Energy & natural resources
Our integrated and multi-disciplinary energy team advises on all aspects of the energy supply chain.
Overview
Harnessing the full power of Scotland’s resources
Scotland’s energy & natural resources sector plays an unparalleled role in the country’s economy and future prospects – and we are very much part of the efforts to harness the abundance of energy that makes the country rich in energy potential.
Our award-winning energy & natural resources group is a multi-disciplinary team of highly experienced lawyers who provide innovative legal advice on every aspect of the energy supply chain, from planning permission and property advice for wind and minerals projects, to advice on securing funding, negotiating community benefits and taking advantage of incentives.
Our renewable energy solicitors have advised on projects generating more than half of Scotland’s renewable electricity capacity.
We are involved in some of Scotland’s largest energy and energy-related projects including vital infrastructure, housing and the built environment, natural capital, and the rural and marine economies.
Climate change and net zero
At Harper Macleod, we put climate change at the heart of our practice. Our specialists throughout the firm advise organisations and businesses on projects across Scotland and beyond on issues which affect and are affected by the need to make significant changes to the way we all do things. These projects are significant contributors to Scotland and the UK’s efforts to reach net zero targets.
Key contacts
Senior Partner
“The Harper Macleod team worked without hesitation to meet our tight timeframes and provided valuable Scots law input in relation to our legal due diligence of a complex asset. The process was run very efficiently and the advice was sensible and commercial. We are very extremely grateful to David Bone’s Energy Team and Stephen Chan’s Corporate Team”
“David is very commercial and practical in his approach to identifying and mitigating risk for the client.” “He is one of the preeminent practitioners in the field.”
“Offers expertise ranging from wind and hydro matters to solar projects. Handles a range of transactional matters as well as project financings. Acts for developers and funders across the industry, particularly in relation to wind farm developments, and is a popular choice for landowner clients. David Bone has extensive expertise acting for developers and landowners on renewable energy projects. Clients note “David is very commercial and practical in his approach to identifying and mitigating risks for the client.”
THE TEAM
Our multi-disciplinary team of energy lawyers advise businesses and organisations on all aspects of the energy sector.
HM Publications
Read our report on the future of Scotland’s natural capital
Overview
Scotland’s natural capital – our air, water, soil, flora and fauna – is estimated to be worth £230bn. These elements help us to produce the goods and services which are essential to our society and economy.
In recent years, the focus within the natural capital sphere has been on the reduction of carbon emissions, leading to carbon offsetting through the purchase of carbon credits generated by natural capital projects. In the UK, these projects are primarily peatland restoration and woodland creation.
We recently held two discussion-led events on the future of Scotland’s natural capital, focusing on peatland and woodland. We brought together land owners, developers, policy makers, funders, representative bodies and professional advisors.
Our report looks to cover as much of the discussion as possible, appreciating the fact there are both harmonious and conflicting views.
Read our report
The Blueprint
Overview
In partnership with leading integrated project and programme management consultancy Faithful+Gould (now AtkinsRealis), Harper Macleod hosted two thought-provoking discussions with Scotland’s public sector construction profession.
The Blueprint was a forum to discuss the key issues impacting upon public sector construction projects in Scotland, with a particular focus on working towards net zero.
More than 150 professionals joined us over the two events. This insight-led report captures the discussion and priority themes, including innovative legal considerations, market conditions and an overview of how City of Edinburgh Council is responding to the net zero challenge.
Coming together with the sector we want to create an actionable path to overcome the barriers to sustainable growth and delivery. Collaboration, innovation and recalibration are all key, as well as having the confidence to challenge existing behaviours. We hope you find it interesting and useful.
