Paul Reid KC calls to Bar of England and Wales
We are please to announce Paul Reid KC has called to the Bar of England and Wales and joins Cornerstone Barristers as a tenant. Paul remains a member of Ampersand Advocates for his work in Scotland and will practice in both jurisdictions.
Paul joins Cornerstone Chambers with a distinguished practice in public, regulatory and healthcare law. A silk in Scotland since 2023, he previously served as First Standing Junior Counsel to the Scottish Government, advising and appearing in a number of high-profile constitutional and public law cases, including the 2022 Referendum Reference before the Supreme Court.
Alongside his public law work, Paul has extensive experience advising the NHS in Scotland and medical defence unions on clinical liability and regulatory matters.
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Legal Services Agency webinar – Public Inquiries: Recent Developments and Trends
*** LSA event ***
23rd February 2026 2pm to 3pm. CPD 1 hour
OBJECTIVES
This webinar will explore recent developments and emerging trends in public inquiries. This session will provide an overview of high-profile and ongoing inquiries, examine evolving legal and procedural approaches, and highlight key lessons for practitioners involved in or advising on inquiry processes. Ideal for lawyers, policy professionals, and public sector staff, this webinar offers essential insights into an area of growing legal and public interest.
PARTICIPANTS
This Zoom webinar is aimed at solicitors, trainee solicitors and anyone with an interest in the latest developments in public inquiries in Scotland.
SPEAKER
Chris Stephen, Advocate, Ampersand Advocates
Chris is an Advocate in Scotland and a Barrister in England & Wales. He specialises in public law, including public inquiries, commercial law and international arbitration. He is junior Counsel to the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry and Standing Junior Counsel to the Advocate General for Scotland.
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Lord Sandison issues Opinion in Biffa’s claim over bottle return scheme
Lord Sandison has issued his Opinion in Biffa Waste Services Limited v The Scottish Ministers [2026] CSOH 3. Ampersand’s Paul Reid KC appeared for the Scottish Ministers along with Gerry Moynihan KC and Victoria Arnott, advocate.
The action concerned losses Biffa said it suffered following the postponement of Scotland’s deposit return scheme for single-use drinks containers. The scheme was delayed in May 2023 after the UK Government granted only a partial exclusion from the United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020, which meant the scheme could not proceed on the basis originally intended because glass containers were not covered.
Biffa argued that the Scottish Ministers had assumed responsibility for the scheme’s deliverability and, on that basis, owed a duty of care to warn that an IMA exclusion was required and still outstanding. It also maintained that a May 2022 ministerial letter amounted to a negligent misrepresentation by providing reassurance about deliverability without disclosing the unresolved IMA position.
Lord Sandison rejected those arguments. He held that no duty of care arose here and that there had been no assumption of responsibility for the scheme’s deliverability. He also concluded that the May 2022 letter was not misleading and did not amount to negligent misrepresentation. Decree of absolvitor was therefore granted in favour of the defenders.
You can find a copy of Lord Sandison’s Opinion here. BBC news article is here.
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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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Legal Services Agency Webinar: Public Law Update
*** LSA event ***
Tue, 25 Nov 2025 17:00 – 18:00 GMT. CPD 1 hour
OBJECTIVES
Public law continues to develop in ways that impact upon individuals, businesses and society as a whole.
This webinar will provide an update on the most significant recent developments in public law, and some thoughts on what might be in store in 2026.
PARTICIPANTS
This Zoom webinar is aimed at solicitors, trainee solicitors and anyone with an interest in the latest developments in public law in Scotland.
SPEAKER
Tony Convery, Advocate, Ampersand Advocates
Tony Convery is a member of Ampersand Advocates. He called to the Bar as the Lord Reid Scholar, specialising in commercial and public law. His public law practice spans core constitutional and administrative law; equality; human rights; planning; and information law. Prior to calling to the Bar, Tony spent five years as a qualified solicitor at one of Scotland’s leading law firms.
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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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