Hall Of Fame

Next Generation Partners

Social housing in Scotland

Harper Macleod LLP

Praised for its ‘extremely professional’ service, Harper Macleod LLP is renowned for its extensive work with registered social landlords (RSLs). The dedicated housing team also acts for the Scottish Government, local authorities, and a range of private sector bodies. The group is under the joint leadership of Derek Hogg, who provides governance, constitutional and funding advice, and James McMorrow, who is experienced in corporate, regulatory, and public procurement matters. Collette Miller regularly supports RSLs with tenancy issues, shared ownership matters, and boundary disagreements. Euan Pirie concentrates on the construction aspects of new-build housing projects, and David McIndoe brings expertise in shared equity schemes.

Practice head(s):

Derek Hogg; James McMorrow


Other key lawyers:

Euan Pirie; David McIndoe; Collette Miller; Natalie Dissake


Testimonials

‘The team at Harper Macleod are extremely professional in all their interactions with our organisation. The advice provided is comprehensive and robust. They are more responsive than other firms and have a very positive outlook.’

‘Derek Hogg has been a great support to our organisation. He is helpful, supportive and professional at all times. Derek is clearly very experienced and knowledgeable and has been able to support our organisation on a wide variety of matters.’

Key clients

Link Group Limited


Wheatley Housing Group and Spire View HA


Kingdom Housing Association and St Andrews University


Caledonia HA


Cunninghame HA


Clyde Valley HA


Govan HA


Link Group


Scottish Borders HA


West of Scotland HA


Kingdom HA, Eildon HA


Grampian HA,


Cunninghame HA


Caledonia HA


Cairn HA


Govan HA


Melville HA


Berwickshire HA


Hillcrest Homes Scotland and Hebridean Housing Partnership


Fife and West Lothian Councils.


Scottish Borders, Caledonia, Govan and Fife HA’s


Scottish Borders Housing Association Limited


Fife Council


Ark Housing Association Limited


Work highlights


  • Acted for Link Group in establishing a new £70 million sustainable finance facility from Bank of Scotland, including margin-linked detailed sustainability targets.
  • Acted for St Andrews University and Kingdom Housing Association in relation to a postgraduate “student village” joint venture at a site in St Andrews, which is funded on an income-strip basis.
  • Acted for Fife Council in the acquisition of multiple housing development sites across Fife, and the negotiation of construction contracts with various developers/constructors.

T C Young

T C Young is well-regarded for its ‘strong sector experience and knowledge’ in the social housing space, attracting an extensive roster of registered social landlord (RSL) clients. The firm has a strong contentious practice, with Alastair McKendrick handling housing management and debt recovery matters and Andrew Cowan offering representation, mediation, and arbitration services in contractual disputes for RSLs. Cowan co-leads the practice with Alison Brynes, who advises on low-cost home ownership transactions. Lauren Little brings expertise in procurement law, governance, and project financing, Len Freedman acts for funders and RSL in credit facility and bond financing agreements, while Eileen Barr deals with publicly procured contracts.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Cowan; Alison Brynes


Other key lawyers:

Alison Brynes; Jim Bauld; Lauren Little; Alastair McKendrick; Christine Stuart; Len Freedman; Eileen Barr; Claire Mullen


Testimonials

‘They have strong sector experience and knowledge, and a good team of staff available to deal with all different types of work.’

‘The team is easy to contact and provides timely responses and quick, easy-to-understand advice where possible.’

‘Christine Stuart is very approachable, responsive and easy to understand. I have no hesitation in asking questions where I don’t understand legal jargon and she explains it very clearly. No job is too small for them and they are always willing to help.’

Key clients

Argyll Community HA


Bield Housing and Care


Cairn Group


Clyde Valley Group


Eildon HA


Hanover Scotland


Harbour Homes


Hillcrest Group


Home Group


Kingdom Group


Link Group


New Gorbals HA


Places for People/Places for People Scotland


Riverside Scotland


Scottish Federation of Housing Associations


Southside HA


Tollcross HA


Trust HA


Viewpoint HA


West of Scotland Group


Work highlights


  • Advised Home in Scotland on golden brick acquisition Development Agreements with Taylor Wimpey for four sites providing 145 new units and on acquiring the former Meat Market to develop affordable housing units and a restaurant.
  • Advised Waverley Housing on the Upper Langlee Regeneration Programme, involving refurbishment, demolition and rebuilding of approximately 100 homes to provide affordable housing in the Scottish Borders.
  • Advised Southside HA on a partnering arrangement with Glasgow City Council to develop two community green spaces within a mixed ownership open space.

Brodies LLP

Lauded for its ‘extensive knowledge of housing matters’, Brodies LLP‘s cross-practice social housing team is well-equipped to support clients including registered social landlords (RSLs), lenders, and local authorities. The team is led by Chris Dun, who is renowned for his expertise in social housing finance and is regularly instructed by banking clients. Fiona McLeod supports housing associations in housing litigation, frequently handling matters related to unauthorised occupiers and obtaining access to properties.

Practice head(s):

Chris Dun


Other key lawyers:

Fiona McLeod; Jenna Monteith


Testimonials

‘They have extensive knowledge of housing matters and experience of the court system and debt recovery.’

‘Fiona McLeod is an experienced practitioner, able to answer queries, and gives advice based on experience and legal knowledge. She picks up on particular issues encountered in specific courts and seeks to provide advice accordingly to address difficulties.’

‘The friendly and capable team knows their and their client’s business drivers.’

‘Jenna Monteith has fantastic knowledge of the sector and brings experience of having worked in housing at a commercial level. Client-focused and solution-driven, Jenna is a positive and knowledgeable individual to work with.’

‘Brodies are our go-to firm for all property matters in Scotland. Their team is truly exceptional.’

‘Fiona McLeod is very knowledgeable, always keeps her advice clear, and is very quick to respond.’

Key clients

The Wheatley Housing Group


Langstane Housing Association


Hillcrest Homes


River Clyde Homes


Kingdom Housing Association Limited


Link Group Limited


LAR Housing Trust


Shettleston Housing Association


Scottish Housing Regulator


Stirling Council


Scottish Futures Trust


City of Edinburgh Council


Moray Council


Stirling Council


Falkirk Council


BTO Solicitors LLP

The social housing team at BTO Solicitors LLP features lawyers from a broad range of sectors, including experts in employment, charity, data protection, and corporate law. The team is spearheaded by Grant Hunter, who is experienced in RSL litigation work including tenancy breaches and commercial disputes, and Caroline Carr, an accredited specialist in employment law. Peter Graham is experienced in assisting RSLs with site acquisitions, while Fraser Hopkins offers construction expertise. Karen Brodie retired in March 2023.

Practice head(s):

Grant Hunter; Caroline Carr


Other key lawyers:

Peter Graham; Jeremy Glen; Fraser Hopkins; Laura Salmond; Dawn Robertson; Lynn Richmond


Testimonials

‘Their ability to quickly understand the important issues for our organisation, particularly in non-routine areas of work, is impressive. We are constantly reassured by a sense that BTO is always on our side in discussions and negotiations with other parties.’

‘They provide consistently excellent service.’

‘Without fail, every member of staff within BTO is exceptional. They are super quick at responding to queries, and keep you updated with progress and any follow-up points. All staff strike the right balance between being professional and approachable.’

‘BTO’s social housing team includes Law Society of Scotland Accredited Specialists in employment law, data protection law, charity law and construction law. BTO’s team across various legal disciplines work in partnership to meet our business needs and provide the right expert guidance and advice.’

‘Laura Salmond is clearly very knowledgeable and an expert in her field. She regularly provides swift and reliable advice which is crucial when dealing with sensitive and often time critical employee relations matters.’

Lynn Richmond is very responsive and provides clear and practical advice. Lynn is good at understanding the particular issues related to our business and ensuring her advice is tailored to our requirements.’

‘They are very professional, thoughtful, and thorough. They get the job done.’

‘Competent, professional individuals. Great expertise in different disciplines.’

Key clients

Langstane Housing Association


Albyn Housing Society


Clyde Valley Housing Association


Grampian Housing Association


Partick Housing Association


Hillhead Housing Association 2000


Loreburn Housing Association


Govan Housing Association


Kingdom Housing Association


Cadder Housing Association


Cathcart & District Housing Association


Key Housing Association


Milnbank Housing Association


Oak Tree Housing Association


Provanhall Housing Association


Tollcross Housing Association


The Richmond Fellowship Scotland


Work highlights


  • Defended Clyde Valley Housing Association in court proceedings related to building works by their contractor, ensuring the retention of underground service media essential to a major housing development in Lanarkshire.
  • Provided both contentious and non-contentious construction law advice to Loreburn Housing Association regarding significant challenges affecting a flagship development project aimed at transforming the local area.
  • Assisted Milnbank Housing Association with a review of its group structure, advising on regulatory, governance, and other relevant issues for the Association and its two subsidiaries.

Burness Paull LLP

Burness Paull LLP fields a ‘very strong team in the housebuilding sector’ and stands out for its work advising affordable housing providers, providing a full range of services from site acquisition to asset management. Peter Chambers leads the team, with vast experience acting for housing associations and developers in relation to affordable housing deals and housing-led regeneration projects. Louise Chambers, promoted to partner in August 2023, advises on social housing acquisition and development, site assembly projects, and real estate finance. David Antonelli assists clients with the acquisition and development of affordable housing.

Practice head(s):

Peter Chambers


Other key lawyers:

Louise Chambers; David Antonelli


Testimonials

‘They pay attention to the bigger picture and have pragmatic solutions.’

‘Good relationship management, including keeping key stakeholders aware of risks (even if non-legal e.g. publicity).’

‘Very strong team in the housebuilding sector.’

‘Louise Chambers is very proactive and helps drive deals along. She focuses on commercial issues and doesn’t get bogged down in non-commercial points.’

Key clients

Sanctuary Housing Association


Scottish Futures Trust Investment Limited


CALA Homes


Cruden Group


Springfield Properties plc


Hillcrest Housing Association Limited


Miller Homes Limited


Castlehill Housing Association Limited


First Endeavour LLP


Taylor Wimpey UK Limited


Kelvin Properties


Work highlights


  • Acted for Sanctuary Scotland Housing Association Limited on major Scottish regeneration projects, the purchase of a number of development sites and the acquisition, development and onward disposal of the mixed use and tenure redevelopment of the former Victoria Infirmary, Glasgow.
  • Acted for Bertha Park Limited/Springfield Properties plc on the sale and development of a further phase of social housing at their new village development on the outskirts of Perth.
  • Acted for the Cruden Group and Cala Homes in relation to the affordable housing elements of their developments in Scotland.

Shoosmiths

With ‘great strength on the bench’, Shoosmiths advises on a wide range of social housing projects, particularly focusing on private residential developments. Janette Speed spearheads the team, dealing with commercial and residential development transactions with affordable developers and RSL providers. Key members of the team include Lauren Miller and Gillian Ralph, who act for residential developers providing affordable housing.

Practice head(s):

Janette Speed


Other key lawyers:

Lauren Miller; Gillian Ralph; Geraint Hughes


Testimonials

‘The team at Shoosmiths are standout in terms of their service delivery. Janette Speed and her team excel in the Living Sector. They have great strength on the bench and specialist teams are primed to support when required.’

‘Gillian Ralph goes above and beyond to assist with meeting our requirements for the contracts and is exceptionally knowledgeable in the subject matter.’

‘They are hard-working, driven, smart and genuinely care about the client’s needs.’

‘Lauren Miller is personable and listens to your needs as a client, offering sound commercial advice.’

Key clients

Robertson Living Limited


Taylor Wimpey UK Limited


Bellway Homes Limited


Watkin Jones plc


Aberdeen City Council


Thriving Investments


Work highlights


  • Acted for Taylor Wimpey in connection with the development and sale of 55 affordable housing units at Auldcathie View, Winchburgh.
  • Acted for L&S in connection with the sale of 8 affordable homes at Duchlage Road, Crieff.
  • Advised Aberdeen City Council on the conclusion of planning legal agreements to secure approximately 500 dwellings and PBSA beds.

Anderson Strathern

Under the leadership of experienced litigator Shirley Evans, Anderson Strathern features accredited specialists in a wide range of areas including charity, commercial real estate, and employment law. The practice includes commercial real estate lawyers Euan Mellor and Neil Fraser, who advise clients on the acquisition and construction of affordable housing.

Practice head(s):

Shirley Evans


Other key lawyers:

Euan Mellor; Neil Fraser


Testimonials

‘Anderson Strathern has provided an excellent service to date. They are organised, very customer focussed, know their job, and will respond to enquiries promptly.

‘Excellent customer skills – we feel valued as a customer. Very personable, they respond quickly, nothing feels like too much trouble and answers given are very clear and understandable.’

Key clients

Castle Rock Edinvar Housing Association Limited


East Lothian Housing Association Limited


West Lothian Council


East Lothian Council


Work highlights


  • Acted for East Lothian in pursuing an action for eviction, based on the tenant defender’s 14 convictions concerning assault and the supply of illicit substances in the property.
  • Assisted Castle Rock Edinvar Housing Association (CRE) with a large programme of disposal of old housing stock in and around Edinburgh and the Lothians.

Morton Fraser MacRoberts

Headed by Suzanne Hardie, Morton Fraser MacRoberts is well-equipped to manage new build affordable housing projects, public sector development, and security-backed funding schemes. The recent merger integrated Morton Fraser’s social housing development and finance practices with MacRoberts’ expertise in charity and governance, widening the firm's offering in the social housing space. The practice benefits from the banking expertise of Andrew Meakin, who is a key contact for lenders in the social housing market.

Practice head(s):

Suzanne Hardie


Other key lawyers:

Andrew Meakin


Testimonials

‘Morton Fraser MacRoberts has a team of legal professionals with a sound knowledge of conveyancing, property, planning and construction matters that can be called upon to provide sound advice in relation to property development transactions. Their partners and staff use clear non-jargon language which is of great assistance.’

Key clients

Places for People Group


Wheatley Group


Drumchapel Housing Association


Scottish Government


Aberdeen City Council


The City of Edinburgh Council


Santander


Bank of Scotland


Persimmon Homes


Taylor Wimpey


Lovell Homes


Thorntons Law LLP

A popular choice for RSLs, local authorities and private developers, the multidisciplinary team at Thorntons Law LLP is jointly led by five Dundee-based partners, each specialising in different legal areas: Noele McClelland is an employment expert, Chris Allan supports housing associations on banking and finance matters, and Gillian Buchanan focuses on contentious issues. Additionally, Loretta Maxfield advises on data protection, and David Milne specialises in commercial property law.

Practice head(s):

David Milne; Chris Allan; Noele McClelland; Loretta Maxfield; Gillian Buchanan


Testimonials

‘Their in-depth knowledge of our sector makes them the stand out firm for us.’

‘Chris Allan provides practical advice on loan agreements, and David Milne had in-depth knowledge of our Association and properties. Loretta Maxfield offered pragmatic advice on a particularly difficult issue, and Noele McClelland offers practical HR advice, always making sure we know the risks of going down a particular path.’

Key clients

Angus Housing Association Limited (AHA)


GMC Ventures Limited


Hillcrest Homes (Scotland) Limited


Caledonia Housing Association Ltd


Kingdom Housing Association Ltd


Abertay Housing Association Limited


Wheatley Housing Group Limited


Bield Housing & Care


Work highlights


  • Advised Hillcrest Homes (Scotland) Limited on the purchase and development of 28-unit site at former Strathmartine Hospital, Dundee within a larger 212-unit residential development by Chamberlain Bell and Miller Homes.
  • Advised Hillcrest Homes (Scotland) Limited on the purchase of Burnside Mill, Lochee, Dundee for conversion to 54 residential units at a total project value of £7.25m.
  • Advised Hillcrest Homes (Scotland) Limited on the purchase and development of 12-unit site at Logie Green Road, Edinburgh, part of a larger 48 unit residential development by Kelvin Properties.