Alasdair is head of the firm’s Planning & Environment team. He is known for giving clear and commercial advice, and has a strong track record of advising and representing clients on contentious and strategically important matters. One of Scotland’s leading planning advocates, Alasdair has represented clients at hearings and public inquiries, and in court at all levels, including the Supreme Court. Alasdair has acted for landowners, developers and local authorities on the full spectrum of development planning and management matters. His key sectors include renewable energy and housebuilding. Alasdair has also successfully pursued civil claims under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, and regularly advises clients on issues such as contaminated land and nuisance. Alasdair is a committee member of the Compulsory Purchase Association.
Alasdair is very approachable and offers industry leading advice with a commercial understanding.
Chambers UK, 2026
Alasdair is an excellent and personable lawyer. He is always available to answer any questions and comes up with commercial and practical solutions.
Chambers UK, 2026
Alasdair Sutherland is a very experienced legal planning professional which always makes things smoother for clients when trying to navigate through the planning system. His ability to be clear and concise in all advice is both helpful and beneficial to our company.
Legal 500 UK
Related Insights
Error.
No results.
Burness Paull brings together industry leaders to debate the future of More Homes Scotland
27/05/2026
Burness Paull partnered with Building Relations to bring senior leaders across housing, planning, development and investment to explore how More Homes Scotland can move from ambition to delivery.
A moment of opportunity for Scottish Housebuilding
13/05/2026
Here, we discuss Scotland’s housing sector at a turning point, with strong alignment to boost supply, fix planning, improve viability and accelerate delivery through collaboration and political focus.
Reform of late payments and likely impact on the UK construction industry
05/05/2026
In this article we examine proposed late‑payment reforms and what construction businesses should be considering now.
{name}
{properties.pageSummary}
{properties.headline}
{properties.pageDate|date:dd/MM/yyyy}
{properties.shortDescription}
