Department profile
Pinsent Masons

Planning & Environment

UK Guide 2026 : Scotland

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Pinsent Masons

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Planning & Environment - Scotland

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Pinsent Masons is a major player in the planning and environment market, with credentials across a broad range of transactional and regulatory matters. Its areas of expertise span across major infrastructure, energy and onshore wind projects, as well as specialist knowledge of the nuclear arena. The team is regularly engaged on highly contentious environment cases, with clients including developers, utility companies and local authorities. It is also called upon to handle high-profile inquiries and appeals relating to flood risk and other ecological concerns.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Pinsent Masons advised Boralex on its objection to the Strathy South Wind Farm Compulsory Purchase Order.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The team provides specific advice and makes this understandable in plain English where necessary. They go above and beyond to get the deal over the line.

    Planning & Environment respondentUK

  • They provide clear and insightful advice and take a holistic approach across our project. They are well resourced and provide expertise across different jurisdictions in a well thought-out strategy.

    Planning & Environment respondentUK

  • The team always delivers within deadlines and provides advice in a clear and practical manner.

    Planning & Environment respondentUK

  • Pinsent's approach is one of collaboration and a willingness to become part of the team. Their value-add is already clear and the collaboration and support they provide is exceptional.

    Planning & Environment respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Gordon McCreath
    Gordon McCreath

    Gordon McCreath

    Gordon McCreath provides transactional environment advice as well as handling complex disputes. His clients include energy, utilities and waste management companies.

    • He is an absolute pleasure to work with and provides an excellent service.

      Planning & Environment respondentUK

    • Gordon is a first-class operator at the top of his game. He is always dependable, pragmatic and commercially sensible.

      Planning & Environment respondentUK
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  • Ross McDowall
    Ross McDowall

    Ross McDowall

    Ross McDowall is a partner and head of the UK environment department at Pinsent Masons. He has significant experience in assisting clients with the environmental aspects of high-value M&A transactions. In particular, he advises on environmental permit transfers and risk allocation.

    • Ross's level of service is fabulous.

      Planning & Environment respondentUK

    • Ross is very approachable, knows his subject and is very thorough. He is very appreciated because he has real estate and environmental expertise.

      Planning & Environment respondentUK

    • Ross explains complex environmental matters in a way the business can understand. He leads negotiations with commerciality and pragmatism, so the deal is done within tight timescales.

      Planning & Environment respondentUK
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  • Gary McGovern
    Gary McGovern

    Gary McGovern

    Gary McGovern has knowledge of both energy and planning and is perhaps most at home when advising on planning decisions that affect energy projects. He is particularly known for his experience of advising on renewable projects, such as offshore wind developments.

    • Gary works hard to understand the nuance and complexity of our projects in order to provide the best advice possible.

      Planning & Environment respondentUK

    • Gary always provides excellent practical advice.

      Planning & Environment respondentUK
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Ranked Individuals at Pinsent Masons (3)

Scotland

Pinsent Masons has rankings in the following guides

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