Public Bodies
Public bodies, organisations that are funded from the public purse and therefore subject to public accountability, are the focus of our public law practice. Public bodies are open to legal challenge and are under increasing pressure to demonstrate that they are using resources to best effect and that they are observing high standards of propriety, impartiality, integrity and objectivity. The key to successful legal advice is the lawyer's ability to understand the context and constraints within which a client operates. We advise a number of public bodies, such as local authorities, housing associations and Scottish Natural Heritage and understand both their obligations and how they operate. We advise on their powers and duties, the procedures to follow and the factors to take into account in their decision-making. We also advise on the implications of new developments and in connection with consultations about proposed legislation. Our service spans many areas of law, including corporate, environment, property and litigation. We are also able to see things from the other side, so to speak, through acting for private sector organisations in matters relating to public bodies.
Environment and conservation
National parks, access, land reform and crofting were some of the first things tackled by the new Scottish Parliament following Scottish devolution. Environmental legislation is a focus area for our public law team and, as advisers to Scottish Natural Heritage, we are closely involved. Our expertise has been built up over many years and covers all major environmental and conservation legislation.
Housing associations
We have a proven track record in advising housing associations, funders and local authorities on all housing-related matters, including land transfers, stock transfers and LSVTs, management agreements, corporate structures, funding, sale/purchase, leasing, right-to-buy, establishing trading subsidiaries and charitable status.
A key strength of our team is the ability to deal with innovative and complex matters. In particular, we are skilled at bringing partners together in consortia and establishing structures which work effectively, as with Kintry Housing Partnership, the first New Housing Partnership in Edinburgh, which brings together, for the first time, four housing associations, Communities Scotland (then Scottish Homes) and Edinburgh City Council.
Principal Contacts: