Chambers Review
Provided by Chambers
Construction - Scotland (Bar)
What the Team is Known For
Ampersand Advocates offers significant experience in advising clients in relation to a range of building and construction works in Scotland. The bench handles a variety of contractual and delay disputes, also involving defects issues. Its advocates have notable expertise in adjudications and enforcement actions, as well as construction-related bond matters. One commentator noted: "Ampersand provides very good and commercial representation." A work highlight from this year is Greater Glasgow Health Board v Multiplex & ors, a case that concerned construction defects in the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.
Alan Moffat is the head of the clerking team.
Strengths
The Ampersand clerks are outstanding.
Alan Moffat is a standout clerk and his team follow his lead. Ampersand are extremely reactive and demonstrate a willingness to work with instructing solicitors to find suitable counsel to assist.
Notable practitioners
Robert Howie KC is an outstanding construction silk with a sterling reputation and notable technical expertise. He is a formidable figure who has appeared before all levels of judiciary in Scotland and across the UK, handling matters that run the full gamut of construction law. He also sits as an adjudicator on sizeable construction and engineering matters.
Robert Howie is widely considered as one of the leading commercial silks at the Scottish Bar.
Robert Howie is endlessly polite, understanding and tolerant.
Timothy Young is regularly instructed in complex construction litigation matters in the Scottish courts, especially involving contractual disputes, mechanisms and interpretation. He is also involved in disputes arising from alleged defects and claims for enforcement of adjudication awards.
Timothy Young is really good. He is very able and commercial, and clients like him.
Nicholas McAndrew brings his previous experience as a construction litigation solicitor to bear in his growing construction advocate practice. He is adept at handling a range of construction cases, such as those involving negligence and defects.
Nick is an exceptional junior advocate. We have instructed him in some of the highest-profile and most complex construction litigation in Scotland and he has provided an outstanding level of service.
Nicholas McAndrew is a really good advocate - very amenable, and clients like him. He doesn't look down on clients, so he is user-friendly.