CMS caters to an ‘impressive array of clients’ including property developers, housebuilders, and shopping centres, as well as asset managers, public bodies, and utilities providers. The practice is led by Marc Armstrong, who expertly manages a full spectrum of real estate disputes including issues related to dilapidations, development contracts, fire safety defects, and the recovery of arrears. The firm saw the retirement of former practice head Alison Gow in December 2023.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Marc Armstrong and his team have an excellent reputation in the property litigation field in Scotland. They are easy to work with during the course of a litigation, including during high-stress situations.’

  • ‘Marc Armstrong in particular is easy to work with. He is trustworthy, hard-working and extremely reliable. Marc's legal analysis is detailed, thorough and sensible.’

  • ‘Gordon Tsang understands the nature of the client and offers both legal and practical solutions. He has saved our business a lot of money by recommending actions that we were not aware of. I would have no hesitation in recommending Gordon.’

  • ‘Marc Armstrong has an impressive array of clients and excellent client management skills as well as a sound knowledge of the intricacies of Scottish property law.’

Key clients

  • Edinburgh St James
  • Raeburn Place Development Limited/Raeburn Place Foundation
  • Landsec
  • Tandem Property Asset Management
  • Gemini Medical Care Ltd
  • Sapphire 15 Sarl and Sapphire 16 Sarl
  • Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution Plc
  • City of Edinburgh Council
  • Highlands and Islands Enterprise
  • Burns Pharmacy Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised on disputes relating to the £1 billion investment at Edinburgh St James Quarter.
  • Instructed to defend SHEPD against a £1.3 million claim seeking payment of damages for loss incurred as a result of damage to power cables.
  • Defended the City of Edinburgh Council against a £4.78 million claim in the Lands Tribunal for Scotland.

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.

Marc Armstrong

Other key lawyers

Jennifer Love, Gordon Tsang