Ewan McGillivray

He advises public sector organisations, businesses and individuals on a broad range of contentious, regulatory and public law matters, with particular experience representing clients before courts, tribunals and public inquiries.

Ewan regularly represents local authorities, Police Scotland and the Security Industry Authority in licensing appeals before the sheriff courts. He also acts for police and local authority clients in judicial reviews and appeals before the Court of Session. His experience includes advising on Additional Support Needs education matters, representing local authorities in proceedings before the Health and Education Chamber (Scotland), and acting for both a University Chancellor and students in academic and disciplinary appeals.

His clients are primarily drawn from the public sector, including local authorities, government bodies and policing organisations. Ewan advises on disciplinary processes, including matters involving the Scottish Police Authority, antisocial behaviour proceedings and personal injury litigation, including claims involving Police Scotland and disability discrimination claims. He also has experience bringing public protection actions under the Abusive Behaviour and Sexual Harm (Scotland) Act 2016, as well as defending wrongful arrest and personal injury claims.

In recent years, Ewan has advised clients across a range of sectors in connection with the child abuse inquiries established by the Scottish Government and the Home Office. He has also advised clients called to give evidence at the UK Government's Covid Inquiry and represented the Independent Clinical Review in relation to the Eljamel Public Inquiry. From time to time, he represents businesses and individuals before the Traffic Commissioner and local authority licensing boards and committees. He works closely with clients to understand the legal, regulatory and reputational issues involved in each matter and to deliver practical, tailored advice.

Ewan also has a particular interest in disciplinary cases and investigations involving local authorities.