Scottish law firm Brodies LLP reports busy year for its clients in the Highlands and Islands
UK top 50 and leading Scottish law firm Brodies LLP has reported a busy year for its clients in the Highlands and Islands, with investments in energy and land playing a key role.
Brodies was lead legal adviser to Ardersier Port, parent company Haventus and equity provider Quantum Capital Group on a £100 million joint credit facility, to assist in the transformation of Ardersier Port into a major energy transition facility, and continues to work with the business on the development of that site.
Other land-related work includes advice to Associated British Ports on a site being investigated for development within the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport, and advising Flow Country Restoration Ltd on an innovative green finance initiative for peatland restoration in Caithness and Sutherland.
In the past 12 months, Brodies corporate and commercial specialists have provided advice to Highlands and Islands Enterprise on various projects, including in the growing space sector. The firm also acted for DR Macleod on the transfer of its Highlands and Islands family haulage business to DFDS.
Investments in the whisky industry too have seen Brodies act for Greenwood Spirits in relation to the construction and development of Ardross Distillery and visitor centre and advise Tomatin Distillery on key distribution and supply agreements, and matters relating to the commercialisation and protection of intellectual property rights.
Since opening its Inverness office at Cradlehall Business Park two years ago, Brodies now has 25 locally-based colleagues - most recently bolstered by the appointments of associate Emily Flett-Grant to the firm's rural business and natural capital team, associate Lauren Gibson in renewables, and solicitor Ben Campbell in oil and gas.
Managing partner Stephen Goldie said: "The Highlands and Islands continues to be a place of growth, innovation and opportunity, and the projects and mandates that we have supported clients with over the past 12 months are testament to the level and variety of that activity.
“Clients recognise the pivotal role the region will play in Scotland and the UK's energy transition ambitions, and it is quickly becoming an attractive place to invest for those involved in the space, natural capital and hydrogen sectors too.
"We opened our office in Inverness two years ago on the back of our commitment to current and future clients in the region. In that time we've invested in growing our locally-based team so that we can help clients with their commercial ambitions and challenges, as well as supporting them on personal and family matters."