Mr Ruddiman will lead and grow the energy team at Burness Paull – combining its renewables and oil & gas practices.

In his previous role at Pinsent Masons, where he held a number of senior leadership positions including heading the global energy sector team, Mr Ruddiman operated extensively across the USA, Canada, Europe, the Middle East and South East Asia as well as the UK.

This experience provides an excellent fit with the international experience and ambition of Burness Paull, much of which is centred on the firm’s energy practice. Burness Paull is the only member firm in Scotland for Lex Mundi – the international law firm network.

Peter Lawson, chair of Burness Paull, said: “Bringing a lawyer of Bob’s stature to the firm is a real coup. He will build on our considerable strength in the energy sector and his reputation as an industry leader is well-recognised and justified given his knowledge and network.

“Energy is a dominant economic and social issue as companies of all types address a reduced-carbon future. Bob’s considerable expertise in this will help us support our clients as they wrestle with this challenge.

“His addition to the firm underlines our strategy to be present within the key themes for the Scottish and Global economy – Climate, Health and Technology.”

Mr Ruddiman added: “Burness Paull is a firm I know well and have respected throughout my career, my new role in securing its position as the number one energy firm operating from Scotland will be about connecting great clients with great people.

“Its lawyers match the best in any UK law firm, and we aim to build on that platform. A key measure of success will be the growth of the team.

“Being part of the future shape of energy is incredibly exciting and we look forward to bringing fresh thinking, confidence and thoughtful strategic advice to ambitious client energy agendas, locally and globally.“