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Ampersand Advocates shines in outstanding Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2027 Rankings

Ampersand Advocates has been ranked in twelve practice areas in the Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2027 guide, with six in Band 1, and 41 of our members hold 94 individual rankings between them across 20 practice areas.

All twelve of the set rankings we held in last year’s guide are retained, and one has moved up.

Civil Liberties & Human Rights rises from Band 2 to Band 1, joining Clinical Negligence, Personal Injury, Planning & Environment, Public & Fatal Accident Inquiries and Tax. Maria Maguire KC is ranked as a Star Individual in both Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury, and Graham Primrose KC is a Star Individual in Personal Injury.

The rankings are based on interviews with the solicitors and clients who instruct us, and we are grateful to everyone who took the time to speak to Chambers. Their comments, a selection of which appear below, are the best measure of the work our members do.

Set rankings

Practice areas and ranked members

Administrative & Public Law – Band 2

Chambers Review: A “wide variety of counsel with different specialisms”

Ranked members: Ross G. Anderson KC, Sir Ian S. Forrester KC, Ayla Iridag, Paul Reid KC, Douglas Ross KC, Usman Tariq KC, Michael Way, Laura-Anne van der Westhuizen KC.

Civil Liberties & Human Rights – Band 1

Chambers Review: “Amongst the very best at dealing with complex issues”

Strengths: “The clerk team is second to none”

Ranked members: Scott Clair, Ayla Iridag, Douglas Ross KC, Usman Tariq KC.

Clinical Negligence – Band 1

Chambers Review: “One of the top stables for clinical negligence in Scotland”

Strengths: “Ampersand have possibly the best and most responsive clerks in Scotland.”

Ranked members: Simon Bowie KC, Isla Davie KC, Jamie Dawson KC, Una Doherty KC, Fiona Drysdale KC, Shane Dundas, Mark Fitzpatrick, Lisa Henderson KC, Vinit Khurana KC, Euan Mackenzie KC, Maria Maguire KC, James McConnell KC, Geoffrey Mitchell KC, Jennifer Nicholson-White, Graham Primrose KC, Paul Reid KC, Lauren Sutherland KC.

Commercial Dispute Resolution – Band 2

Chambers Review: A “full-service set with a good range of seniors and juniors”

Strengths: “The clerks at Ampersand are extremely reactive, prompt and full of useful information.”

Ranked members: Ross G. Anderson KC, Mark Boni, Robert Howie KC, Eoghainn MacLean, Nicholas McAndrew, Giles Reid, Usman Tariq KC, Michael Way, Laura-Anne van der Westhuizen KC.

Construction – Band 2

Chambers Review: “There is a huge breadth of experience at Ampersand”

Strengths: “The clerks will go the extra mile to secure the right advocate for a matter.”

Ranked members: Robert Howie KC, Nicholas McAndrew.

Personal Injury – Band 1

Chambers Review: “The stand-out set for personal injury at the Bar”

Strengths: “The clerks at Ampersand are the best in Scotland.”

Ranked members: Alan Cowan, Isla Davie KC, Simon Di Rollo KC, Shane Dundas, Lisa Henderson KC, Ayla Iridag, Euan Mackenzie KC, Maria Maguire KC, Christian Marney, Jennifer Nicholson-White, Graham Primrose KC (Star Individual), Douglas Ross KC.

Planning & Environment – Band 1

Chambers Review: “Specialist experience in planning” and “one of the leading” stables

Strengths: “The clerking team is brilliantly run by Alan Moffat.”

Ranked members: Louise Cockburn, Nicholas McAndrew, Marcus McKay KC, Alexander Sutherland, Laura-Anne van der Westhuizen KC, Ailsa Wilson KC.

Professional Negligence – Band 2

Chambers Review: “The expertise of their advocates is well known and respected”

Ranked members: Scott Clair, Paul Reid KC, Usman Tariq KC.

Public & Fatal Accident Inquiries – Band 1

Chambers Review: “Top quality advocates to deal with the most complex Fatal Accident Inquiries”

Strengths: “The clerks are extremely responsive and helpful.”

Ranked members: Simon Bowie KC, Isla Davie KC, Jamie Dawson KC, Una Doherty KC, Fiona Drysdale KC, Shane Dundas, Lisa Henderson KC, Ayla Iridag, Geoffrey Mitchell KC, Jennifer Nicholson-White, Paul Reid KC, Mary Ellen Stewart, Susanne Tanner KC, Usman Tariq KC, Michael Way.

Real Estate Litigation – Band 2

Chambers Review: “A strong bench of well-regarded advocates”

Strengths: “The clerking team is really good. They’re responsive and good to deal with.”

Ranked members: Ross G. Anderson KC, Mark Boni, Giles Reid, Michael Way.

Restructuring/Insolvency – Band 2

Chambers Review: “There are many very able advocates at this stable in this practice area”

Strengths: “Alan Moffat, advocates’ clerk, is always able to secure a suitable counsel.”

Ranked members: Ross G. Anderson KC, Sheana Campbell, Usman Tariq KC.

Tax – Band 1

Chambers Review: “Their ability to handle complex and sophisticated matters is strong”

Ranked members: Ross G. Anderson KC.

Further individual rankings

Our members are also individually ranked in a further eight practice areas.

“If you have a contentious IP case, he is first name on the list.” – on Usman Tariq KC, Intellectual Property

“Amelia is brilliantly clever, a pleasure to deal with and incredibly responsive.” – on Amelia Mah, Intellectual Property

Star Individuals

Maria Maguire KC (Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury) and Graham Primrose KC (Personal Injury) are ranked as Star Individuals, the highest individual ranking Chambers awards.

Up and Coming

Five of our juniors are recognised as Up and Coming: Ayla Iridag (Administrative & Public Law, Civil Liberties & Human Rights and Personal Injury), Scott Clair (Civil Liberties & Human Rights, Professional Discipline and Professional Negligence), Amelia Mah (Intellectual Property), Mary Ellen Stewart (Public & Fatal Accident Inquiries) and Shane Dundas (Public & Fatal Accident Inquiries).

Breadth of practice

Many of our members are ranked across several areas. Usman Tariq KC holds nine rankings, Paul Reid KC and Ross G. Anderson KC six each, and Michael Way five. Ross, who took silk this year, is ranked in Band 1 in five practice areas: Commercial Dispute Resolution, Company, Real Estate Litigation, Restructuring/Insolvency and Tax.

Clerking

Our clerking team, led by Advocates’ Clerk Alan Moffat, is again singled out by those who instruct us.

“All of the clerks are very good and responsive. Head clerk Alan Moffat is particularly good. He comes to me with solutions rather than leaving it with me to deal with.” – Personal Injury

“Alan Moffat is one of the go-to people if you need to get a counsel, and he is always able to provide good advice on who would be suitable for a matter.” – Commercial Dispute Resolution

“The clerks will bend over backwards to accommodate you and help you find counsel, even in challenging situations.” – Clinical Negligence

Congratulations to every member recognised this year, and thank you to our clients and instructing solicitors for their continued trust.

Ampersand Advocates continues 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.

The full rankings and editorial are available on the Chambers & Partners website. To instruct any of our members, contact the clerks on 0131 260 5674 or at ampersandclerks@advocates.org.uk.

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Craig Murray – Petitioner and Reclaimer for Judicial Review of the Terrorism Act 2000 (Proscribed Organisations) (Amendment) Order 2025 [2026] CSIH 45

The First Division today issued its Opinion in the petition by Craig Murray for judicial review of the Terrorism Act 2000 (Proscribed Organisations) (Amendment) Order 2025.

The case relates to a proscription decision taken by the UK Government.

Today’s decision of the Inner House relates to the process for challenging that decision, and in particular the impact of related proceedings in England & Wales on the petition for judicial review in Scotland.

Graham MacIver and Chris Stephen acted for the Advocate General for Scotland, led by Mark Lindsay KC of Axiom Advocates.

Mark Boni and Tony Convery acted for the petitioner, led by Aidan O’Neill KC of 1Six Chambers, and instructed by Halliday Campbell WS.

Geoffrey Mitchell KC and Jennifer Nicholson-White act as Special Advocates in the judicial review proceedings.

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Dales Marine v United States of America

Lord Lake has issued his decision in Dales Marine v United States of America, Oceaneering International and others [2026] CSOH 94. The case concerns the R V Petrel, a ship owned by the United States Government and operated by Oceaneering International. In March 2023, whilst in dry dock, the Petrel toppled on its side, causing significant damage.

In Dales Marine, the owner of the dockyard brought proceedings under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995, seeking to limit its liability arising from the incident. Following a debate in the Commercial Court, Lord Lake has dismissed the action.

The Court’s decision relates to the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 and also to issues of jurisdiction more generally. The decision deals with three principal issues. First, the Court held that actions to limit liability do not fall within the jurisdiction provisions of Schedule 8 of the Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Act 1982. Second, the Court held that in any event, a limitation action is not an action relating to delict within the meaning of paragraph 2(c) of Schedule 8 and that paragraph 2(o) of Schedule 8 (claims against multiple defenders) did not apply on the facts of the action. Third, the Court held that the dockyard limitation provisions of the 1995 Act were not available to constitute a limitation fund prior to proceedings against the dockyard owner having been commenced.

The decision is of significance in relation to dockyard limitation, but Lord Lake’s discussion of the circumstances in which the Court will have jurisdiction in an action with parties from Scotland and the USA is of broader importance for practitioners. Robert Howie KC and Ross Anderson KC acted for the pursuer, Dales Marine Services Limited. Simon Bowie KC and Giles Reid acted for the second defender, Oceaneering International.

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Legal 500 2027: Ampersand Advocates Recognised Across the Scottish Bar

Ampersand Advocates is delighted to have secured another outstanding set of results in the Legal 500 2027 Scottish Bar rankings, with the Stable achieving Tier 1 rankings in Administrative & Public Law, Crime, Regulatory & Inquiries, Personal Injury & Medical Negligence, and Property, Planning & Construction, together with a Tier 2 ranking in Commercial Disputes. The rankings demonstrate the continued strength of the Stable at every level, with more than 40 individual recognitions spanning five key practice areas. Across the rankings, members have been recognised as Leading Silks, Senior Counsel, Leading Juniors, Junior Counsel, 2026 Silks and Rising Stars, underlining the depth and breadth of expertise available across the Stable.

The clerking team was commended for their efficiency and responsiveness. This recognition reflects the significant contribution made by the clerks in supporting both counsel and agents and ensuring the highest standards of service across the Stable.

Administrative & Public Law (Tier 1)

Ampersand retained its Tier 1 ranking in Administrative & Public Law. Legal 500 highlights the Stable’s strength in judicial review and public law litigation, noting members’ involvement in high-profile cases and matters engaging human rights issues.

Within the Leading Silks rankings, Douglas Ross KC and Susanne Tanner KC are recognised in Tier 1, while Paul Reid KC, Usman Tariq KC and Laura-Anne Van Der Westhuizen KC are recognised in Tier 2. Ross Anderson KC has been recognised as a Tier 1 2026 Silk. Ampersand’s emerging talent is also recognised through Michael Way as a Leading Junior (Tier 2) and Scott Clair, who is a Rising Star (Tier 1) in the field, reflecting their growing reputations in this area.

Commercial Disputes (Tier 2)

Ampersand maintained its strong standing in Commercial Disputes. The rankings reflect expertise across intellectual property, competition, professional negligence, technology disputes and complex commercial litigation.

Within the Leading Silks, Robert Howie KC, Usman Tariq KC and Laura-Anne Van Der Westhuizen KC are recognised as Tier 2 Silks with Ross Anderson KC as a Tier 1 2026 Silk.

Ampersand’s junior bar is well represented in this area. Eoghainn MacLean is recognised as a Tier 1 Leading Junior, while Mark Boni, Nicholas McAndrew and Giles Reid are all ranked as Tier 2 Leading Juniors.

Further recognition comes through Scott Clair, who is named as a Rising Star (Tier 1) in Commercial Disputes.

Crime, Regulatory & Inquiries (Tier 1)

Ampersand continues to be recognised as a leading Stable for criminal, regulatory and inquiry work. Legal 500 highlighted members’ roles in major public inquiries reflecting the Stable’s significant presence in some of the most high-profile public law and regulatory matters in Scotland.

Among the Leading Silks we have Isla Davie KC recognised at Tier 1 with Simon Bowie KC, Jamie Dawson KC, Una Doherty KC, Fiona Drysdale KC, James McConnell KC, Geoffrey Mitchell KC, Paul Reid KC, Susanne Tanner KC and Usman Tariq KC all recognised as Tier 2 Leading Silks.

At Leading Junior level, Ayla Iridag and Shane Dunas are recognised as a Tier 1 while Jennifer Nicholson-White and Michael Way are both ranked within Tier 2.

Scott Clair also secures recognition as a Rising Star (Tier 1) in this practice area.

Personal Injury & Medical Negligence (Tier 1)

Ampersand remains a Tier 1 Stable for Personal Injury & Medical Negligence.

The results are particularly impressive at silk level, with a substantial concentration of Tier 1 rankings demonstrating the significant strength of Ampersand’s senior counsel offering in clinical negligence, catastrophic injury and complex reparation work.

The Stable boasts an exceptional group of Leading Silks Tier 1, comprising Simon Bowie KC, Una Doherty KC, Lisa Henderson KC, Maria Maguire KC, Geoffrey Mitchell KC, Graham Primrose KC and Lauren Sutherland KC. Further recognition is given to Isla Davie KC, Vinit Khurana KC, Euan Mackenzie KC, James McConnell KC, Paul Reid KC and Douglas Ross KC, all ranked as Tier 2 Silks.

At Leading Junior level, Jennifer Nicholson-White achieves a Tier 1 ranking, while Shane Dundas and Ayla Iridag are both recognised as Tier 2 Leading Juniors.

Scott Clair notably achieves further recognition as a Rising Star (Tier 1).

Property, Planning & Construction (Tier 1)

The stable retained its Tier 1 ranking in Property, Planning & Construction, with Legal 500 highlighting the Stable’s involvement in significant planning, development and infrastructure matters throughout Scotland, reflecting the depth of expertise available in this specialist area.

Within the Leading Seniors ranks, Robert Howie KC and Ailsa Wilson KC are recognised as Tier 1 Silks, while Marcus McKay KC and Laura-Anne Van Der Westhuizen KC are ranked as Tier 2 Silks. Ross Anderson KC is recognised as a Tier 1 2026 Silk

At the junior bar, Eoghainn MacLean and Nicholas McAndrew receive Tier 1 recognition as Leading Juniors, while Louise Cockburn, Giles Reid and Alexander Sutherland are ranked as Tier 2 Leading Juniors.

Elsewhere, Mark Boni achieves Tier 1 Leading Junior recognition in the Private Client and Family listings.

Collectively, the 2027 rankings reinforce Ampersand Advocates’ reputation as one of Scotland’s leading stables, demonstrating exceptional strength from established market-leading silks through to an increasingly prominent junior bar.

Full listings, for all of Ampersand’s rankings can be viewed on the Legal 500 website, here.

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Supreme Court refuses appeal in Rogano restaurant dispute – Forthwell Limited v Pontegadea UK Limited [2026] UKSC 33

Giles Reid 2

The Supreme Court has issued its decision in Forthwell Limited v Pontegadea UK Limited – [2026] UKSC 33. The case concerned liability for repairs and lost profits at the Rogano restaurant in Glasgow. Forthwell was the only Scottish appeal heard by the Supreme Court during its visit to Glasgow in May this year. Although the case settled shortly before the hearing, the Supreme Court heard the appeal given the wider importance of the issues raised.  Giles Reid was junior counsel for the successful landlord.

In Forthwell the pursuer was the tenant of the Rogano restaurant. The restaurant suffered damage from water ingress in 2020. The pursuer brought a claim against the landlord seeking implement of the landlord’s obligation to restore the premises. The restaurant itself was operated by a third-party licensee in the pursuer’s company group, Lynnet Leisure (Rogano) Ltd. The pursuer also attempted to recover Lynnet’s loss of profit for the period in which the restaurant was closed. The defender argued that this loss was not recoverable in as a matter of law.

The decision concerns the circumstances in which a pursuer can recover a third party’s losses in an action for breach of contract. The Supreme Court, refusing the pursuer’s appeal from the Inner House, held that earlier Scottish authorities had been wrongly decided in holding that a pursuer generally may sue for a third party’s loss where that loss would otherwise not be recoverable (sometimes terms a legal ‘black hole’). The Supreme Court clarified that the ability to recover a third party’s loss is a narrow exception to the ordinary position where privity of contract prevents recovery. In Scots law, recovery will only be possible on the so-called ‘narrow ground’ where damage is caused to property that is intended to be transferred to a third party. The Supreme Court left open the question of whether recovery on the so-called ‘broader’ ground (where it is parties’ intention that a contract will confer a benefit on a third party) forms part of Scots law or English law.

The Supreme Court’s decision is a significant development of the law in this area. It is the first time that the Supreme Court or House of Lords has considered the recoverability of such losses in Scots law. It will be of considerable importance to those advising on breaches of contract and, in particular, on claims involving damage to property.

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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 long-running litigation. The case came before the Sheriff Appeal Court for determination of what remained of the appeal (part of it having been refused as incompetent).

The residue of the appeal was refused. The Sheriff Appeal Court concluded that the pursuer’s pleadings did not allow him to lead evidence about a case of negligent misdiagnosis, and rejected his criticisms in relation to expert evidence, describing the Sheriff’s approach as unimpeachable.

The Opinion of the Sheriff Appeal Court can be found here.

James McConnell KC
James McConnell KC

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