Gillespie Macandrew LLP > Edinburgh, United Kingdom > Firm Profile
Gillespie Macandrew LLP Offices
5 ATHOLL CRESCENT
EDINBURGH
United Kingdom
Gillespie Macandrew LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings
Private client > Agriculture and estates Tier 1
Gillespie Macandrew LLP‘s practice is led by rural business specialist Robert Scott-Dempster. The team is well-versed in matters including large-scale rural property transactions, succession planning, land diversification projects, complex leasing and tenancy matters, crofting and more. Integral team members include Alan White and Fraser Leslie, both of whom handle renewables work, and Lizzie McFadzean whose particular area of expertise is forestry. Lois Newton focuses on renewables and nature-based projects and Lorna Balfour‘s practice includes large land and estate sales.Practice head(s):
Robert Scott-Dempster
Other key lawyers:
Alan White; Fraser Leslie; Lizzie McFazdean; Lois Newton; Lorna Balfour
Testimonials
‘A very well-balanced team with broad and excellent knowledge.’
‘They delivered balanced advice that was relevant and realistic which has been a huge help to my business.’
‘I really enjoy working with the team, principally due to the people in the team and the good relationships that we have built with them all over time. They are responsive to queries, really hear what the client is looking for and provide practical advice that helps our estate-owning clients navigate all manner of legal challenges.’
‘With particular work done with Lois Newton and Robert Scott-Dempster, I have found the GM partners very good at listening to client’s needs and finding the required legal advice and guidance to suit their priorities and style.’
‘Good, knowledgeable team with a breadth of experience and specific expertise in some key sectors.’
‘I worked with Lizzie McFadzean and Lois Newton recently – knowledgeable and efficient.’
Private client > Contentious trusts and probate Tier 1
Led by Agnes Mallon
who is experienced handling the array of contentious estate matters, the team at Gillespie Macandrew LLP is well-versed in navigating highly acrimonious disputes between family members, spouses, and other beneficiaries, including disputes involving overseas assets, and alleged influence over vulnerable or incapax individuals. John McArthur is experienced representing clients in disputes hinging on the interpretation and distribution of wills and trusts, tax considerations, and those involving solicitors’ professional negligence. John Stirling is noted for his work with trusts, while Eilidh Adams handles various contentious estate matters. Practice head(s):
Agnes Mallon
Other key lawyers:
John McArthur; John Stirling; Eilidh Adams
Testimonials
‘They worked well as a team, made sure each knew the stages we were at and communicated very well with us in a prompt and easy to understand manner.’
‘This is a large team of specialists who are equipped to provide top-quality advice and service on a range of matters.’
‘John Stirling is very able and intelligent, and in my opinion, is one of the leaders in Scotland in this field.’
Private client > Personal tax, trusts and executries
Highly experienced private client duo Agnes Mallon and John McArthur jointly lead the offering at Gillespie Macandrew LLP, which is experienced in complex succession planning and trust creation for high-net-worth families, including those in the farming sector. The team also handles delicate executry work and strategic tax planning, and includes David Mowlem, who specialises in wills, trusts, asset protection, and tax efficiency, as well as Eilidh Adams, a key contact for complex estate planning, trust law, and inheritance tax planning. Stewart Dunbar‘s interests include advising on succession planning for business-owning families, and Angela McMahon is an expert in trusts.
Practice head(s):
Agnes Mallon; John McArthur
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team at Gillespie Macandrew are highly professional, skilled, incredibly efficient, conscientious, and thoughtful, and we are very lucky to have them carrying out all aspects of our legal requirements, both personally and for the businesses. We couldn’t wish for better.’
‘I am extremely satisfied by the service provided and have had no cause for complaint in any way.’
‘The partner in charge of my affairs is always very thorough and if there is more than one course of action to choose from, she spells out the alternatives in great detail which facilitates the choice.’
‘They see the bigger picture. Pragmatic.’
‘They have enough knowledge and experience to understand what can and cannot be done.’
Projects, energy and natural resources > Energy (excluding oil and gas)
Gillespie Macandrew LLP advises on the full range of renewable energy projects across Scotland, England, and Wales, with particular strength in land, planning, and regulatory matters. The firm is active on onshore wind extensions, grid infrastructure issues and co-located hydrogen, battery and solar developments. Team head Derek McCulloch has a strong track record in brownfield M&A and PE transactions. Amy McDowell is active on large-scale onshore and offshore wind projects, advising both landowners and developers, while Simon Williams leads on major battery, solar and hydrogen matters, bringing extensive project development experience. Colin Hamilton and Alan White contribute planning and crofting expertise respectively, with Rae Gilchrist and Tessa Petrides offering broad support across the team.Practice head(s):
Derek McCulloch
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Good landowner and developer practice in the solar and particularly battery storage clean energy space in Scotland. The team are friendly and collaborative.’
‘Tessa Petrides explains complex legal matters in simple terms to allow me, who has a very basic legal understanding, to make suitable decisions. She is diligent and logical in her work and very easily to get a hold of to discuss any matters.’
‘Simon Williams is great at thinking of implications further down the line and trying to resolve them. He is also hands on and very much involved.’
‘The team are one of the best I have worked with – each person in the team is extremely capable and delivers sound legal advice in a very commercial manner. As in-house legal counsel, I see the Gillespie Macandrew team as being a seamless extension of our team – they understand their role and support the in-house function very effectively to help us deliver for the business. The team are all also very approachable and always at the end of a phone to chat through challenges with very clear and practical advice.’
‘Derek McCulloch, Colin Hamilton and Amy McDowell really stand out as being excellent leaders. They understand what the client needs and guide a really strong team including Rae Gilchrist (who also standouts for their quality advice). Derek, Colin and Amy lead by example and their team also approach matters in a very commercial and practical way whilst looking for innovative ways to solve problems.’
‘We work with GM in a co-professional capacity and find the team to be collaborative and communicative.’
‘Simon Williams, great communicator and very market-facing.’
Key clients
SSE
Invenergy
Seagreen Wind Energy
Berwick Bank Wind Limited
Clyde Windfarm (Scotland) Limited
Coire Glas Hydro Pumped Storage Limited
Innova Renewables
Viking Energy
Tillicoultry Quarries
Greentech
Work highlights
- Advising in relation to the Berwick Bank Offshore Wind Farm with planned capacity of up to 4.1GW on onshore land requirements and offshore proximity and crossing agreements in both the Scottish and English onshore connections to grid.
- Acting for Seagreen on phase 1 of what will be one of Scotland’s largest offshore windfarms in Scotland with potential capacity of 1.075GW to power 1.6m homes, most recently on the OFTO process.
- Advising on a full range of aspects for a client’s circa 450-Megawatt windfarm development in Shetland.
Real estate > Commercial property: Edinburgh and Glasgow
Gillespie Macandrew LLP has an active and ‘knowledgeable’ real estate practice, which is well-reputed for commercial property refinancing work, title deed reviews, and contractual negotiations. Department head Kenneth Irons is particularly well known for his involvement in the retail and energy sector, while Harry Smith leverages his construction expertise to assist housebuilders and property developers. Andrew Leslie is another well-regarded lawyer in the team.Practice head(s):
Kenneth Irons
Other key lawyers:
Harry Smith; Nikki Dundas; Andrew Leslie
Testimonials
‘Organised and straight-forward to deal with.’
‘Knowledgeable team which is accessible at all levels.’
‘Kenny Irons and his team have gone out of their way to support my clients with some fairly complex transactions.’
‘Gillespie Macandrew LLP are a pleasure to work with. They understand the requirements of our business and deliver a high quality, professional yet personal service.’
Key clients
Assetz Capital
Binn Group Limited
Bellway Homes Limited
Westerleigh Group Limited
Majestic (Belford) Limited
Robertson Partnership Homes Limited
Likewise Group PLC
Valen Veil UK Limited
Watches of Switzerland PLC
Ultimate Finance
Real estate > Planning
Colin Hamilton spearheads the planning group at Gillespie Macandrew LLP, which handles the full range of energy development work. The team is well equipped to handle compulsory purchase orders, environmental impact assessments and contentious planning matters, while Hamilton is heavily involved in planning legislative reform. The ‘excellent’ Sandy Telfer assists housebuilders and public bodies, obtaining permission for large mixed-use developments.Practice head(s):
Colin Hamilton
Other key lawyers:
Sandy Telfer; Monica Cannon
Testimonials
‘Sandy Telfer was excellent throughout.’
‘Sandy Telfer: diligent, calm, honest, kind, realistic and reassuring.’
Key clients
Seagreen Wind Energy
Viking Energy Wind Farm
SSE Renewables
Berwick Bank Wind Farm Limited
Dundee City Council
Perth & Kinross Council
Private client > Charities and not-for-profit Tier 2
Alan Gilfillan heads up the wide-ranging charities and not-for-profits offering at Gillespie Macandrew LLP. Noteworthy team members include Kevin Sturgeon who is a go-to for Community Asset Transfers and routinely acts for registered social landlords, employment specialist Fraser Vandal, and Margaret Day who is a key contact for churches seeking assistance with property acquisitions, disposals, and commercial leasing. Laura Kirkman assists charities with registration, reorganisations and mergers, corporate governance, and contractual matters. Former practice lead Lianne Lodge retired in December 2024.Practice head(s):
Alan Gilfillan
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Wry, clear communication and professional advice.’
‘Balanced, impartial, and thoughtful advice that is both legally competent but also adds to the wider business and political views.’
‘Thorough, diligent, pro-active and solution-focused.’
‘Excellent people, approachable and knowledgeable.’
Key clients
Mount Stuart Trust
Blair Charitable Trust
The Royal British Legion, Poppy Scotland, Lady Haig Poppy Factory
Johnson & Johnson Foundation Scotland
North Berwick Trust
Eliza Haldane Wylie Fund
Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh
Kilchoan Melfort Trust
Westhill Community Church
Vine Trust
Finance > Banking and finance Tier 4
The team at Gillespie Macandrew LLP is known for its longstanding expertise in handling finance mandates across the real estate, agriculture, planning, and energy sectors. The practice has a proven track record of advising a broad range of clients, including developers, high-net-worth individuals, investors, and third sector organisations, on both lender and borrower-side matters. Ross MacRae, who leads the team, has extensive experience in acquisition and real estate finance, while Kenneth Irons provides comprehensive support across the full spectrum of banking and finance matters.Practice head(s):
Ross MacRae
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘A diligent, responsive team with can do attitude, well researched and full of good ideas and solutions.’
‘Their knowledge of the leisure sector on the case we worked on was superb.’
‘Ross MacRae and the team were all extremely knowledgeable, approachable and willing in making sure any and all issues are resolved in a timely fashion.’
‘Approach and dedication to each deal.’
‘Approachable, knowledgeable, engaging.’
Key clients
Assetz Capital
Reward Finance Group
Avant Homes Group
Avignon Capital Limited
AMA Homes Group
Gresham House Forestry Limited (formerly Aitchesse Limited)
Real estate > Property litigation Tier 4
Gillespie Macandrew LLP‘s property litigation team is chaired by Fiona Cameron and acts for both public and private clients in defective works claims, commercial tenant disputes and breach of contract litigation. The team’s client roster extends to real estate corporations, housebuilders and property developers. John Stirling has a breadth of experience in access disputes, while Sandy Telfer strengthens the team as a planning law specialist.Practice head(s):
Fiona Cameron
Other key lawyers:
John Stirling; Sandy Telfer; Conner McConnell
Testimonials
‘Very helpful, knowledgeable, attentive, and supportive.’
Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Edinburgh and Glasgow Tier 5
Gillespie Macandrew LLP advises private companies, family businesses, and charities across Scotland and England, with particular strength in rural estates, energy, and tech spaces. Team head Chris Gibson is experienced in public and private M&A, private equity investments, and early-stage growth work. Alan Gilfillan is a go-to for business establishment and expansion matters, and Ross MacRae supports on LBOs and MBOs.Practice head(s):
Chris Gibson
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Gillespie Macandrew has great experience of working with agricultural/estates clients.’
‘Alan Gilfillan is good to work with, and good at managing his clients’ expectations. Alan is pragmatic and collaborative in approach.’
‘We work specifically with Chris Gibson. Chris is a safe pair of hands not only understanding the challenges of our industry but very much steering us away from potential pitfalls early on in our decision processes so saving us time, energy and resource.’
‘Pragmatic can do approach, backed up by user friendly, skilled people.’
‘First class and partners excellent. Also have dual qualified staff.’
Gillespie Macandrew LLP > Firm Profile
Gillespie Macandrew LLP is a Scottish based Law Firm, SRA regulated with a UK client reach and a reputation for Land at the heart of its expertise. Our office presence spans across Scotland, strategically located in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Perth, making us a reliable and respected legal partner for a diverse range of clients and organisations across our key sectors in Private Client, Real Estate, Energy and Land and Rural Business. Their technical excellence, personalised service and UK network has positioned them as a trusted advisor to and alongside some of Scotland largest Estates and the UK’s most well-respected organisations, including other professional service firms.
Gillespie Macandrew supports private clients and investors, SME’s and large corporates on real estate, housebuilding, corporate, rural, energy, infrastructure and banking matters. They also provide guidance on property, commercial and charity matters, together with dispute resolution services and employment advisory. The firm advises clients not only in Scotland, providing dual qualified Solicitors in Scotland, England & Wales to deliver industry-leading expertise with commercial awareness.
ESG Commitment
Gillespie Macandrew is driving positive change for a sustainable future through responsible business practices, social equity, and environmental stewardship. The firm’s commitment to ESG is rooted in the recognition that responsible business practices are not only beneficial but essential to achieve long-term success for the firm, clients and communities in which they work. Gillespie Macandrew is integrating ESG considerations into client relationships, legal services, internal operations, and community engagement, ensuring that every facet of their work contributes positively to the firm’s collective social, environmental, and economic objectives.
Banking & Finance
Gillespie Macandrew advises Lenders (both traditional and alternative) as well as Borrowers including developers, owner managed businesses, HNW and offshore investors and third sector bodies, across a diverse range of sectors. Recognised as trusted advisors in this evolving sector, the firm has been appointed to legal panels for significant Alternative Lenders in the Scottish market. The firm’s reputation is highly regarded in Scotland and beyond. Gillespie Macandrew routinely advise on cross-border banking matters and have advised on transactions involving jurisdictions from all corners of the world.
Charities & Third Sector
Gillespie Macandrew provides comprehensive legal services to charities and third sector organisations, supporting the entire lifecycle of a charity including charity formation, reorganisation and wind up, administration and governance as well as property and employment law services. Gillespie Macandrew is a Legal Support Partner for the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) and has an accredited Charity Law Specialist within the team.
Commercial Property
Real Estate is at the core of Gillespie Macandrew as a firm. The Gillespie Macandrew team help clients navigate the complexities of property transactions providing clear, commercial advice from the outset holding a reputation as lawyers who “get the deal done”. The team act for owners, occupiers, investors and developers to support the sale and acquisition process and are skilled in streamlining property transactions for clients in Retail, Leisure, Occupiers & Developers, Lenders, Housebuilders and Investment markets.
Energy & Strategic Land
Gillespie Macandrew provide comprehensive multidisciplinary legal advice to developers, utilities, landowners, communities and funders on energy projects and developments. The experienced team is currently advising on some of the most complex and significant energy projects in the UK including on and offshore wind, solar, hydro & pumped storage, grid infrastructure, carbon capture and hydrogen contributing to meeting Scotland and the UK’s commitments to the use of clean energy.
Land & Rural Business
The Gillespie Macandrew Land & Rural Business team comprises some of the most experienced rural and agricultural lawyers in the country who are dedicated to advising rural clients, their families and their businesses. The firm is rooted in the sector and committed to the development of Scottish Land, with expertise in conservation & environment, agriculture & crofting, diversification, land reform, forestry, natural capital, renewable energy, succession planning, business structuring, as well as purchase and sales. As experts in the field, Gillespie Macandrew is closely connected with the key bodies that drive rural policy in Scotland and advise clients representing more than a million acres of rural, industrial, and development land in Scotland.
Planning
The Gillespie Macandrew Planning team act for a wide range of developers, interested parties and planning authorities. The team, including an accredited specialist in Planning Law, is best known for providing specialist expertise in high profile, complex and contentious matters, although we also have a strong base in non-contentious matters. Gillespie Macandrew has acted in some of the most significant planning cases in the country and has considerable expertise both at bespoke one-to-one advice and advising as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Private Client & Tax
Gillespie Macandrew has a reputation as one Scotland’s leading specialist firms in Private Client and Tax known as trusted advisors for complex estate planning, inheritance tax advice and Trusts. With a team of over 35 people the firm provides expect advice and practical solutions for individuals, families and business owners on Wills, Trusts, Power of Attorney, Tax, Family Law, as well as contentious private wealth matters. The team also works closely with the firm’s highly regarded Land & Rural Business team to advise on complex family and business structures in Scotland.
Property Litigation
Gillespie Macandrew provides legal guidance on Property Litigation matters for Commercial Development, Strategic Land, Housebuilder, Construction, Planning, Landlord & Tenant matters. The team supports the firm’s four core sectors on Land & Rural, Energy, Private Client and Real Estate with high level technical expertise and commercial awareness to resolve complex disputes. The firm has an established eminence in Sheriff Court, Court of Session, Supreme Court, Scottish Land Court and Lands Tribunal litigation, as well as the team boasting two Solicitor Advocates.
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chair | Fiona Morton | ||
| CEO | Robert Graham-Campbell | ||
| Agriculture/estates | Robert Scott-Dempster | ||
| Commercial | Derek McCulloch | ||
| Construction | Isobell Reid | ||
| Corporate | Christopher Smith | ||
| Energy | Derek McCulloch | ||
| Executy/probate/wills | Elspeth Paget | ||
| Housebuilder | Harry Smith | ||
| International business | Derek McCulloch | ||
| Litigation and employment | Fiona Cameron | ||
| Personal tax and trust | John McArthur | ||
| Planning | Colin Hamilton | ||
| Private client | Elspeth Paget | ||
| Charities | Alan Gilfillan | ||
| Residential Property | Gillian Wright |
Lawyer Profiles
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Fiona Cameron | Fiona advises on a wide range of disputes and acts for clients… | View Profile |
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Chris Gibson | Chris is a graduate of King’s College, London. He qualified as a… | View Profile |
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Rae Gilchrist | Rae advises on the property aspects of renewable energy transactions and projects.… | View Profile |
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Colin Hamilton | Colin’s planning and environmental work covers the full spectrum from advice on… | View Profile |
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Kenneth Irons | Kenny has extensive knowledge of property issues for multi-national and large corporate… | View Profile |
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Andrew Leslie | As a Partner in our Housebuilding team, Andrew is experienced in all… | View Profile |
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Fraser Leslie | Fraser has experience in all aspects of renewable energy work and has… | View Profile |
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Agnes Mallon | With over 20 years’ experience and, having worked not only in private… | View Profile |
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John McArthur | John specialises in complex tax, trust and succession issues and regularly works… | View Profile |
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Derek McCulloch | Derek has over 20 years of experience advising and counselling global and… | View Profile |
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Amy McDowell | Amy is experienced in all aspects of complex property work and has… | View Profile |
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Robert Andrew Scott-Dempster | Robert is an accredited specialist by the Law Society of Scotland and… | View Profile |
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Harry Smith | Partner specialising in land acquisition and disposals for housebuilders, site assembly, plot… | View Profile |
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John B Stirling | Partner and Solicitor-Advocate specialising in property litigation; (Danish Forestry Ltd v Scottish… | View Profile |
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Sandy Telfer | Sandy is a real estate lawyer advising developers, landowners and public sector… | View Profile |
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Alan White | Alan is a partner in the land and rural business department at Gillespie… | View Profile |
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Simon Williams | Simon leads the English real estate team as an experienced energy project and… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of UK partners : 28 Number of other UK fee-earners : 120Press Releases
Gillespie Macandrew appoints new leadership to take the firm forward
17th February 2026Scottish law firm Gillespie Macandrew LLP has appointed Gavin Merchant as its new CEO, with effect from 1 March 2026. This follows the firm’s appointment of Frank Blin as Chair in July 2025 and marks the start of an exciting era for Gillespie Macandrew as a growth-focussed firm.
Gillespie Macandrew Invests in Expertise Across Core Sectors with Strategic Appointments
28th November 2025 Scottish law firm Gillespie Macandrew continues to advance its four-core sector strategy with a series of new appointments that strengthens its legal expertise in Land & Rural Business, Energy, Private Client and Commercial Real Estate.Gillespie Macandrew appoints new real estate specialist to its partnership
30th May 2025 Scottish law firm Gillespie Macandrew has appointed real estate legal expert, Heather Pearson to its partnership as a key addition to their sector offering.Gillespie Macandrew announced as Women in Wellies podcast sponsor, supporting women in rural Scotland
21st May 2025 Scottish law firm Gillespie Macandrew announces its sponsorship of the Women in Wellies podcast.Gillespie Macandrew announces new charity partnership with two Scottish charities
18th March 2025 Scottish law firm Gillespie Macandrew LLP has commenced a two-year partnership with local charities Richmond’s Hope and Change Mental Health.- Private client > Agriculture and estates
- Private client > Contentious trusts and probate
- Private client > Personal tax, trusts and executries
- Projects, energy and natural resources > Energy (excluding oil and gas)
- Real estate > Commercial property: Edinburgh and Glasgow
- Real estate > Planning
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Private client > Charities and not-for-profit