She relocates to the Granite City from Glasgow where she has been based since joining CMS in 2001.

As a member of the firm’s power and clean energy team, Ms Cowden advises clients on a broad range of projects forming part of the ‘great grid upgrade’ as well as other onshore electricity transmission projects across Scotland. A specialist in carbon capture and storage, she worked on the Acorn Project where she was seconded into their in-house legal team.

Over her 23 years at CMS, Ms Cowden has worked closely with Aberdeen-based colleagues including a recent collaboration with fellow partner Paula Kidd looking at reuse of existing offshore pipelines and infrastructure. In her new role in Aberdeen, she will work alongside colleagues in the energy and infrastructure team to support the firm’s growing client base across a broad range of green energy projects.

CMS Aberdeen managing partner Carol Nisbet said: “We are all delighted to welcome Vini to the team here in Aberdeen. She is an experienced and highly capable energy lawyer who many of my colleagues have worked alongside on key energy projects.

“Vini’s industry experience and skills are vital at a time of increasing client demand for specialist legal support through the energy transition as well as other opportunities and challenges going forward.”

Ms Cowden said: “I’m excited to join the exceptional team in Aberdeen. Along with my ongoing work in electricity transmission projects, which are key in meeting Scotland’s net zero ambitions, I also look forward to working with my colleagues to support clients on carbon capture and storage and offshore wind projects.”