Partner

Elaine Farquharson‑Black

Elaine advises on all aspects of planning, compulsory purchase and compensation with considerable expertise in housebuilding. She has helped to secure planning permission for thousands of new homes across Scotland and regularly appears as an advocate in planning appeals and reviews.

Elaine regularly advises on high profile, large scale projects, and is widely viewed as a standout planning practitioner in the Aberdeen market.

Living Brodies' values

Elaine is known for taking a collaborative, strategic view and being constructive with both clients and statutory bodies.

Highlights

A director of Homes for Scotland which represents 200 organisations which together deliver 95% of new homes for sale each year
A director of Aberdeen Inspired, the city centre business improvement district company.
Co-author of 'Scottish Planning Law and Procedure and Compulsory Purchase and Compensation: The Law in Scotland.'

Rankings

Ranked in Band 1 for Planning in Chambers UK 2025.
Ranking as a Leading Partner for Planning by Legal 500 UK 2026.
Accredited as a specialist in planning law by the Law Society of Scotland for over 20 years.

"Elaine Farquharson-Black is the leader of the pack when it comes to Scottish planning work."

Legal 500 UK 2026

"Elaine is peerless in her knowledge of all matters relating to planning and environmental law. She is excellent with clients, a great team player and very competent. A leader in her field."

Chambers UK 2026

Elaine Farquharson-Black is an exceptional lawyer and one of the most experienced solicitors in all aspects of planning law and has an outstanding knowledge of all aspects of the development market in Scotland.

Legal 500 UK 2025

She's a fantastic planning law expert with an abundance of knowledge and expertise. She always demonstrates commitment to delivering a high-quality service and achieving positive outcomes for clients.

Legal 500 UK 2025