Ampersand Advocates Celebrates Outstanding 2026 Chambers & Partners Rankings
Ampersand Advocates is proud to celebrate another outstanding year in the Chambers and Partners UK Bar 2026 rankings published date, confirming its position as one of the most highly regarded and comprehensive sets at the Scottish Bar.
This year, Ampersand and its members secures 12 set rankings and an impressive 99 individual rankings across 25 practice areas, including recognition across the London Bar and All Circuits. The stable is further honoured with five Star Individuals, underscoring its depth and quality.
Set Rankings
Ampersand Advocates is ranked as a set in the following areas:
Band 1:
Band 2:
Practice Areas and Ranked Members
Administrative & Public Law – Band 2
Ranked Members:
Aidan O’Neill KC, Douglas Ross KC, Ian S. Forrester KC, Laura-Anne van der Westhuizen KC, Michael Way, Paul Reid KC, Timothy Young, Usman Tariq KC
Star Individual: Aidan O’Neill KC
Highlight: Appearing in landmark constitutional and equality law cases before the Supreme Court and Court of Session.
Civil Liberties & Human Rights – Band 2
Ranked Members:
Aidan O’Neill KC, Douglas Ross KC, Usman Tariq KC
Highlight: Leading advocates in major human rights and discrimination cases, including Billy Graham Evangelistic Association v SMG (UK) Ltd.
Clinical Negligence – Band 1
Ranked Members:
Euan Mackenzie KC, Fiona Drysdale KC, Geoffrey Mitchell KC, Graham Primrose KC, Isla Davie KC, James McConnell KC, Jamie Dawson KC, Jennifer Nicholson-White, Lauren Sutherland KC, Lisa Henderson KC, Maria Maguire KC, Mark Fitzpatrick, Shane Dundas, Simon Bowie KC, Una Doherty KC, Vinit Khurana KC
Star Individual: Maria Maguire KC
Highlight: Described as “the premier stable for clinical negligence in Scotland”, with members leading in complex medical and catastrophic injury cases.
Commercial Dispute Resolution – Band 2
Ranked Members:
Eoghainn MacLean, Giles Reid, Laura-Anne van der Westhuizen KC, Mark Boni, Michael Way, Nicholas McAndrew, Robert Howie KC, Ross G. Anderson, Timothy Young, Usman Tariq KC
Highlight: Recognised for “depth and breadth across civil litigation”, with expertise in commercial, contract, and intellectual property disputes.
Company
Ranked Members:
Ross G. Anderson, Timothy Young
Highlight: Expertise in shareholder and director disputes, representing corporate entities and institutions.
Construction – Band 2
Ranked Members:
Nicholas McAndrew, Robert Howie KC, Timothy Young
Highlight: Trusted for handling large-scale building and delay disputes, including Greater Glasgow Health Board v Multiplex.
Employment
Ranked Members:
Aidan O’Neill KC
Highlight: Leading counsel in discrimination and constitutional employment cases.
Immigration
Ranked Members:
Michael Way
Highlight: Recognised for expertise in judicial reviews and appeals involving immigration and asylum.
Information Technology
Ranked Members:
Usman Tariq KC
Highlight: Specialist in software, data, and technology-related litigation.
Intellectual Property
Ranked Members:
Usman Tariq KC
Highlight: Recognised for IP and tech sector disputes and advisory work.
Media Law
Ranked Members:
Usman Tariq KC
Highlight: Acts in defamation, reputation, and privacy cases.
Personal Injury – Band 1
Ranked Members:
Alan Cowan, Christian Marney, Douglas Ross KC, Euan Mackenzie KC, Usman Tariq KC, Isla Davie KC, Jennifer Nicholson-White, Lisa Henderson KC, Maria Maguire KC, Shane Dundas, Simon Di Rollo KC
Star Individuals: Graham Primrose KC, Maria Maguire KC
Highlight: Described as “a formidable team of injury specialists”, acting in high-value, complex personal injury claims across Scotland.
Planning & Environment – Band 1
Ranked Members:
Ailsa Wilson KC, Laura-Anne van der Westhuizen KC, Marcus McKay KC, Nicholas McAndrew
Highlight: Commended for expertise in renewable energy, development planning, and environmental judicial review.
Product Liability
Ranked Members:
Paul Reid KC
Highlight: Recognised for handling complex product and regulatory disputes.
Professional Discipline
Ranked Members:
Paul Reid KC, Scott Clair
Highlight: Act for regulators and professionals in high-stakes disciplinary proceedings.
Professional Negligence – Band 2
Ranked Members:
Paul Reid KC, Scott Clair, Usman Tariq KC
Highlight: Expertise across financial, legal, and technical negligence claims.
Public & Fatal Accident Inquiries – Band 1
Ranked Members:
Ayla Iridag, Fiona Drysdale KC, Geoffrey Mitchell KC, Isla Davie KC, James McConnell KC, Jamie Dawson KC, Jennifer Nicholson-White, Lisa Henderson KC, Michael Way, Paul Reid KC, Shane Dundas, Simon Bowie KC, Susanne Tanner KC, Una Doherty KC
Highlight: Market leader in public inquiries including the UK and Scottish COVID-19 Inquiries, and the Infected Blood Inquiry.
Real Estate Litigation – Band 2
Ranked Members:
Giles Reid, Mark Boni, Michael Way, Robert Howie KC, Ross G. Anderson, Timothy Young
Highlight: Leading expertise in commercial property and access rights disputes.
Restructuring/Insolvency – Band 2
Ranked Members:
Robert Howie KC, Ross G. Anderson, Sheana Campbell, Usman Tariq KC
Highlight: Praised for “excellent knowledge and expertise” in insolvency, breach of duty, and cross-border matters.
Tax – Band 1
Ranked Members:
Julian Ghosh KC, Ross G. Anderson
Star Individual: Julian Ghosh KC
Highlight: Recognised as a Star Individual for Tax (London Bar), handling major tax appeals and IR35 cases such as McCann Media Ltd v HMRC.
Independent Investigations – All Circuits (Band 2)
Ranked Member:
Susanne Tanner KC
Highlight: Recognised across the UK for her leadership in independent investigations and inquiries.
European Law – London Bar (Band 2)
Ranked Member:
Aidan O’Neill KC
Highlight: Noted for constitutional and EU law expertise bridging the Scottish and London Bars.
Tax – London Bar & Private Client
Ranked Member:
Julian Ghosh KC
- Tax: London Bar (Star Individual)
- Tax: Private Client – Band 1
- Tax: Indirect Tax – Band 2
Highlight: Acknowledged as one of the UK’s foremost tax specialists.
Star Individuals
Ampersand Advocates proudly celebrates its five Star Individuals recognised for exceptional excellence and leadership:
Clerking Excellence
Ampersand’s clerking team, led by Alan Moffat, is again commended for professionalism, responsiveness, and efficiency.
“Second to none.”
“Depth and breadth across all disciplines.”
“Incredibly responsive and professional.”
The clerks’ deep understanding of clients’ needs continues to be a cornerstone of Ampersand’s success.
Overall Recognition
With 99 individual rankings, five Star Individuals, and 12 ranked practice areas, Ampersand Advocates cements its reputation as one of Scotland’s leading stable for excellence across the civil Bar. Ampersand stands out for its depth, versatility, and advocacy excellence.
You can view the full rankings and detailed individual feedback here.
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Peter Gasper v The Partners Of Tain & Fearns Medical Practice and another [2025] CSOH 96
This was a clinical negligence, QOCS case in the Court of Session in which the pursuer accepted a tender after an 8 month delay. The defenders moved for the expenses of process from the date of the tender under RCS 41B.2(2)(b) on the ground of unreasonable delay. Although there has been much judicial consideration of the QOCS provisions in the sheriff court, there has been little on this specific issue and none in the court of session. Lord Braid provides some helpful comments on the factors he considered relevant in assessing delay, but also on the operation of the 75% cap rule under RCS 41B.3 (2)(b).
Ampersand’s Simon Bowie KC appeared for the defender.
Lord Braid’s Opinion can be viewed here.
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Usman Tariq KC announced as new Chair of JUSTICE Scotland
JUSTICE are delighted to announce that Ampersand’s Usman Tariq KC will take on the role of Chair of JUSTICE Scotland, succeeding Almira Delibegović-Broome KC.
JUSTICE has been at the forefront of law reform in the UK since 1957, aiming to build a fairer justice system within everyone’s reach, carrying out research and generating practical, workable recommendations. JUSTICE Scotland was established in 2012, following JUSTICE’s successful intervention in Cadder v HM Advocate, and focuses on important issues within the Scottish justice system.
JUSTICE Chief Executive, Fiona Rutherford said: “I am very pleased to welcome Usman Tariq KC to JUSTICE Scotland and look forward to working with him. Usman’s experience, insights, and leadership will be invaluable for building long-lasting change within the Scottish legal system.”
Usman Tariq KC said: “I am delighted to join the JUSTICE Scotland team and build on Almira’s excellent work. Nearly 10% of JUSTICE’s members are now in Scotland. I believe that JUSTICE, as one of the most respected and trusted voices in the justice system across the UK over its 68-year history, is uniquely placed to bring cross-border expertise, experience and networks to the conversations in Scotland to ensure a fair, accessible and well-functioning justice system.
“This feels like a particularly important time for the JUSTICE community as there are increasing attacks on the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary across the world as well as misinformation about the justice system and those who work within the system. There are also significant concerns about the erosion of access to justice for some of the most vulnerable in our society because of the legal aid crisis.
“JUSTICE has always been proudly independent, non-partisan and collaborative. JUSTICE Scotland will work with stakeholders from across the wide ecosystem of the justice system in Scotland to uphold the rule of law, access to justice and ultimately, build a better justice system.”
Usman is a King’s Counsel at the Scottish Bar. He was previously standing junior counsel, including latterly the Second Standing Junior, to the UK Government in Scotland. He served as a full-time Advocate Depute at the Crown Office between 2021 and 2022 where he prosecuted serious crime. Since 2022, he is appointed as counsel to the UK Covid-19 Public Inquiry.
He is passionate about improving diversity and inclusion in the Scottish legal profession. He co-founded the Scottish Ethnic Minorities Lawyers Association (SEMLA) and was appointed to the Law Society of Scotland’s Racial Inclusion Group, reviewing racial inclusion in the profession. He is a member of the Scottish Government’s Future of the Legal Profession short-life working group and the Judicial Appointments Board for Scotland’s Judicial Diversity Reference Group.
Outgoing JUSTICE Scotland Chair, Almira Delibegović-Broome KC said: “It has been a great pleasure and honour to serve as JUSTICE Scotland Chair these past three years. I wish the new Chair, Usman Tariq KC, and the rest of the JUSTICE team all the very best in moving JUSTICE Scotland forward. JUSTICE’s work will stay close to my heart as I remain involved in its work as a member of the JUSTICE Council.”
JUSTICE is a law reform organisation working to build a fair UK justice system within everyone’s reach. Over our 68-year history we have transformed the legal landscape for the better, led by evidence, expertise, and a focus on practical solutions. For more information, please visit justice.org.uk and www.justice.org.uk/justice-scotland/home.
Usman will work alongside JUSTICE Scotland Vice-Chair, Seonaid Stevenson-McCabe.
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Ampersand Advocates Celebrates Top-Tier Recognition in 2026 Legal 500 Rankings
Ampersand Advocates has once again secured its position among Scotland’s leading sets of counsel in the newly released 2026 edition of The Legal 500 United Kingdom Bar Guide. The rankings, published today, reaffirm Ampersand’s reputation for excellence across a broad spectrum of legal disciplines.
In the 2026 guide, Ampersand Advocates has been ranked in Tier 1 for Administrative and Public Law, Personal Injury and Medical Negligence and Property, Planning and Construction. The set also achieved a Tier 2 ranking in Commercial Disputes, reflecting its growing influence and expertise in high-value and complex litigation.
Administrative and Public Law (Tier 1) Ampersand’s offering is praised for handling high-stakes judicial reviews and public inquiries, with commentators highlighting our members ability to command respect at the highest levels of the judiciary. Ampersand’s expertise in this area is highlighted by the rankings of Aidan O’Neill KC, Douglas Ross KC, Susanne Tanner KC, Paul Reid KC and Usman Tariq KC (2024 silk). The stable’s juniors Timothy Young and Ross Anderson are also recognised, with Michael Way and Scott Clair noted as rising stars.
Personal Injury and Medical Negligence (Tier 1) An impressive roster of silks includes Simon Bowie KC, Una Doherty KC, Lisa Henderson KC, Euan Mackenzie KC, Maria Maguire KC, Geoffrey Mitchell KC, Graham Primrose KC, Lauren Sutherland KC, Alan Dewar KC, Vinit Khurana KC, Douglas Ross KC and James McConnell KC. Jennifer Nicholson-White, Ayla Iridag, and Shane Dundas are recognised as leading juniors.
Property, Planning and Construction (Tier 1) Robert Howie KC, Ailsa Wilson KC, Marcus McKay KC, and Laura-Anne Van Der Westhuizen KC are all ranked as leading silks. Eoghainn MacLean, Nicholas McAndrew, Ross Anderson, Timothy Young, Giles Reid and Louise Cockburn are recognised as leading juniors.
Commercial Disputes (Tier 2) The stable’s commercial disputes team is led by silks Robert Howie KC, Laura-Anne Van Der Westhuizen KC, Paul Reid KC and Usman Tariq KC (2024 silk). Ross Anderson, Eoghainn MacLean, Mark Boni, Timothy Young, Giles Reid and Nicholas McAndrew are ranked as leading juniors, with Michael Way noted as a rising star.
Crime and Regulatory (leading set) The stable has achieved acknowledgement in this category for 2026 as a leading set with a number of members ranked as leading silks including Isla Davie KC, Jamie Dawson KC, Lisa Henderson KC, Geoffrey Mitchell KC, Paul Reid KC, Simon Bowie KC, Una Doherty KC, Fiona Drysdale KC, Susanne Tanner KC, James McConnell KC (2024 silk) and Usman Tariq (2024 silk). Jenny Nicholson-White, Shane Dundas and Ayla Iridag are ranked as leading juniors, with Michael Way noted as a rising star.
Ampersand Advocates is also recommended in the Employment and Private Client and Family categories, with Aidan O’Neill KC ranked as a leading silk in Employment and Mark Boni recognised as a leading junior in Private Client and Family.
Under Alan Moffat’s leadership, the clerking team was commended for its exceptional efficiency, prompt communication, and forward-thinking approach.
These rankings highlight Ampersand’s continued commitment to delivering outstanding advocacy and legal insight across Scotland’s distinct legal landscape.
Full listings, for all of Ampersand’s rankings can be viewed on the Legal 500 website here.
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David Downie v Fife Health Board
Ampersand’s James McConnell K.C. acted for the defenders in the latest round of this litigation. The case came before the Sheriff Appeal Court on a question about the competency of the pursuer’s proposed appeal. Two of the three grounds of appeal were found to be competent, but the pursuer’s first ground of appeal was refused as incompetent.
The Opinion of Sheriff Principal Anwar can be found here.
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Whamond v Klasa [2025] SAC (Civ) 28
On 29 August 2025, the Sheriff Appeal Court determined an appeal and cross-appeal concerning neighbouring properties in Arbroath, Spring Garth and Willow Cottage. The key issue for determination was whether Spring Garth benefited from a servitude right of drainage to a septic tank situated on the grounds of Willow Cottage.
The defenders (proprietors of Willow Cottage), represented by Tim Young, succeeded in overturning the Sheriff’s finding that a servitude in favour of the pursuers (Spring Garth) had been created by implication at the time of the break-off disposition of Spring Garth in 1966. In particular, the Appeal Court held that the drainage contractor’s evidence as to the age of the original septic tank was inadmissible considering the proper scope of expert evidence, and accordingly there had been insufficient evidence to confirm the existence of the septic tank prior to 1977 (and in particular prior to the break-off disposition in 1966). The Appeal Court reaffirmed that evidence of use prior to a break-off disposition was critical to a finding of a servitude granted by implication.
However, the Appeal Court upheld the pursuers’ cross-appeal, holding that a servitude right of drainage had been constituted by positive prescription between 1977 and 2016 and that this right had not been abandoned when the septic tank was relocated by agreement in 2016. The court found the bar for abandonment to be higher than simple non-use and distinguished the facts in this case from those in the Magistrates of Rutherglen v Bainbridge ((1886) 13 R 745) – a case considered binding by the Sheriff at first instance.
However, as the old septic tank arrangement was materially different to a new one that had been installed in 2016, the Appeal Court confirmed that no servitude right had been created in respect of the new septic tank or its route. The practical result being to effectively leave the parties to consider whether the original drainage arrangements would be reconstituted or the new servitude formally recorded.
Pursuers, Respondents and Cross-Appellants: C. MacColl; Thorntons Law LLP Defenders,
Appellants and Cross-Respondents: T. Young; Harper Macleod LLP
Opinion of the court is here.
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