“Ross McClelland KC is a leading commercial and property silk whose meticulous preparation and measured advocacy command respect at the highest level of Scottish litigation. Ranked Band 1 by Chambers, he combines technical mastery with clarity and approachability, guiding businesses, public bodies and professionals through complex disputes with assurance and precision.”

Fantastic Lawyers® Editorial, 2026

Ross McClelland KC is a leading Scottish silk with more than twenty years’ experience in commercial litigation and property disputes. Appointed King’s Counsel in 2024, Ross is recognised for his meticulous preparation, strong legal analysis and approachable manner with clients.

Directories describe him as “very user-friendly, approachable, accessible and easy to work with,” with strengths in “preparation, understanding and professionalism.”

What He Actually Does

In practical terms, Ross represents businesses, public bodies and professionals in high-value, complex disputes before the Court of Session, Sheriff Court and specialist tribunals. He also regularly appears in arbitration, mediation and expert determination proceedings.

His principal areas of expertise include:

• Commercial litigation
• Property litigation and real burdens disputes
• Professional negligence and regulatory matters
• Public and administrative law, including judicial review

Ross has acted in a wide range of high-value commercial cases, including fraud claims, contract disputes, lease rectification actions and railway access arbitrations. He is particularly well known for property-related litigation, including disputes concerning servitudes, real burdens and development schemes.

Public Inquiries & Government Work

Ross has been engaged as counsel to two major Scottish Government public inquiries:

• Junior counsel to the Edinburgh Tram Inquiry (2015–2020)
• Junior counsel to the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry (2020 onwards)

He has also acted in significant public law cases, including judicial review proceedings and appeals before the Inner House of the Court of Session.

Notable Matters

Ross’s reported cases include:

• Briggs of Burton plc v Doosan Babcock [2020] CSOH 100 – clarifying important aspects of the law of rectification in Scotland.
• Duncan v Glasa LLP and related hydro scheme damages actions.
• Bilfinger Construction UK Limited v Chairman of the Edinburgh Tram Inquiry – successful defence of judicial review proceedings.
• Greenpeace Limited v Advocate General – appearing for the Oil & Gas Authority in an appeal concerning oil field development consent.

Why He Is Different

Ross combines technical excellence with calm, practical judgement. Clients value his thorough preparation and clear advice, particularly in disputes involving complex contractual frameworks, infrastructure projects and regulatory environments.

His background includes over a decade in commercial dispute resolution at Maclay Murray & Spens LLP before calling to the Bar, giving him strong insight into both solicitor and client perspectives.

Trust Markers

• Called to the Bar: 2011
• Appointed King’s Counsel: 2024
• Ranked Band 1 in Real Estate Litigation and Band 2 in Commercial Dispute Resolution, Chambers UK Bar
• Over 20 years’ experience in commercial litigation

Education

LL.B (Hons.), First Class, University of Aberdeen
LL.M, First Class, University of Cambridge (Jesus College)

Contact:
Email: ross.mcclelland@axiomadvocates.com
Telephone: 07557 284957