Public Procurement
UK Bar Guide 2025 : Scotland (Bar)
Band 1
Contact number
(0131) 226 2881Chambers Review
Axiom Advocates is the leading Scottish stable for procurement disputes and is highly esteemed among solicitors' firms. The advocates, praised as the "best at the Scottish Bar," frequently represent the Scottish Government, local authorities and companies in these matters. Members have recently been instructed as deputy counsel to Capita Business Services in the challenge to its disqualification in the SWAN 2ICT procurement.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Axiom always provide a strong service, and particularly, the clerks are very helpful and responsive."
"The clerks are very responsive. We always have confidence that the clerks will guide us quickly and knowledgeably regarding counsel availability."
"Axiom always provide a strong service, and particularly, the clerks are very helpful and responsive."
"The clerks are very responsive. We always have confidence that the clerks will guide us quickly and knowledgeably regarding counsel availability."
Notable Practitioners
David Blair boasts an acclaimed procurement practice with a particular expertise in the healthcare sector. His practice is both contentious and advisory, and he has provided advice in relation to key public contracts as the procurement structure is developed.
"He is an excellent junior who shows strong judgement."
"David is a friendly and accessible junior."
Ewen Campbell is a go-to junior for a host of commercial disputes, with notable strength in procurement litigation. He assists local authorities as well as corporations in complex procurement challenges.
"Ewen is an exceptionally able and commercial junior. The clients were very pleased with his ability to cut through the complex stuff."
John MacGregor KC is a talented silk who has played a role in a number of high-profile public procurement cases in Scotland and internationally. His cases cover a variety of sectors including education. He brings to bear significant experience of administrative law and commercial litigation.
"He is excellent."
"He is a combination of a really nice guy who clients like and an incredibly on-the-ball and really commercial barrister."
Mark Lindsay KC manages a broad practice encompassing both commercial and public law. He regularly represents pursuers in procurement challenges and is also sought out to advise public bodies on procurement matters.
"He is an excellent advocate and great to work with on procurement matters."
"He is collaborative, creative and excellent in court."
Ruth Crawford KC has an in-depth knowledge of public procurement issues and has frequently been instructed by contracting authorities and tenderers in need of procurement advice. Her procurement work relates to a range of market sectors including IT, transport and infrastructure. She has additional experience handling state aid matters.
"She is formidable and cuts straight to key issues."
"She is an absolutely excellent lawyer. She is utterly forensic and takes a very detailed and careful approach. She is extremely direct when giving her advice."