Shipping
UK Guide 2025 : Scotland
Band 2
About
Provided by Mackinnons
Mackinnons’ Marine and Shipping department is the most experienced in Scotland, we are one of the UK’s leading marine law firms. We navigate the changing currents of fisheries and offshore law to protect client’s interest in the waters of the North Sea and beyond. Whether clients are local or internationally based, a large or small enterprise, our expert team are here to assist in all aspects of marine law, providing our clients with focused, practical and commercial solutions.
Mackinnons remain the premier provider of legal advice to the Scottish fishing fleet. Our team regularly act for fishing vessel owners, fish producer organisations and vessel managers in this specialist area of law, and we also represent lenders dealing with security arrangements relating to fishing licences and quotas. Additional to our fishing works, we also have extensive experience in advising our clients in a wide range of matters in the offshore energy, renewable and transport sectors.
From contract advice and dispute resolution to health and safety matters, our experience is wide-ranging. We act swiftly, providing comprehensive legal support from regulatory compliance to contract negotiations, and offer a 24/7 emergency response service for accidents and emergencies.
Admiralty cases are routinely handled by our expert team, as are Fatal Accident Inquiries arising from shipboard and offshore accidents. Our clients include H&M insurers, P&I clubs and all the major UK fishing vessel mutuals.
Chambers Review
Mackinnons is an Aberdeen-based firm with a longstanding reputation for shipping work. The firm handles non-contentious matters and acts in accident cases. It also has additional expertise in harbour law and fishing industry issues. The team represents Scottish and international clients, including owners, operators and port authorities, and is experienced in fleet transactions.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"We are very confident in the firm's ability to handle any legal matters we have. The firm has vast knowledge of commercial issues in the fishing industry."
"The commercial team has vast experience in marine law, and there is a high level of partner involvement in delivery of services. They offer a strong commitment to providing high-quality services."
"The whole team maintains the level of competence and legal knowledge needed to effectively practise across a wide range of subjects."
"We are very confident in the firm's ability to handle any legal matters we have. The firm has vast knowledge of commercial issues in the fishing industry."
"The commercial team has vast experience in marine law, and there is a high level of partner involvement in delivery of services. They offer a strong commitment to providing high-quality services."
"The whole team maintains the level of competence and legal knowledge needed to effectively practise across a wide range of subjects."
Notable Practitioners
Graham Jones has a wealth of experience acting on transactional shipping matters. He acts for a range of shipping industry clients on fleet sales and purchases and on finance matters.
"Graham is an outstanding professional. He is vastly experienced in marine law and committed to delivery of focused, practical and commercial solutions."
"He offers good leadership and logical thinking with good communication skills."
"Graham has a long history in the fishing industry and has a wealth of knowledge on a number of topics."
"Graham is very good. He has lovely manner, speaks authoritatively and knows the sector inside out."
Martin Sinclair is noted for his experience handling a range of contentious shipping matters. His shipping practice is complemented by his expertise in personal injury matters.
"He has fantastic knowledge of the fishing industry. He has long-established contacts and is very impressive."
Angus Easton breaks into the rankings this year as he routinely undertakes high-value and cross-border shipping matters. He showcases expertise in assisting clients with vessel purchases, contract negotiations and term loan facility agreements.
"He is a dedicated and experienced lawyer who goes the extra mile to deliver first-class legal services."
"I always find him knowledgeable on the required subject."
Ranked Lawyers at
Mackinnons
Scotland
Members
Provided by Mackinnons
Head of Department
Anna Kaparaki
Cameron Milne
Fiona Copp
Head of Department
Iona Garland
