The team acts for, among others, KFC and Ladbrokes and carries out work involving Inverness airport business park.

Client Service "They help us achieve our aims and ensure our position is protected."

Commercial Awareness "I like that they are commercial in their advice so it enables deals to be completed effectively."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Richard Rennie is an investment and development specialist, qualified to practise north and south of the border. His practice covers an impressive geographical range and he has experience working alongside clients from all manner of industrial sectors. Sources are quick to point to Ian Wattie's "responsive and helpful manner." He is renowned for development and financing work, as well as a keen knowledge of difficult planning issues. Clients feel confident in the hands of Nicholas Naddell, citing with satisfaction his capacity to keep up with daily developments. His clients tend to be large investors, retailers and leisure facility developers and operators. Caroline Drummond assists private and public sector entities with development projects. She is a noted expert in energy efficiency matters.

Commentators find the property group at Dundas & Wilson "enthusiastic" and value the quality of advice given. Involved in market-leading financing and development projects, the group acts for a mixture of energy and utilities, financial services, institutional, retail and government clients. One of the group's flagship instructions of recent months was its appointment by National Grid to advise on a proposed carbon capture and storage (CCS) project, which is part of a consortium bid to assess the commercial viability of CCS. 

Client Service "They keep themselves and the client up to date in what is going on and any changes which may affect the client."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Paul Carter acts in heavyweight funding and development projects and is highly knowledgeable on commercial landlord and tenant issues. He advises many of the firm's institutional investment clients, such as Scottish Widows. Iain Doran heads the group and is celebrated in the industry for his work advising on commercial real estate projects. He also has a thriving contentious practice, acting as an arbitrator in complex property disputes. Stuart Tait specialises in advising investment funds and institutions on major development projects. He has played a leading role in deals which have, over recent years, transformed Edinburgh's commercial landscape. Allan Wernham acts for a variety of retailers, investment funds and utilities giants, such as National Grid and The Trump Organization.  

This group is best known for the quality of its high-value investment work on behalf of developers, financial institutions, and retail and leisure companies. Adept at all matters falling within the remit of real estate law, the group has a specialist unit dedicated to planning and environment work, and one devoted to serving house builders. Clients include ASDA, Bank of Scotland, Edinburgh Quay and Multiplex.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Gordon Aitken leads the commercial property practice. He advises on the property implications of major M&A and is a specialist in the related, niche field of debenture stock documentation. Clients and peers find Jennifer Johnson "straightforward to deal with." She has a broad commercial property practice and much of her caseload has an international flavour. Iain Macniven handles large-scale transactions, leases and development work. He counts retail giants ASDA, J D Wetherspoon and PizzaExpress among his clients. Sources describe Richard Whyte as "personable, a man who knows his stuff and a real test for other lawyers" facing him.

This leading Scottish firm's property practice continues to be a benchmark against which to measure others. The team has excellent connections with developers, financial institutions, local government and public institutions. Clients also benefit from the firm's sector focus on areas such as energy, utilities and infrastructure. The team is "proactive and approachable," qualities that mean national players such as BP, Royal Mail and ScottishPower are happy to retain them.

On 1st May 2012, McGrigors merged with Pinsent Masons. The resulting entity now trades as Pinsent Masons LLP.

Commercial Awareness "Commercially aware - they see the big picture." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ewan Alexander principally focuses on development projects, investment and project financing, and transactions on behalf of leading leisure and hospitality clients. He recently advised Jaguar Capital on its acquisition of Calton Square in Edinburgh. Tom Anderson has a flourishing UK-wide practice, as befits someone with his level of expertise and experience. Waterfront development and regeneration projects, as well as business and technology parks, are specialisms of his. David Bankier is highly rated for his work on large development projects, often where a tax-efficient structuring is required. He recently advised the City of Edinburgh Council on its vision for long-term regeneration and how best to structure such projects from a commercial standpoint. Glasgow-based national head of property Katharine Hardie is similarly steeped in urban and waterfront regeneration scheme work. Key clients include CALA, Clydeport, Glasgow Harbour Commissioners, Peel Ports and Stirling Development Agency. Russell Munro heads the firm's institutional investment and real estate finance practices. He is also a noted authority on the law surrounding affordable housing. Dual-qualified in England and Wales and Scotland, Richard Linton advises on development and its funding and landlord and tenant issues, and plays a lead role in the firm's property litigation activities, often acting in cases arising from insolvency proceedings.

Clients heap praise on the commercial awareness and sector knowledge displayed by this firm's real estate practitioners. The team is a mainstay of major panel appointments in Scotland and represents a distinguished list of clients, including BAE Systems, John Lewis, Skandia Property Fund and Taylor Wimpey UK. Market sources also note that the firm is very strong in renewable energy, a booming market in Scotland.

Client Service "I like their clear communication, transparency and efficiency."

Commercial Awareness "They excel at lateral thinking and finding solutions." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Commentators highlight Nick Ryden's "great reputation for driving things forward" and his "no-nonsense approach." A heavyweight commercial property specialist with an admirably broad practice, he is highly sought after for instructions relating to the development and letting of retail parks. James Dobie is rated as a skilled deal maker and acts in transactions across a range of sectors, notably retail and commercial property. He advises some of the firm's totemic clients, including Miller Developments, Sainsbury's and the University of Edinburgh. David Mitchell is appreciated for his propensity to "take the commercial view." He advises on the financing, development and letting of major commercial property projects. He is also expert at the property implications of insolvency. Clients "feel comfortable" working with Karen Shaw. She takes pains to "highlight all the red flags" and to "keep the client involved throughout," maintaining "a regular rapport." Alongside her commercial property practice, she takes a keen interest in developments within the renewable energy sector. Clients include ScottishPower and Thomas Cook. Associate on the rise Scott Ritchie acts for major developers and financial institutions such as British Land and ING. 

The team at Anderson Strathern is described as "absolutely seamless," providing a sleek, joined-up service. Commentators say the group always has someone with the relevant expertise and experience, and think of the firm as a "one-stop shop." As an added bonus, the team works very closely with the firm's planning specialists. Clients include Bannatyne Group, Mace and Lloyds TSB.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Gillian Anderson's practice comprises high-stakes commercial property work, involving development, transactional or finance-related matters, and banking work. She maintains strong links with the team's financial institutional clients. Deborah Lovell advises on the property implications of corporate M&A, portfolio acquisitions and cross-border investment. She also advises on the real estate aspects of major transport and infrastructure schemes, such as the Edinburgh and Glasgow airports rail link projects. Paul Jennings advises institutional investors on large development projects. Among his regular instructors are GE Pensions, UK Funds, Windsor Life and Walker Group.

The property specialists at Biggart Baillie are particularly celebrated for their strength in the leisure, retail and hospitality sectors and acting for commercial occupiers. In spite of straitened times for retailers, the real estate team continues to corner an enviable share of the market in these transactions. Major clients include Clydesdale Bank, ScottishPower and The Local Shopping Reit.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Iain McHardy is widely regarded as one of Scotland's leading retail property practitioners. He is also developing a practice in the student accommodation market. His client list indicates the esteem in which he is held, featuring Next, Oasis and Principles. David Ratter is a favourite for retail and public sector entities, taking instructions from national retail giants and large local authorities. He has recently represented Fife Council, Homebase and Marks & Spencer. Sandy Reid is a leading authority on the financing, development and letting of floor space in large shopping centres. Clients include Forrest Group, Sainsbury's and PwC.

MacRoberts excels in its property work across broad expanses of the industrial landscape. The team here provides "thoughtful advice" on development, funding and transactions for retail, leisure, transport and infrastructure projects. The team's expertise in these sectors is complemented by the firm's involvement with the renewable energy industry. The team has recently represented BAM Properties, Muse Developments, Regent Capital and Morrisons.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Douglas Lamb played a major role in the planning, financing and leasing of the £350 million Silverburn Development in Glasgow - the largest single-phase project of its kind ever built in Scotland. Kelsey Gibson is recommended as an accomplished real estate all-rounder, and has of late been busy helping investment clients on significant commercial developments.

Semple Fraser is well known for sophisticated commercial property development work in Scotland. With a strong focus on retail and leisure work, the team has been busy with securitisations and new store development for market leaders in the field, including Tesco. The team has also made bold strides into the renewable energy and public services sectors.

KEY INDIVIDUALS As one of the firm's founding partners, Paul Haniford is exceptionally experienced and committed to property work. He receives frequent instructions from Tesco, J J Gallagher, Park Lane Developments and Peel Investments. Elspeth Carson leads the firm's property practice from the front, supporting leading investors Rockspring Hanover Property Unit Trust and Rockspring UK Value Fund on large commercial developments. Simon Etchells divides his time between Glasgow and the firm's nascent Manchester practice. He has seen a recent increase in inward investment and regeneration instructions from overseas clients. Over the past year, Colin Keenan has advised on a number of mixed development regeneration schemes and infrastructure projects.

This four-partner real estate team, based in both Edinburgh and Glasgow, has seen an increase in transactional work over the last year. The team's "very helpful" lawyers have a strong track record in complex investment transactions, funding and development work. Clients include Glasgow City Council, Southern Client and Strathclyde Passenger Transport.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Drew Wallace is well known in the sector for his work on behalf of investors and property developers. He recently advised a global investment fund on acquiring an £80 million property portfolio in Scotland.

The team at Morton Fraser is experienced in complex property transactions and is praised for being "helpful and constructive in looking to resolve, rather than just highlight, problems." The lawyers provide "strong advice" and "are good at understanding what the client wants." The team represents developers, investors and companies in the leisure industry, including Diageo and Scottish & Newcastle, and has a strong public sector client base.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Edinburgh-based Chris Harte is considered "very efficient and proactive" by commentators. He counts Heineken UK and Falkirk Council as clients.

Commentators find Paull & Williamsons' real estate team "committed," "dynamic" and "always prepared to guide and discuss matters and strategy." The six-partner team, based between Aberdeen and Edinburgh, has a strong reputation in energy and development circles. It has acted for Total E&P UK on a new £2 billion gas pipeline project.

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Nothing is too much trouble" for Richard Goodfellow, head of the firm's commercial property division. One loyal client says: "His advice is strong and the bond of trust built up over the years continues to demonstrate how important the firm is to my business."

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The team at Tods Murray is "happy to crack on with the deal and go above and beyond a brief to cover our position," enthuses one highly satisfied client. The firm acts for commercial, residential and retail developers, investors, financial institutions, landlords and tenants across the spectrum of transactional property work.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Susie Thornton heads the department.

Clients regard this team as "an important ingredient in the success" of their property ventures. They point to the lawyers' efficiency and the quality of service delivered at all levels. The team has admirably weathered a challenging market and is retained by family-owned Scottish house builder the Muir Group.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients value the "advice and direction" that Andrew Chalmers "has provided over the years, which has assisted greatly in decision-making and strategy."

This expanding real estate team has seen a growing number of instructions won by its Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness offices. In addition to a strong suit in public sector work, the team acts for energy sector companies, investors and banks. Notable clients include BP, Clydesdale Bank, AFIAA Scotland and AFIAA Investment and Arcadia Group.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Graeme Nisbet is head of department. 

The work done by HBJ Gateley's real estate team, based in Edinburgh and Glasgow, has a "big impact on client performance," in no small measure due to the "tenacity" of the lawyers. The team represents a range of clients, from telecoms giants BT and Virgin Media to dedicated property developers IVG UK, AWG Property and British Land. The team has recently concluded a portfolio acquisition of 176 properties on behalf of Legacy Portfolio Management.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Neil Addis has a strong property finance and investment background and undertakes management work for three shopping centres and a number of retailers. Head of department Miles Ede acts for BT and Virgin Media and handled a £46 million portfolio acquisition for Legacy Portfolio. Alastair Cowan is valued for his "understanding and commercial awareness of the pressures - he is creative at finding a solution rather than a problem."

"I have never felt that my needs as a client were not important to the Lindsays property team," says one commentator. The team is split between Edinburgh and Glasgow and has an office in Jedburgh. It has been involved in the landmark USD1.2 billion BioQuarter project and student accommodation provision for the University of Edinburgh. Housing a number of dedicated distressed property specialists, the team receives regular instructions from banks and insolvency practitioners.

Client Service "We appreciated the personal relationship that we have with them. They have taken the time to really understand our business and how best they can assist us and are all about getting the job done."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "One of Derek Nash's strengths is that he is very good at thinking laterally to help address specific property challenges – he and, therefore, Lindsays don’t just work in ‘straight lines’." Nash heads the department and handles a wide range of real estate mandates for clients.

Archibald Campbell & Harley has a tradition of strength in the retail industry. Its real estate team has handled key transactions for companies such as Boots, BB's Coffee & Muffins, Money Shop and Peacocks over the past year. By working closely with clients, the team develops "happy relationships," which help it to "get into a deal and work to its tight timescales." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Robin Mitchell is a key contact.

This five-partner property team is recommended for its experience in house building, social housing, retail and private investor developments. According to sources, the team pays "good attention to detail and is excellent at highlighting the key areas of a transaction." Business clients also find the lawyers' succinct explanations particularly refreshing. Key clients include Danobe, L’Oréal and Maplin Electronics.

KEY INDIVIDUALS James Dickson leads the team. 

Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie's real estate team is well thought of by market sources for its knowledge and experience within the telecoms, leisure and retail sectors. Clients appreciate that "nothing is left to chance and there is a great level of attention to detail" in the team's work. Core clients include GAP Group and Rosemount Taverns.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Colin Brass is a key contact.