British Waterways Scotland has appointed leading independent Scottish law firm, Tods Murray LLP, to provide external legal services and advice.

Tods Murray bid for the contract alongside Highland practice, MacPhee and Partners, bringing together the vast experience and expertise of the central belt firm with the specialist local knowledge of the Fort William and Oban-based solicitors to put forward a full Scottish offering.

They will now join a framework agreement with two other Scottish law firms to provide a range of legal services.

Highlighting the potential role for the legal teams, Steve Dunlop, Director at British Waterways Scotland, wrote a thought provoking article for the Tods Murray website. In the "Well-Rounded-View" (www.todsmurray.com/wellroundedview/environment.htm ) Steve describes the considerable opportunity for Scotland’s 137 mile canal network, both economically and socially.


Stephen Colliston, a Partner within Tods Murray's Capital Projects team, said: "We are delighted to be working with British Waterways Scotland. The canal and waterway system in Scotland provides the opportunity for new development, creation of new jobs and the chance to reinvigorate certain parts of Scotland. Being on the panel of legal advisers puts us at the heart of this important and inspiring work."

Steve Dunlop added: "The canal network is a proven catalyst for successful regeneration and is already making a significant social and economic impact. I was pleased to be able to emphasise the importance of the canal network in Tods Murray's Well-Rounded-View and look forward to a rewarding working relationship with the Tods team."

(GK/KMcA)