Ailsa Wilson KC has practised widely in various areas of the law since calling to the Bar in 1993, as reflected by the range of areas of interest. More recently, the focus of her practice has been on land-related disputes that include planning, environmental and other statutory regimes. The cases in which she has been involved, either representing parties at hearings or providing advice, cover not only statutory consents procedures but also compulsory purchase and compensation claims. She has considerable experience with infrastructure proposals for both promoters and objectors. Her experience also includes the more detailed disputes that arise from the regulatory environmental protection regime, such as appeals against decisions by SEPA.
Ailsa Wilson’s practice involves providing advice in relation to a broad range of issues that can arise from land ownership, such as property rights and contractual obligations associated with development of land. It also covers interference with property rights and recently she acted for the access authority in a test case under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 in respect of Kinfauns Estate owned by Ann Gloag.
These areas of practice often give rise to public inquiries, appeals to either the Sheriff Court or Court of Session, and applications for judicial review. Separately as a Standing Junior to the Advocate General, Ailsa Wilson has gained considerable experience in administrative and public law areas such education, immigration, human rights and competition law.
Selected recent Cases
Sustainable Shetland v The Scottish Ministers (Scotland) [2015] UKSC 4
Acted for the second respondent on appeal to the UKSC from a judicial review of a decision of the Scottish Ministers granting consent under s. 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 and deemed planning permission for the construction and operation of a 103 turbine windfarm in Shetland. Outer House at [2013] CSOH 158, 2013 SLT 1173 and Inner House [2014] CSIH 60
The Beauly-Denny 400kV Overhead Line Inquiry
Public Inquiry for Ayr Racecourse
To secure consent for major commercial and residential development associated with the re-development of Ayr Racecourse.
Public Inquiry for the harbour authority in respect of a Harbour Order
For a new harbour on Raasay
Public Inquiry for Midlothian and West Lothian Councils in respect of objections to the Congestion Charging Scheme
Promoted by City of Edinburgh Council
Carlton Clubs v. Highland Council
Acting for Carlton Clubs in both the planning appeal and related judicial review of a separate grant of planning permission
Standard Life & Land Securities v. Scottish Ministers and another [2005] CSIH 33
Simson v Aberdeenshire Council and West Coast Energy [2006] CSOH 49
Ann Gloag v Perth & Kinross Council and Anthr.
Public Inquiry in respect of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route
For Transport Scotland
Sustainable Shetland v The Scottish Ministers (Scotland) [2015] UKSC 4
Acted for the second respondent on appeal to the UKSC from a judicial review of a decision of the Scottish Ministers granting consent under s. 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 and deemed planning permission for the construction and operation of a 103 turbine windfarm in Shetland. Outer House at [2013] CSOH 158, 2013 SLT 1173 and Inner House [2014] CSIH 60
The Beauly-Denny 400kV Overhead Line Inquiry
Sustainable Shetland v The Scottish Ministers (Scotland) [2015] UKSC 4
Acted for the second respondent on appeal to the UKSC from a judicial review of a decision of the Scottish Ministers granting consent under s. 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 and deemed planning permission for the construction and operation of a 103 turbine windfarm in Shetland. Outer House at [2013] CSOH 158, 2013 SLT 1173 and Inner House [2014] CSIH 60
Carlton Clubs v Highland Council
Acting for Carlton Clubs in both the planning appeal and related judicial review of a separate grant of planning permission
Standard Life & Land Securities v. Scottish Ministers and another [2005] CSIH 33
Simson v Aberdeenshire Council and West Coast Energy [2006] CSOH 49
Ann Gloag v Perth & Kinross Council and Anthr.
Thomas Sneddon v Renfrewshire Council [2009] CSIH 40
Acted for Mr Sneddon in test case taxi licensing appeal
Public inquiries & Fatal Accident Inquiries
The Beauly-Denny 400kV Overhead Line Inquiry
Public Inquiry for Ayr Racecourse
To secure consent for major commercial and residential development associated with the re-development of Ayr Racecourse.
Public Inquiry for the harbour authority in respect of a Harbour Order
For a new harbour on Raasay
Public Inquiry for Midlothian and West Lothian Councils in respect of objections to the Congestion Charging Scheme
Promoted by City of Edinburgh Council
Public Inquiry in respect of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route
For Transport Scotland
Formal Investigation of FV Trident
Counsel to the Re-ordered Formal Investigation for the Advocate General and Department for Transport into the sinking of the Fishing Vessel Trident under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995
Formal Investigation of FV Trident
Counsel to the Re-ordered Formal Investigation for the Advocate General and Department for Transport into the sinking of the Fishing Vessel Trident under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995
Public Inquiry in respect of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route
For Transport Scotland
Contact our clerks
Normal business hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
ampersandclerks@advocates.org.uk
+44 (0)131 260 5674 (9am to 5pm)
Festive opening hours and arrangements for 2024/2025
Ampersand Advocates wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
The stable will be closed on the following days over the festive period:
- Tuesday 24th December from 12.30pm to 9am on Monday, 30th December 2024;
- Tuesday, 31th December from 12.30pm to 9am on Friday, 3rd January 2025.
When the office is closed emails and telephones will not be monitored. During those times you can contact an advocate directly via the contact details on their own profile. Please look out for out of office auto replies if counsel are not available.
Our remote clerking cover over the festive period will be:
- 23rd and 24th December (until 12.30pm) – Alan Moffat, Jennifer Dunn and Sheena Hume;
- 30th and 31st December (until 12.30pm) – Alan Moffat and Shawn McArthur.
- 3rd January 2025 – Sheena Hume and Shawn McArthur.
Normal service resumes from Monday, 6th January 2025.
Alan Moffat
Advocates' Clerk
Sheena Hume
Deputy Advocates' Clerk
Shawn McArthur
Deputy Advocates' Clerk
Kathryn Ferguson
Deputy Advocates' Clerk
Standing Junior Counsel to the Department of Education and Employment: 1998 to 2007
Treasurer of the Scottish Planning Local Government Environmental Bar Group
Ailsa Wilson has appeared in the Court of Session (both in the Outer and Inner House), the Sheriff Court, the Lands Tribunal, and various other tribunals such as the Traffic Commissioners.