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Latest news and insights

Gillespie Macandrew appoints new partner and promotes 11 others

Gillespie Macandrew announces the promotion of Lorna Balfour to partner in its industry-leading Land & Rural Business team.

Strike Action, but not as we know it

In February, takeaway drivers at a variety of “gig economy” delivery platforms took part in “strike” action to demand better pay and working conditions.

Changes in law for Trusters to be aware of in 2024

Trusts & Succession Act: what are the changes for Trusters to be aware of before they become law in 2024.

Latest news and insights

Gillespie Macandrew appoints new partner and promotes 11 others

Gillespie Macandrew announces the promotion of Lorna Balfour to partner in its industry-leading Land & Rural Business team.

Strike Action, but not as we know it

In February, takeaway drivers at a variety of “gig economy” delivery platforms took part in “strike” action to demand better pay and working conditions.

Changes in law for Trusters to be aware of in 2024

Trusts & Succession Act: what are the changes for Trusters to be aware of before they become law in 2024.

Derek McCulloch

Partner, Head of Energy, Infrastructure and Natural Resources

Derek has over 20 years of experience advising and counselling global and domestic businesses on their major corporate, land and energy projects on a UK and international level.

Derek has project managed the delivery of legal services on several infrastructure and renewable energy projects both onshore and offshore, each valued in the hundreds of millions. Recently, he has led and advised on several significant M&A deals and strategic energy portfolio investments including the sale of Rio Tinto’s UK Smelter and power operations. He has a track record in advising on natural resource regulation, low carbonisation projects, university commercialisation, and complex joint venture and consortium deals.

He is a non-executive board member and trustee for a number of organisations and up to March 2020, held the position of Honorary Consul of the Republic of Korea in Scotland.

Derek co-ordinates international cross border projects and trade and is Chair of the global legal network, Lexwork International in Europe and Asia.

Clients comment that he provides a real understanding of all sides of every issue, as well as possessing great business acumen and an innate appreciation of project risk.

Sector experience includes:

  • UK external legal advice lead on M&A sale of Rio Tinto UK Smelter & Power operations in Scotland and England (£330m)
  • Co-ordinating external legal advice on c.450MW Viking Energy Wind Farm project on Shetland
  • Co-ordinating Scottish legal advice on acquisition of 49% share of 24 wind farms with global capacity of 550MW in deal worth c.£700m.
  • Scottish adviser on off shoring and on shoring ownership of strategic land assets
  • Project lead for land corridor legal issues to link 1.5GW offshore wind farm
  • Legal advice lead on sale of key Scottish assets for global food ingredients business
  • Formula One and European Athletics Sponsorship contracts
  • Regulatory advice on private legislation for large hydro schemes and Electricity Regime
  • Adviser on major energy plant and steel components cross border supply (£50m)
  • UK advisor and co-ordinator of Indian legal advice on a social project as part of India’s 100million toilets project to offer privacy and promote feminine hygiene

Derek is a Writer to the Signet and is the Chair of Lexwork International (Europe & Asia region).

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Derek McCulloch

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Recent News & Insights by Derek

16 May 2022 | Time to read: 2 mins

Tornagrain | New Town Development

By Amy McDowell, Derek McCulloch, Robert Scott-Dempster

We act for Tornagrain Limited, part of the Moray Estates group, in connection with the development of the Tornagrain new town.

16 May 2022 | Time to read: 2 mins

Viking Energy | Wind Farm Development

By Amy McDowell, Derek McCulloch, Colin Hamilton, Alan White

We act for Viking Energy Wind Farm LLP in respect of the major wind farm development on mainland Shetland.

18 January 2022 | Time to read: 2 mins

Successful ScotWind bids announced

By Derek McCulloch

The results of the Scottish offshore leasing round was announced yesterday, confirming the 17 projects, out of 74 applications.

Tags: Energy
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