Mr Duncan is an experienced lawyer with a strong track record of acting for energy and infrastructure clients on complex, high-value projects. He advises developers, contractors, consultants and funders on matters including construction contracts and subcontracts, professional appointments, development agreements, and security documents.

Mark Kirke, head of construction and projects at Burness Paull, commented: “Our construction and projects team continues to see a strong flow of instructions, an increasing number of which are coming from the renewable energy sector as the industry aims to grow capacity and help meet net zero targets.

“Scott’s technical expertise, range of experience and market standing will further enhance our proposition as we support our clients to maximise the opportunities and navigate the risks in delivering projects that bring significant economic and societal benefit.”

Peter Lawson, chair at Burness Paull, said: “The scale of investment in energy projects and associated infrastructure required to support the transition is huge.

“Renewable energy projects require cradle-to-grave legal support spanning various specialisms, from inception through to decommissioning. These include a number of areas of strength for our firm, such as finance, real estate, planning, M&A, employment, health and safety, disputes – and, of course, construction.

“We are increasingly seeing a preference among energy developers to use a single firm for an entire project, and we have invested heavily in ensuring our full-service offering evolves to meet that demand.

“The appointment of Scott is the latest example of this investment, and we are confident that he will make a major and positive contribution to both our clients and the firm’s growth strategy.”

Mr Duncan added: “I am excited to be joining Burness Paull. The firm has long had an excellent reputation in the market, and I have had the pleasure of knowing many of the team from various projects along the way.

“Levels of investment in clean energy are going to grow exponentially in the coming years, and I can’t wait to start helping unlock that opportunity for the firm and our clients.”