Department profile

Social Housing

UK Guide 2026 : Scotland

Rankings

Ranked Individuals

About

Provided by TC Young

We are the only firm that has grown alongside the social housing movement in Scotland: we have an unparalleled understanding of the sector and its challenges. We represent over two-thirds of housing organisations in Scotland. Our experience gives us a distinct advantage - working in partnership with key housing providers and community regeneration organisations.

Our firm has gathered together an experienced team specialising in the delivery of legal services to the Scottish housing sector. Every member of our team has extensive expertise in working for Registered Social Landlords and a deep understanding of the particular requirements of the sector.

We have 3 accredited specialists in Housing and Residential Tenancy Law - more than any other firm in Scotland.

We provide legal advice in the following areas:

Contracts and procurement

Debt recovery

Factoring and property management

Finance

Freedom of Information

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and data protection

Governance and legal structures

Low cost home ownership

Property and development

Tenancy advice and Tenant evictions

Training

We frequently lead training sessions for board and committee members, and staff, on key areas of the law as it affects them, alongside areas where clients request bespoke training.

Clients (9)

ACHA
Clyde Valley
Govanhill HA
Home Group
Link Group
Places for People Scotland/Places for People
Riverside Scotland
Scottish Federation of Housing Associations
Southside HA

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Social Housing - Scotland

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

TC Young has acclaimed specialists in social housing with an enviable client list including a considerable number of Scottish registered social landlords (RSLs). The firm is regularly retained to advise on a diverse range of matters, such as property acquisitions, court actions and high-value bond issues. It also acts on procurements, facility agreements and title audits. An additional team strength lies in dispute resolution and governance matters. It advises RSLs on charity law matters, including securing charitable status.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

TC Young continued to advise the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations on the updated Code of Conduct for Property Factors, the impact on RSLs and requirements of the Written Statement of Service.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

They have an excellent team with varied knowledge and experience.
Social Housing respondentUK
They have excellent housing sector knowledge and a real understanding of the range of legal issues which housing associations face in their operations.
Social Housing respondentUK
They have built up a strong reputation in this sector. They are proactive at sharing information when decisions have been made and display a wealth of knowledge across all tenures.
Social Housing respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Senior Statespeople
Senior Statespeople
Len Freedman
Len Freedman is a consultant at the firm with extensive experience acting for registered social landlords and funders on matters such as bond funding, joint ventures and environmental regulations. His longstanding sector expertise also enables him to advise on the creation of new nationwide policy.
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Eminent Practitioners
Eminent Practitioners
Andrew Cowan
Andrew Cowan is the firm's managing partner and head of the litigation team. He acts on behalf of housing associations, advising on day-to-day matters including housing management challenges and risk mitigation. He is particularly noted for his extensive litigation experience in the context of social housing.
No words required. He's at the top of his profession, experienced and never lets you down.
Social Housing respondentUK
Andrew Cowan is familiar with clients in social housing and retains a good overview of the sector.
Social Housing respondentUK
Andrew is always very helpful and very knowledgeable.
Social Housing respondentUK
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Band 1
Band 1
Alison Brynes
Alison Brynes offers notable transactional expertise in the social housing space. She advises on matters such as land acquisitions, construction contracts and site redevelopments, as well as overseeing large-scale stock transfers.
Alison's knowledge of the housing sector is outstanding. She is responsive and really understands my organisation's operating environment.
Social Housing respondentUK
She's very knowledgeable and seen as a leader in the field.
Social Housing respondentUK
She helps steer us in the right direction. She listens and speaks in a way that you can understand her.
Social Housing respondentUK
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Band 2
Band 2
Jim Bauld
Jim Bauld is well regarded for his extensive litigation experience in the context of social housing. He regularly represents clients in a range of matters including anti-social behaviour and evictions.
Jim has provided our organisation with excellent advice and support.
Social Housing respondentUK
He always provides clear advice which is easy to understand, and is an expert in both social and private housing law.
Social Housing respondentUK
Jim is very knowledgeable and is particularly personable. He is also professional in all matters.
Social Housing respondentUK
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Band 2
Band 2
Lauren Little
Lauren Little has a recognised practice representing RSLs in transactional, regulatory and financing matters in the housing sector.
She has in-depth knowledge of contracts and procurement at all stages, from interpretation and setting out tender packages to litigation.
Social Housing respondentUK
Lauren has been fantastic in her support. Her skills, experience and knowledge are fantastic.
Social Housing respondentUK
Lauren's knowledge of the housing sector is outstanding. She is responsive and really understands my organisation's operating environment.
Social Housing respondentUK
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Band 3
Band 3
Alastair McKendrick
Alastair McKendrick represents a range of housing providers in a variety of property matters, including site acquisitions and advising on site developments. He also heads the firm's litigation team and undertakes housing management disputes.
He has vast knowledge and experience in the housing sector. He is very approachable and competent in all matters.
Social Housing respondentUK
He is able to progress cases promptly and gives clear and concise advice. I would highly recommend him.
Social Housing respondentUK
He provides expert advice and all-round sector awareness.
Social Housing respondentUK
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Band 3
Band 3
Christine A Stuart
Christine Stuart is head of the property team in the Edinburgh office of TC Young. She advises housing associations among other clients on shared ownership projects. She has additional expertise in advising on a range of transactional matters including stock transfer, sales and securities-related matters.
She couldn't have done more. She was fantastic.
Social Housing respondentUK
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Associates to watch
Associates to watch
Eileen Barr
Eileen Barr is a well-respected practitioner in the social housing space. She has experience advising RSLs and third sector clients on a variety of matters, including regulatory issues.
She has expertise in GDPR.
Social Housing respondentUK
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