Burness Paull is at the forefront of the Scottish projects market.


Private sector clients value the firm's knowledge and experience of public sector side procurement and evaluation in assisting them win bids, and public sector clients appreciate our advice and understanding of the bidding and funding market.

Our highly-regarded projects team advises on PFI, PPP, NPD, hub, MIM and other bespoke structures projects, as well as undertaking secondary market deals and providing general and specific project-related advice.

We have a high-profile client base, acting on behalf of bidders, public bodies and funders on projects throughout the UK.

Our project lawyers' particular expertise lies in:

  • Education
  • Health
  • Roads
  • Housing
  • Waste
  • Renewables

Our track record:

Burness Paull has led successful pathfinder projects, including the first UK multi-schools project, the first Scottish solid waste project, the first full Non-Profit Distributing model (NPD), the first hub territory project and the first acute health project under the current NPD model to reach close. The firm's project lawyers are currently advising a client on progressing a major project under a Scottish version of the Mutual Investment Model (MIM).

DBFM / DBDA

For almost a decade, a significant portion of our activity has related to acting on numerous DBFM and DBDA hub projects: acting for the private sector side in the west and for the public sector in the southeast, southwest, and east central territories with over 30 projects closed to date and a strong ongoing deal flow.

Scottish Futures Trust

The Scottish Futures Trust (SFT), established by the Scottish Government, continues to set the agenda for infrastructure investment in Scotland. We have regular involvement with SFT, working for them and in collaboration with them and on their panel for NPD/hub projects. We have been closely involved in producing updates to the SFT standard form documentation for use in projects across the country and in advising them in relation to developing new ways of delivery of infrastructure and of maximising value for the public sector estate through the development of new delivery models.

Non-Profit Distributing (NPD) projects

We acted on the first Non-Profit Distributing (NPD) project, which saw Scotland move towards a progressive alternative to PFI; the first acute health project under the NPD model; and the largest NPD project to date, in the roads sector. We are working closely with a public sector client in pursuing the delivery of a pathfinder project as part of the roll-out of the anticipated successor to NPD, the Mutual Investment Model (MIM).

Other recent projects work includes:

  • M8 / M80 / M74 extension
  • Sick Kids Hospital Edinburgh
  • Royal Edinburgh Hospital
  • East Lothian Community Hospital
  • University of St Andrews developments
  • Hinckley C Nuclear Power Plant
  • Scottish Futures Trust new standard forms
  • Hub Community Foundation’s investments into projects
  • Invergordon Service Base for Port of Cromarty Firth
  • High-value disputes such as in relation to the Edinburgh Schools inquiry

Why choose Burness Paull's project lawyers?

The firm's project lawyers have a proven track record of working successfully with project partners and other advisers to get the deal done - on time and within budget.

The team adopts a joined-up approach offering recognised expertise in procurement, corporate structures, real estate, planning, environment, construction, FM, and funding both debt and equity.

We are unique in having a 'structures' specialist in our construction and projects team. As a result, we understand and can advise on new ways of delivering infrastructure projects before they even come to market.

Our experienced lawyers are used to staying the course over long procurement periods to deliver your goals and protect your interests.