Department profile
Dentons

Construction

UK Guide 2026 : Scotland

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Dentons

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About

Provided by Dentons

With 6 partners across our offices in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen (and 10 partners in our wider national team) our Scotland-based construction team offers a full-service contentious and non-contentious practice that covers all areas of the market. As part of the world’s largest law firm, Dentons' Scottish construction team is fully integrated with our lawyers across the UK and the Middle East. We are working on exciting and challenging projects of a scale that would not otherwise be available in the Scottish market. Highlights this year include the involvement in the project for the construction of Muscat and Salalah airports in Oman, advising on the construction of a gas processing plant in Siberia, the construction of a new railway across Nigeria and Niger, the project for a new steel mill production facility in Uzbekistan, the project for a copper mining facility in Uzbekistan, the project for a solar production facility in Kazakhstan, the development of a gold mining plant in Kazakhstan  and the project for a new coal-fired energy plant in Kenya. We act for some of the most active developer clients in the market, including John Lewis, Sainsbury's, Aviva plc, Taylor Wimpey, Hammerson plc, Helical plc and M&G Real Estate.

We have consolidated our main contractor client base this year, working in Scotland with French contractor Bouygues E & S UK FM Limited and UK client Galliford Try as well as continuing to work for McLaughlin & Harvey Construction.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Construction - Scotland

Band 2

What the Team is Known For
Dentons advises on complex development matters. It is active in the transport, industrial and real estate sectors, handling both contentious and non-contentious matters. The firm acts across an array of high-profile developments in the residential, retail and leisure spheres. It regularly assists clients with arbitrations and proceedings raised in the Court of Session. Dentons is also well placed to provide support on transactional matters.
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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Dentons advised XLCC on the procurement of the construction of the UK's first HVDC cable manufacturing factory at the site of the old Hunterston power station in Ayrshire.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Dentons' construction team is an impressive group of individuals, all who have an in-depth knowledge of all areas we ask them for advice on.

    Construction respondentUK

  • Dentons are focused on results and providing excellent client service by understanding their needs.

    Construction respondentUK

  • The team stands out for its strong emphasis on relationship with their client, cross functional team, pragmatic approach and strong negotiation skills.

    Construction respondentUK

  • Both service levels and responsiveness were excellent at Dentons. This was reinforced by a proactive approach which reduced the requirement for reactive responses.

    Construction respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Kirsti Olson
    Kirsti Olson

    Kirsti Olson

    Kirsti Olson acts for a broad range of clients in construction disputes concerning defects and delays. She also represents clients in Court of Session proceedings in relation to remedial works and construction and conversion projects.

    • Kirsti is a seasoned construction lawyer with unrivaled experience, her practical application of the law is first class and she is always seeking to drive for the best results.

      Construction respondentUK

    • Kirsti Olson is easy to deal with, very well organised and gives clients a first-class service. I would not hesitate to recommend her.

      Construction respondentUK

    • Kirsti provides an excellent service. She is client-focused and provides clear and pragmatic advice. She is focused on resolving disputes and is understanding of the pressures on her clients.

      Construction respondentUK

    • Kirsti is experienced and good to work with.

      Construction respondentUK
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  • Mark Macaulay
    Mark Macaulay

    Mark Macaulay

    Mark Macaulay is recognised for his non-contentious construction expertise and for advising clients on the construction aspects of development projects, as well as construction contracts. He is also noted for his expertise in procurement law.

    • He offers commercially incisive advice which seeks to mitigate his client's commercial risk, while achieving a mutually balanced and acceptable outcome for the client and counterparty.

      Construction respondentUK

    • Mark gives straightforward advice and doesn't make more of a matter than it needs to be. He keeps things simple and can pick up the phone and give quick advice.

      Construction respondentUK
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  • Roddy Cormack
    Roddy Cormack

    Roddy Cormack

    Roddy Cormack is noted for his non-contentious construction practice. He assists with redevelopment projects and infrastructure works.
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  • Sarah Alexander
    Sarah Alexander

    Sarah Alexander

    Sarah Alexander regularly assists clients with construction disputes. She advises on delays and defects and appears before Court of Session proceedings.

    • Sarah is an excellent lawyer, with an eye both for the detail and the wider strategy and market. She is a pleasure to work with and is always keen to make life easier for her client where she can.

      Construction respondentUK

    • Sarah is a brilliant construction lawyer with an excellent eye for detail.

      Construction respondentUK
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Ranked Individuals at Dentons (4)

Scotland

Members

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