Real Estate: Scotland

THE FIRM A prolific operation in commercial real estate both locally and nationally, the Brodies of today is a far cry from its previous incarnation as a specialist private client outfit. The group continues to go from strength to strength, securing big-ticket work from heavyweight organisations in the retail, leisure, transport and public sectors. Drawing from its deep pool of talent across the spectrum of real estate work, the resoundingly excellent lawyers have undertaken some landmark matters over the past twelve months. Highlights include advising Glasgow City Council on the construction of the £200 million 2014 Commonwealth Games athletes' village, advising Benmore Group on a series of major mixed-use development purchases, and representing LxB in a large regeneration scheme on the outskirts of Edinburgh.

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Work magnet" Nick Scott focuses his practice on the top end of the investment and development market, frequently advising overseas investors. Denis Garrity leads the department and acts for numerous public sector clients, including Aberdeen City Council, Argyll and Bute Council and Lothian Buses. Dale Strachan is "good and commercial" and leads the impressive cross-border team. He counts Corus Group, Infinis, Land Securities Trillium and Ravenscraig amongst his client base. Johane Murray specialises in investment transactions and development work. She recently advised Gladedale Capital on a £20 million proposed development and continues to attract praise for her clear, meticulous advice.

THE FIRM One of Scotland's premier real estate outfits, this group has acted on some mammoth deals in the past year, namely representing Bank of Scotland in the acquisition of a large site in Edinburgh, which is the biggest inner-city acquisition in Scotland for several years. The team has also handled the well-publicised acquisition and development of a multibillion-pound golf course on behalf of the Trump Organization. 

Sources Say: "It has depth and breadth of expertise, and a fabulous client base."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The group's expertise in property finance continues to expand following the recruitment of Paul Carter in 2007. Known for "getting on with the job and getting things done," Carter also handles landlord and tenant matters from his Glasgow base. Iain Doran leads the practice and specialises in tax-related development work. Clients say: "He has the commercial approach and natural ability to manage his resources across different disciplines, getting a high level of performance across the whole team." The dual-qualified Stuart Tait has a robust investment and development practice. He acted for Performance Retail Partnership on the largest Scottish shopping centre sale of the past year. Allan Wernham specialises in retail development and investment work, dividing his time between the Edinburgh and London offices. Sources say he is "extremely responsive and pragmatic."

THE FIRM This superb Scottish powerhouse continues to thrive, despite the recent slowdown in the investment market. The firm's shift in focus to development and leasing matters on behalf of some of Scotland's largest private companies has ensured its buoyancy in the market. Recent work includes its advice on the development of the Union Square mixed retail and leisure scheme, one of the largest projects of its kind in Scotland. The team also acted for Dubai World on the acquisition and development of the Turnberry Hotel and Golf Course in Ayrshire.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Gordon Aitken heads the team and counts retailers, developers, banks and public bodies amongst his diverse client base. Jennifer Johnson is a specialist in shopping centre and retail work with cross-border elements. Sources commend her "perfect mix of proactive advice, good eye for detail and commercial approach that gets the job done." Robin Garrett complements his main area of expertise in development with advice on the acquisition, disposal and letting of retail sites, while Iain Macniven represents local authorities, developers and educational institutions. New to the tables, Richard Whyte wins excellent feedback for his flourishing property development practice. He is described as "young, keen and commercially aware."

THE FIRM A widely admired Scottish heavyweight brimming with talented lawyers, McGrigors is a market leader in regeneration and development work. The team has undertaken some significant deals in the past year: it acted for Stockdale UK on a £21 million acquisition of the former Scottish Provident offices, and completed the ten-year joint venture reorganisation of Stirling Development Agency for Valad Development Group. Its UK-wide house-building group continues to advise house builders and local authorities on residential development and regeneration, while on the investment side the team has secured some impressive new clients, including Investco Real Estate and Dunfermline Building Society. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Katharine Hardie handles large-scale development and regeneration work on behalf of a UK-wide client roster. She has expertise in complex development issues, including forward funding and joint ventures. Ewan Alexander is "a big player in the market," highly respected for his advice on development and investment transactions in the leisure industry. "Good to deal with and clearly going places," Russell Munro impresses observers with his growing experience in complex real estate transactions. A specialist in UK-wide development matters, Tom Anderson has been at the forefront of many large transactions over the past year. He acted on behalf of Hamilton Park Developments on a £33 million forward sale of a new enterprise zone development, and was also closely involved in the Glasgow Harbour project. Richard Linton is a dual-qualified practitioner and wins praise for his expertise in acquisitions, disposals and new developments. David Bankier has a wealth of experience in development projects, in both Scotland and Northern Ireland.

THE FIRM With an impressive array of clients, experienced practitioners, and a knack for undertaking complex transactions, this practice is seen as one of the best in Scotland for all types of real estate work. In a difficult year for real estate groups, the team has been at the forefront of transactional activity in the investment market. In the past twelve months it has exercised its considerable muscle in the marketplace, maintaining a busy workload that spans development, leasing, sales, acquisitions and funding issues. Prominent national names are drawn to the firm, including ING Real Estate and Sainsbury's. The team is also highly regarded for its energy-related development work, where highlights include representing ScottishPower Renewables (UK) in a 60-turbine wind farm worth £200 million. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Hailed as one of Scotland's top property lawyers, Nick Ryden is sought after for complex high-end deals. Clients say that his stellar success is down to "his broad awareness of the market and market trends – he doesn't just get immersed in transactions." His work on Project Spider, involving the management of eight national property portfolios simultaneously, exemplifies this big-picture approach. James Dobie is also highly acclaimed for his ability to deal with the most complex acquisitions and disposals, demonstrated by his deft handling of the Buredi acquisition of the former Scottish & Newcastle brewery site in Edinburgh. David Mitchell's diverse practice covers leasing, institutional investment and development for major companies. With a similar practice, John Murray additionally handles funding, sales and leasebacks.

THE FIRM This group is hailed for its excellent retail work, having had notable successes on behalf of some of the key players in the sector. The team has also recently gained plaudits for its prowess in the hotels and leisure market, acting for Whitbread Group on the Scottish law aspects of its £156 million asset swap of pubs and hotels. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Iain McHardy "always goes above and beyond the call of duty" and is recognised for his retail-oriented practice. He recently worked with ING on a large property portfolio acquisition. Sandy Reid is also highly regarded for his retail expertise, and combines work in this area with a busy development, funding and investment practice. He recently assisted Habro Group with the purchase of the Apex International Hotel in Edinburgh. The "very well-regarded" David Ratter has extensive real estate experience and is frequently instructed by some of Scotland's foremost educational establishments.

THE FIRM This is a well-organised firm, acclaimed for its top-quality associates and deal-doing attitude.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The recruitment of Nicholas Naddell from McClure Naismith has bolstered the team's expertise in the retail and leisure industries. "A very strong operator, and a tough but fair negotiator," Naddell brings a number of top-notch client relationships to Burness' real estate practice. Ian Wattie receives high praise for his development and property finance expertise. Work highlights include advising Circle/Health Properties on the £9 million acquisition of a site for development as a private hospital. Richard Rennie regularly advises Scottish and English developers on retail, office and mixed-use developments. Caroline Drummond is hailed for her broad expertise in public and private sector projects. She is currently acting for Perth and Kinross Council on a high-street development.

THE FIRM Based in Glasgow, Edinburgh and London, this real estate department acts for a number of high-profile clients, including Tesco Stores, which it regularly advises on a mix of property, planning, construction, environmental and tax issues. It is also renowned for its long-standing relationship with Threadneedle Property Investments, which it recently represented in the sale of a shopping centre and three industrial estates. Many of the team members are dual-qualified in English and Scottish law.

Sources Say: "It houses some seriously good players in the Scottish real estate market."  

KEY INDIVIDUALS As head of the property team and one of Scotland's premier real estate lawyers, Paul Haniford acts for some of the key players in the market, including British Land, Tesco, Clydeport and Sovereign Land. Simon Etchells has "a phenomenal command of English law" and leads the firm's enviable UK law initiative. Dual-qualified Elspeth Carson advises her national clients on the intricacies of Scottish and English law from her Edinburgh base. Colin Keenan devotes a large proportion of his practice to development and investment deals, and also helps to bring in new work to the team.

THE FIRM The real estate practice at this firm continues to grow and has in the past year attracted clients from a cross-section of industries. The group is well known for its long-standing relationship with The Crown Estate.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Alan Menzies recently advised The Crown Estate on a number of transactions, including the purchase of the Rhu Marina, the structure and legal documentation for all offshore wind farm projects, and several Scottish developments. A highly respected practitioner, he also regularly advises on landlord and tenant issues, development and the property aspects of corporate transactions. "He is extremely knowledgeable, unflappable and tailors his advice to suit the clients' requirements," sources say. Gillian Anderson is acclaimed for her knowledge of property finance and development finance.

THE FIRM A concerted shift in focus from residential to commercial property matters has ensured this niche group maintains its position as an expanding force in the Scottish real estate world. It is growing in size and offers clients an almost unparalleled depth of expertise in strategic land, house building and retail. During the past year, the team has notched up some impressive feats in a difficult market. The house builder group has a client list of 30 house builders, including Dawn Homes, Turnberry Homes and Places for People. The lawyers specialise in matters relating to consortium deals, joint ventures and mixed housing schemes. On the strategic land side, the team goes from strength to strength, focusing on development deals involving risk sharing, complex site assembly, multiple ownership and brownfield sites. The famed retail team acts for some of the major players in the Scottish market and continues to attract new clients, including Capital Shopping Centres and Peel Group. The team also has a strong reputation for leasing and refinancing work.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Overseeing the real estate operation, Paul Jennings specialises in investment and development. He acts for major developers on the acquisition, funding and disposal of retail, office and industrial developments, and also maintains a robust landlord and tenant practice.

THE FIRM This group has an array of expertise in the retail sector. Transactions involving major retail outlets are a notable strength, with the group continuing to deal with lettings on the Silverburn Shopping Centre in Glasgow and also handling a number of new store developments on behalf of Morrisons. In addition to its flourishing retail experience, the team has an established reputation in leisure and licensed property.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Douglas Lamb and Kelsey Gibson joined the team in 2008, adding to the group's expertise in development and investment matters in the retail field. Lamb has an impressive track record dealing with complex, high-value developments. Sources say: "He delivers top-quality results without getting bogged down in worthless prevarication." Gibson is a commercially astute, highly respected practitioner with a series of successful acquisitions under her belt. John Crawford is the team's stalwart name in the leisure and licensed property sector; he specialises in property finance transactions and regularly advises banks on the taking of security.

THE FIRM The go-to group in Scotland for licensed property matters, this team's major work in this field includes handling the sale of a former brewery site on behalf of Scottish & Newcastle, and the acquisition of the Glenmorangie headquarters for Diageo. Besides leisure, the firm has established a strong reputation in the public sector. It assisted the Ministry of Defence with the Eskdalemuir Project, and advised the Scottish government on an office development for the Scottish Police Authority.

Sources Say: "It's full of dynamic people, with a good spread of work."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Chris Harte is a specialist in licensed premises and has worked with several heavyweights in the industry, including Enterprise Inns and Barracuda Pubs & Bars.

THE FIRM This group is highly respected for its focus on the acquisition, disposal and development of licensed premises, retail developments and hotels. Much of the work the team undertakes is Aberdeen-based, although it does have the capability to extend its reach nationally. The group also specialises in residential development and recently acted for Drum Property Group on the acquisition and redevelopment of a former nursing home.

Sources Say: "A powerhouse in Aberdeen, this is a good, modern firm that does not rest on its laurels."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Richard Goodfellow leads the dedicated house-building group and is acclaimed for his residential, hotel and leisure expertise.                     

THE FIRM Heavyweight financial institutions and overseas investors make up the bulk of this team's impressive client roster. With a highly respected history of property finance transactions, the group is well equipped to deal with the concerns of major national clients.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Douglas Moffat leads the commercial property team and is praised for his commercially aware advice.

THE FIRM This boutique firm is hailed for its client-focused approach and expertise in residential development, leasing, secured lending, acquisitions and disposals. Recent work highlights include the disposal of a multimillion-pound development site situated in one of Dundee's prime regeneration areas, and a development finance transaction on behalf of a major bank.

Sources Say: "It genuinely cares about its relationship with clients, and works hard at maintaining that relationship." "It always appears to be a happy ship, with no dissension in the ranks."  

KEY INDIVIDUALS Bryce Melville is the main contact.

THE FIRM Despite weathering a number of departures from its Glasgow office recently, the Edinburgh arm of this firm remains strong for cross-border real estate work. The team has developed expertise in the acquisition of shopping centres, having acted on three major transactions over the past year.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of department Drew Wallace is advising on the £100 million St Enoch Centre redevelopment in Glasgow. He specialises in investment and development on behalf of property companies, corporate occupiers, retailers and property funds.

THE FIRM With a robust public sector practice, this group has been affected less by the unstable economic climate than many of its competitors. The team advises several local authorities and government agencies, including South Lanarkshire Council, East Ayrshire Council and the Scottish government, on investment and planning issues. It also continues to practise in the private sphere, where notable work includes advising William Hill on all its Scottish property transactions, advising Seddon Group on its acquisition of a number of Scottish properties, and representing Ethel Austin in the transfer of 20 Scottish stores from the administrators of ACLM. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Steel is an expert at advising public and private sector clients on large-scale, complex transactions. He moved to the firm from Dundas & Wilson in 2006, and has since built up a diverse client base and an outstanding reputation.

THE FIRM This group represents a range of clients, from FTSE 100 companies to private individuals. It has seen a marked increase in property insolvency cases of late and continues to build on its strong profile in the leisure and asset management sectors. The outfit has long been renowned for its ongoing advisory work for BT and representation of British Land, and has recently added to its heavyweight client roster by acting for Bank of Ireland on the £26.3 million funding to Strategic Investment Management for a mixed-use development.

Sources Say: "Diligent, friendly, always available and technically strong."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Miles Ede leads the department and continues to act for BT in an advisory capacity. Neil Addis is complimented for his excellent technical abilities. He has been involved in some of the group's high-profile property finance deals.

THE FIRM Providing high-quality advice on the gamut of real estate matters, this team has been bolstered by a recent merger with Kidstons, a development that has particularly strengthened Lindsays' cross-border capabilities. The firm has a broad client base, which includes commercial and residential developers, property companies and high net worth individuals. Recent work highlights include representing Edinburgh University in a £100 million research centre and life sciences real estate development.

Sources Say: "It impresses with its accessibility and proactive approach."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Derek Nash heads the team and his experience includes the representation of private investors.

THE FIRM This firm has been especially prolific of late on the development and portfolio management front. The team impressed observers with its representation of SIG in several cross-border acquisitions, and is rapidly gaining credentials in the renewable energy sector. Major work over the past year includes acting for New Campus Glasgow on a plan to integrate two city centre college sites.

Sources Say: "These are friendly, helpful people with good attention to detail."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Hugh Bruce-Watt leads the team.

THE FIRM A foothold in the retail sector ensures this firm remains busy in its real estate work. The team traditionally represents major high-street clients and frequently acts on the contentious and non-contentious aspects of leasing. It is also praised for its involvement in the development of out-of-town retail parks and leisure centres.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Robin Mitchell heads the department.

THE FIRM Renewable energy, leisure and hospitality clients make up the meat of this firm's extensive client roster. Work highlights include advising a developer on wind farm sites in Scotland, and a number of acquisitions on behalf of Maplin Electronics. The team also advises numerous Scottish charities on matters relating to their property portfolios.

KEY INDIVIDUALS James Dickson is the main contact.

THE FIRM The small real estate team at Dickson Minto draws much of its work from the firm's diverse corporate client base. The group has niche expertise in fund organisation and reorganisation work, regularly acting for large Scottish clients in the banking and insurance sectors on multimillion-pound transactions. The team is also well regarded for its representation of Irish clients in property acquisitions, leasing, investments and developments.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ewan Sherriff leads the team and is praised for his dynamic and tenacious approach.

THE FIRM Dominant in the Aberdeen market, this team wins plaudits for its work for clients in the banking sector. It regularly undertakes purchases, sales and leasebacks on behalf of major Scottish clients, and has recently completed an £8 million sale for Carlton Rock of the former Oakbank School site.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Robin Brodie is the key contact at the firm.

THE FIRM Known for its specialist expertise in the telecoms industry, the real estate group at this firm also attracts clients from the retail, medical and leisure sectors.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The team has been bolstered by the recent arrival of David Thomson from DLA Piper Scotland. He has a wealth of experience in property redevelopment and regeneration projects in both the public and private sectors.

THE FIRM Traditionally strong in Tayside and Dundee, the commercial property team at this firm is most renowned for its advice on the acquisition, disposal and leasing of licensed premises and hotels. Work highlights include advising Gladedale Capital on the acquisition of a property for the purposes of a mixed-use development, comprising hotel, office and retail space.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Craig Nicol leads the group from the firm's Dundee office. 

THE FIRM With a strong background in the leisure sector, renewables and the more traditional energy industries, this 13-strong group covers disposals, acquisitions, development, leasing, and cross-border work on a daily basis. Recent highlights include advising on the relocation of oil company Steelstone Properties, and a depot roll-out on behalf of GAP Group. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Colin Brass leads the team.