Department profile
Burness Paull

Planning & Environment

UK Guide 2026 : Scotland

Share profile

Burness Paull

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Planning & Environment - Scotland

Band 2

What the Team is Known For

Burness Paull offers a wide range of environmental and planning services across Scotland and is adept in handling oil and gas, renewable energy and marine matters. The team also offers expertise on climate change and has longstanding experience in a range of planning matters, such as compulsory purchase orders and Section 75 obligations and is also noted for its contentious capability, in particular judicial reviews and statutory appeals.

View ranking table

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Burness Paull acted for Sireo Immobilienfonds No 4 Edinburgh Ferry Road SARL in negotiations in relation to the education contribution payable for their mixed-use development.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • They have a deep inside approach to renewable planning law. We appreciate their direct efforts to share and facilitate this breadth of knowledge with us and to tailor it to our own needs.

    Planning & Environment respondentUK

  • They offer consistently valuable and robust advice, as well as an innovative interrogation of existing law and an ability to identify legally sound solutions.

    Planning & Environment respondentUK

  • They have extensive knowledge of planning law and a practical understanding with real world experience of government agencies. Their internal knowledge gives us confidence in progressing an appeal.

    Planning & Environment respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Alasdair Sutherland
    Alasdair Sutherland

    Alasdair Sutherland

    Alasdair Sutherland, head of the planning practice, supports clients in relation to a range of planning issues, including compulsory purchase and compensation, judicial reviews and public inquiries. He advises clients in the energy, infrastructure and residential development sectors.

    • Alasdair is an exceptional solicitor and a pleasure to work with.

      Planning & Environment respondentUK

    • Alasdair is an excellent and personable lawyer. He is always available to answer any questions and comes up with commercial and practical solutions.

      Planning & Environment respondentUK

    • Alasdair is technically very strong and has the skills to deliver the result we want.

      Planning & Environment respondentUK

    • Alasdair is very approachable and offers industry leading advice with a commercial understanding.

      Planning & Environment respondentUK
    View profile
  • Emma Dewar
    Emma Dewar

    Emma Dewar

    Emma Dewar is particularly renowned for her handling of contentious planning matters, such as planning appeals and inquiries. Her clients include house builders, wind farm developers and funders.

    • Emma is attentive and has a sound understanding of the issues. Her commercial awareness enables confidence in the projects and strategies.

      Planning & Environment respondentUK

    • Emma is very diligent.

      Planning & Environment respondentUK

    • Emma offers excellent planning legal advice, particularly in planning agreements.

      Planning & Environment respondentUK
    View profile

Ranked Individuals at Burness Paull (2)

Scotland

What success is built on

Chambers is the leading data and intelligence partner for the legal sector.

Explore thought leadership