Carter Jonas adds Dougie Bowers to Infrastructure North team

The appointment follows the opening of Carter Jonas’ Edinburgh office in January 2025 and strengthens the firm’s infrastructure, compulsory purchase (CPO) and land assembly capability in Scotland.

Dougie joins following a 40-year tenure with the Valuation Office, where, most recently, he served as head of compulsory purchase guidance. He brings extensive expertise in compulsory purchase, statutory valuation and infrastructure delivery across Scotland.

Dougie has played a leading role in many of Scotland’s most significant infrastructure, road upgrade and flood protection schemes, as well as advising local authorities on development appraisals and affordable housing.

He is also immediate past chair of the Compulsory Purchase Association Scotland, a RICS Registered Valuer and has lectured at Edinburgh Napier University on valuation, rating and statutory valuations.

Mark Hall-Digweed, head of infrastructure, Carter Jonas, said: “Dougie’s appointment follows increasing demand for specialist advice in this field, as public bodies and utility providers seek to bring forward complex infrastructure, regeneration and flood protection projects.”

Dougie joins at a significant moment as infrastructure delivery, and the mechanisms that enable it, remain high on the agenda. Scotland has 32 local authorities and the Scottish Government’s Infrastructure Delivery Pipeline sets out a significant programme of investment in critical areas including transport, housing, energy and digital connectivity.

Simultaneously, the Scottish Government’s Compulsory Purchase Reform programme is intended to encourage more proactive use of CPO powers.

Dougie has extensive experience in large infrastructure projects and a track record advising Scottish government and local authorities on complex land and valuation matters, including compulsory purchase and flood schemes. His previous project experience includes work on Trunk Roads, the Edinburgh Tram, Network Rail projects, and numerous flood schemes.

Mark Hall-Digweed added: “This is an important step for our Infrastructure North team, our wider growth in Scotland and Carter Jonas’ five-year growth strategy, Vision 2030. Dougie’s experience in compulsory purchase, valuation and infrastructure is exceptional, and his understanding of the Scottish market will be invaluable to clients navigating complex land, legal and delivery challenges.

“Demand for high-quality CPO and land assembly advice is increasing, and Dougie’s appointment gives Carter Jonas additional senior capacity in areas including compulsory purchase, valuation, encroachments, ransom strips, Scottish property law, dispute resolution and training.

“He brings judgement, technical knowledge and longstanding relationships across the public and private sectors and will play a significant role in supporting infrastructure delivery and in developing our Edinburgh office.”

Dougie Bowers said: “Carter Jonas has a strong reputation in infrastructure, land assembly and CPO and I am pleased to be joining the team at a time of growth. Scotland has a substantial pipeline of infrastructure, flood protection and public sector projects, many of which will require careful land and valuation advice.

“I am looking forward to supporting new clients working with colleagues across Carter Jonas in delivering Carter Jonas’s exciting five-year plan.”