Ampersand Advocates welcomes 2 new members: Sarah McWhirter and Tony Convery
Ampersand is delighted to welcome Sarah McWhirter and Tony Convery to the stable, following their call to the Bar on Friday, 27th June 2025.
On the new members’ arrival, Stable Director Isla Davie KC, said: “We are delighted that Sarah and Tony are joining Ampersand. They are already highly regarded as lawyers, and this is the start of incredibly promising careers for both at the Bar. Not only does their considerable experience lend itself well to our existing practice areas, but they are also lovely people and we look forward to welcoming them into the stable.”
Ampersand’s Practice Manager, Alan Moffat added “I am delighted to welcome our newest members of Ampersand. Their addition to our set brings the membership to 61 and the experience which each of them brings is a fantastic fit for Ampersand’s core areas of practice. They will be a real asset to those looking to instruct counsel. I am sure that joining Ampersand will offer them rewarding opportunities and collaborative support”.
Sarah and Tony featured in Ampersand’s “& the Devils in the Detail” Hey Legal Live chat in May. You can watch clips of Sarah and Tony discussing their practice areas here.
Sarah McWhirter
Sarah specialises in clinical negligence and personal injury actions. She has extensive experience in complex and high-value claims. She has particular expertise in birth injury, spinal injury, amputation and fatal claims.
Prior to calling to the Bar, Sarah specialised in clinical negligence and personal injury work for over 10 years. Latterly, Sarah was Head of Clinical Negligence (Scotland) and a Principal Lawyer (partner) at a large UK-wide firm. She was ranked ‘Band 1’ in Chambers and Partners for Clinical Negligence: Mainly Claimant (2025). Sarah has experience of representing both pursuers and defenders.
As a solicitor Sarah, appeared in the All-Scotland Sheriff Personal Injury Court and regularly dealt with cases raised in the Court of Session.
During devilling, Sarah enhanced her existing experience in clinical negligence and personal injury work. She expanded her knowledge of specialist personal injury claims, including industrial disease and historical child abuse. She also gained experience in other areas of law, most notably mental health, professional regulation and public law.
Sarah is the Course Organiser for the Personal Injury elective course on the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice at the University of Edinburgh.
Tony Convery
Tony specialises in commercial litigation and public law. He calls to the Bar as the Lord Reid Scholar. That Scholarship is awarded annually to the outstanding candidate. He previously worked at a leading commercial law firm.
Tony has considerable commercial litigation experience, including in professional negligence, company and property law disputes. He also has experience of group proceedings, procurement litigation and proceedings before the Competition Appeal Tribunal.
Tony has a broad public law practice. As well as core constitutional and administrative law, Tony has experience in: (i) equality and human rights, (ii) planning and (iii) information law (including data protection and freedom of information). He has a wealth of experience in advising on legislative competence challenges.
Tony also has experience of acting in environmental, regulatory, education and media law disputes, as well as inquiries. He provides advice on trade/financial sanctions and related regulatory schemes.
Tony was a research assistant to Professor Jim Murdoch CBE in relation to the fourth edition of the leading textbook, Human Rights Law in Scotland. He has also published in his own right. He is a tutor at the University of Glasgow.
For further information about their practices view their profiles on the Ampersand Advocates website: Our People – Ampersand Advocates
To instruct either of them, please contact the Ampersand Clerking Team: ampersandclerks@advocates.org.uk.
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Tony Convery
Tony Convery specialises in commercial litigation and public law. He called to the Bar in 2025 as the Lord Reid Scholar. That Scholarship is awarded annually to the outstanding candidate. He previously worked at a leading commercial law firm.
Tony has considerable commercial litigation experience, including in professional negligence, company and property law disputes. He also has experience of group proceedings, procurement litigation and proceedings before the Competition Appeal Tribunal.
Tony has a broad public law practice. As well as core constitutional and administrative law, Tony has experience in: (i) equality and human rights, (ii) planning and (iii) information law (including data protection and freedom of information). He has a wealth of experience in advising on legislative competence challenges.
Tony also has experience of acting in environmental, regulatory, education and media law disputes, as well as inquiries. He provides advice on trade/financial sanctions and related regulatory schemes.
Tony was a research assistant to Professor Jim Murdoch CBE in relation to the fourth edition of the leading textbook, Human Rights Law in Scotland. He has also published in his own right. He is a tutor at the University of Glasgow.
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The ‘For Women Scotland’ judgment – An academic discussion
Ampersand’s Aidan O’Neill KC recently spoke as part of an academic discussion with the University of Cambridge on the ‘For Women Scotland’ UK Supreme Court judgment.
The online debate considered the recent Supreme Court case of ‘For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers’ which was handed down on 16 April 2025, featuring Aidan O’Neill KC who appeared for For Women Scotland. In the discussion Aidan reflected on his experiences of the case, the judgment and participate in a debate of the issues it raises going forward. He was followed by a response from Dr Lena Holzer.
You can view the recording on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/eNdE38zU. Aidan also provided a paper in advance which can be found here: https://lnkd.in/ev5sMHHW
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COUNCILLOR GARY MCGARVEY v THE STANDARDS COMMISSION FOR SCOTLAND [2024] SC STI 41
Paul Reid KC successfully represented The Standards Commission for Scotland in a recent appeal arising out of an altercation that took place between the pursuer, Gary McGarvey, who is an elected Councillor for Stirling Council, and another councillor. The case involved a summary application under Section 22 of the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc (Scotland) Act 2000. The purpose of the Act is to promote ethical standards in the public through the use and imposition of codes of conduct. Another of its purposes is its adjudicatory function to assist in public hearings to decide on breaches of codes of conduct and to regulate the suitable sanctions.
The pursuer had acted in an angry aggressive manner towards another Councillor which was found to constitute a breach of Paragraph 3.1 of the Code at a hearing before the defender. This breach resulted in the Standards Commission imposing a sanction of suspension for one month. The result of imposing such a sanction is to disqualify the pursuer, for life, from being a member of an integration joint board, and from being a member of a Health Board. However, these restrictions do not apply if the sanction is imposed had been censure.
The following arguments were put forward by Paul Reid KC, instructed by Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP on behalf of the defender: it was argued that the sanction that has been imposed was reasonable and that the conduct of the pursuer had been characterised as “egregious and unacceptable.” The pursuer’s grounds of appeal fell into two categories. The first being the “censure issue”. The pursuer argued that the Commission had failed by not first considering imposing a lower sanction, namely censure. The second issues was the “disqualification issue” which, argued the pursuer, arose from the Commission not having proper regard to the practical consequences of the sanction. Paul Reid KC moved to argue that neither ground was justified. The censure issue had been examined and disregarded as the Commission’s reasoning for imposing such sanction could not be criticised. The consequences of disqualification derived from the suspension as a matter of law which had been approved by Parliament and was backed up by legislation. There is a process in which the pursuer can apply to Scottish Ministers to invite them to reconsider at least part of his disqualification. It was, argued the defender, inappropriate for the pursuer to use this mechanism to avoid the policy choice of Parliament. The financial implications that arise from suspension and subsequent disqualification are irrelevant in determining the necessary sanctions that should be imposed.
Based on the above arguments Sheriff Principal Gillian A Wade KC decided in favour of The Standards Commission for Scotland, on the basis that it was clear the defender had properly considered all the inevitable consequences for imposing such suspensions and subsequent disqualifications, and considered a short period of suspension was a reasonable sanction in the circumstances. Sheriff Wade KC stated that there is no serious flaw in the reasoning. All the pursuer’s arguments were rejected by the Court and stated, “It cannot be said that the defender’s panel has erred in the manner suggested by pursuer and accordingly the sanction of suspension must stand.”
The full judgment can be read by clicking here.
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Paul Reid KC success in appeal for The Standards Commission for Scotland
Paul Reid KC successfully represented The Standards Commission for Scotland in a recent appeal arising out of an altercation that took place between the pursuer, Gary McGarvey, who is an elected Councillor for Stirling Council, and another councillor. The case involved a summary application under Section 22 of the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc (Scotland) Act 2000. The purpose of the Act is to promote ethical standards in the public through the use and imposition of codes of conduct. Another of its purposes is its adjudicatory function to assist in public hearings to decide on breaches of codes of conduct and to regulate the suitable sanctions.
The pursuer had acted in an angry aggressive manner towards another Councillor which was found to constitute a breach of Paragraph 3.1 of the Code at a hearing before the defender. This breach resulted in the Standards Commission imposing a sanction of suspension for one month. The result of imposing such a sanction is to disqualify the pursuer, for life, from being a member of an integration joint board, and from being a member of a Health Board. However, these restrictions do not apply if the sanction is imposed had been censure.
The following arguments were put forward by Paul Reid KC, instructed by Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP on behalf of the defender: it was argued that the sanction that has been imposed was reasonable and that the conduct of the pursuer had been characterised as “egregious and unacceptable.” The pursuer’s grounds of appeal fell into two categories. The first being the “censure issue”. The pursuer argued that the Commission had failed by not first considering imposing a lower sanction, namely censure. The second issues was the “disqualification issue” which, argued the pursuer, arose from the Commission not having proper regard to the practical consequences of the sanction. Paul Reid KC moved to argue that neither ground was justified. The censure issue had been examined and disregarded as the Commission’s reasoning for imposing such sanction could not be criticised. The consequences of disqualification derived from the suspension as a matter of law which had been approved by Parliament and was backed up by legislation. There is a process in which the pursuer can apply to Scottish Ministers to invite them to reconsider at least part of his disqualification. It was, argued the defender, inappropriate for the pursuer to use this mechanism to avoid the policy choice of Parliament. The financial implications that arise from suspension and subsequent disqualification are irrelevant in determining the necessary sanctions that should be imposed.
Based on the above arguments Sheriff Principal Gillian A Wade KC decided in favour of The Standards Commission for Scotland, on the basis that it was clear the defender had properly considered all the inevitable consequences for imposing such suspensions and subsequent disqualifications, and considered a short period of suspension was a reasonable sanction in the circumstances. Sheriff Wade KC stated that there is no serious flaw in the reasoning. All the pursuer’s arguments were rejected by the Court and stated, “It cannot be said that the defender’s panel has erred in the manner suggested by pursuer and accordingly the sanction of suspension must stand.”
The full judgment can be read by clicking here.
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Ampersand Advocates excels in Chambers and Partners UK Bar Guide 2025
Ampersand Advocates has once again demonstrated its exceptional standing in the Scottish legal landscape, securing top-tier rankings across multiple practice areas in the newly published Chambers and Partners UK Bar Guide 2025. The stable has been recognised as a Band 1 set in Clinical Negligence, Personal Injury, Planning & Environment, and Public and Fatal Accident Inquiries, while achieving Band 2 rankings in Administrative & Public Law, Civil Liberties & Human Rights, Commercial Dispute Resolution, Construction, Professional Negligence, Real Estate Litigation, and Restructuring/Insolvency.
This performance underscores Ampersand’s breadth and depth of expertise, with the stable boasting a total of 11 set rankings and an impressive 101 individual rankings across 18 areas of practice for 41 members, which includes 6 “star individual” rankings.
Key highlights from the guide include:
- Administrative & Public Law: The stable is praised for its “impressive number of highly-rated junior and senior counsel” and their involvement in significant constitutional and human rights issues. Notable practitioners include Aidan O’Neill KC, Douglas Ross KC, Ian Forrester KC, Laura-Anne van der Westhuizen KC, Paul Reid KC, Timothy Young, and Usman Tariq KC.
- Civil Liberties & Human Rights: Ampersand is recognised for representing both private individuals and public bodies in significant proceedings. Aidan O’Neill KC, Douglas Ross KC, and Usman Tariq KC are highlighted for their expertise in this area.
- Clinical Negligence: Described as a “go-to chambers for medical negligence work”, Ampersand’s advocates are lauded for their expert legal advice and representation in a wide range of disputes. Notable practitioners include Maria Maguire KC, Euan Mackenzie KC, Lauren Sutherland KC, Lisa Henderson KC, Mark Fitzpatrick, Simon Bowie KC, Una Doherty KC, Geoffrey Mitchell KC, Graham Primrose KC, Isla Davie KC, Jamie Dawson KC, Jennifer Nicholson-White, Philip Stuart, Vinit Khurana KC, Shane Dundas, Fiona Drysdale KC, James McConnell KC, and Paul Reid KC.
- Commercial Dispute Resolution: The stable is admired for its skilful work in high-profile commercial disputes. Robert Howie KC, Ross Anderson, Timothy Young, Giles Reid, Eoghainn MacLean, Graeme Hawkes KC, Laura-Anne van der Westhuizen KC, Mark Boni, Michael Way, Nicholas McAndrew, Paul Reid KC, and Usman Tariq KC are recognised for their expertise in this area.
- Company: Ross Anderson and Timothy Young are ranked as Band 1 practitioners in this area.
- Construction: Ampersand offers significant experience in advising clients on a range of building and construction works in Scotland. Robert Howie KC, Timothy Young, and Nicholas McAndrew are highlighted for their expertise.
- Employment: Aidan O’Neill KC is ranked as a Band 2 practitioner in this area.
- Information Technology: Usman Tariq is recognised as a New Silk in this area.
- Intellectual Property: Usman Tariq is recognised as a New Silk in this area.
- Media Law: Usman Tariq is recognised as a New Silk in this area.
- Personal Injury: Ampersand is highly regarded for personal injury matters, with members acting for both pursuers and defenders. Notable practitioners include Graham Primrose KC, Maria Maguire KC, Euan Mackenzie KC, Lisa Henderson KC, Simon Di Rollo KC, Douglas Ross KC, Jennifer Nicholson-White, Alan Cowan, Christian Marney, Isla Davie KC, and Shane Dundas.
- Planning & Environment: The stable is well-regarded for complex planning and environmental work. Malcolm Thomson KC, Ailsa Wilson KC, Laura-Anne van der Westhuizen KC, Marcus McKay KC, and Nicolas McAndrew are recognised for their expertise in this area.
- Product Liability: Paul Reid KC is recognised as a New Silk in this area.
- Professional Negligence: Ampersand is recognised as a leading stable for professional liability matters in Scotland. Paul Reid KC and Usman Tariq KC are highlighted for their expertise in this area.
- Public & Fatal Accident Inquiries:Ampersand offers unparalleled bench strength across seniorities in the Scottish inquiries space. Notable practitioners include Geoffrey Mitchell KC, Jamie Dawson KC, Jennifer Nicholson-White, Lisa Henderson KC, Simon Bowie KC, Susanne Tanner KC, Ayla Iridag, Michael Way, Fiona Drysdale KC, James McConnell KC, and Paul Reid KC.
- Real Estate Litigation: Ampersand offers a strong bench of well-regarded advocates active across a broad range of real estate litigation topics. Ross Anderson, Timothy Young, Giles Reid, Robert Howie KC, Mark Boni, and Michael Way are recognised for their expertise in this area.
- Restructuring/Insolvency: Ampersand is well-regarded for handling a wide range of restructuring and insolvency matters. Robert Howie KC, Ross Anderson, and Usman Tariq KC are highlighted for their expertise in this area.
- Tax: Julian Ghosh KC is ranked as a Star Individual, while Ross Anderson is ranked in Band 2 for this area.
In additional to these Scottish bar listings, Ampersand has members recognised in the London Bar where Julian Ghosh KC is Band 1 ranked in 3 tax areas, Aidan O’Neill KC is Band 2 listed for European Law, and Susanne Tanner KC has a spotlight listing for Independent Investigations in the All Circuits region.
The Ampersand clerks have again garnered widespread praise for their exceptional clerking services, with numerous sources highlighting the team’s efficiency, responsiveness, and proactive approach. The clerks are described as friendly, helpful, and pragmatic, offering first-class service that aligns with the commercial realities of litigation. Overall, Ampersand’s clerking team is recognised for delivering a consistently high standard of service.
These outstanding rankings reaffirm Ampersand Advocates’ position as a leading stable in Scotland, offering exceptional expertise across a wide range of practice areas. The stable’s commitment to excellence and depth of talent backed by exceptional clerking, continues to give instructing agents confidence when instructing an Ampersand advocate.
All of the Ampersand rankings can be viewed on the Chambers and Partners website here.
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