Harper Macleod LLP supports clients with disputes related to commercial leases, title boundaries and conditions, access rights, and agricultural property. Sandy Hastie heads up the dispute resolution department, while Andrew Upton spearheads the real estate litigation division, regularly appearing in the Sheriff Court, Court of Session, Scottish Land Court, as well as the Lands Tribunal for Scotland. John McHugh is a key member of the team, bringing significant experience in acting for shopping centre landlords.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘I believe Harper Macleod has a significant and sufficient number of partners and associates to be able to undertake cases requiring appropriate ranges of expertise.’

  • 'Our solicitor proved to be highly competent, diligent, focused and ready to pursue our needs to the fullest that the law would allow. We were provided excellent support and explanations regarding legal matters that we initially did not understand in order to frame and then successfully prosecute our case.’

  • ‘Harper Macleod's depth of talent sets them apart. No matter your requirements, they have the expertise to assist. ’

  • ‘Andrew Upton's levels of knowledge and service have been exceptional and I have no hesitation in recommending him in the highest possible terms.’

  • ‘The individuals in the Property Litigation team have in-depth experience and provide real clarity from the outset on the approach they will adopt and outcomes they aim to achieve for the client. No waffle, just results.’

  • ‘They have industry-leading knowledge of the renewable energy industry.’

  • ‘John McHugh is commercially aware and able to provide high-quality legal advice throughout disputes.’

  • ‘Harper Macleod exudes a dynamic, innovative and business-focused energy. I would categorise them as having big-firm quality and mindset with medium-firm price and approachability.'

Key clients

  • Scottish Government
  • Forestry and Land Scotland
  • Energiekontor UK Ltd
  • National Car Parks Ltd
  • William Hill Organisation Limited
  • Halfords Limited
  • Cairngorms National Park Authority
  • J.G. Martin Plant Hire Limited
  • Shell Pensions Trustees Limited
  • City of Edinburgh Council
  • The Highland Council
  • NatureScot
  • Kuehne + Nagel
  • Wheatley Group
  • Link Housing Group Limited
  • City Property Glasgow (Investments) LLP

Work highlights

  • Represented Denny Enterprises Int’l Limited and its director in three linked Court of Session actions arising out of alleged dilapidations of commercial premises.
  • Acted for Energiekontor Limited in a contractual dispute arising from its development of a new site close to Edinburgh Airport and its potential impact on radar systems.
  • Acted for Forestry and Land Scotland in an action for rectification of its land registered title where the omission of land impacts on the operation of a hydro scheme.

Lawyers

Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Andrew Upton, Sandy Hastie

Other key lawyers

John McHugh