Independent UK law firm Burges Salmon has advised AlphaReal, the specialist real assets investment manager, on a bespoke £40 million lending package to Highland Broadband to support the significant expansion of its fibre network across rural Scotland. The Scottish National Investment Bank is also contributing to the initiative with an additional £10 million in funding.
The investment will enable Highland Broadband to speed up the delivery of gigabit-capable connectivity to towns and villages that have been digitally underserved, helping to close the digital divide and unlock long-term economic opportunities in the region. The expanded network aims to enhance the quality of life for residents and businesses while laying the foundations for future innovation and sustainable growth.
The Edinburgh-based Burges Salmon team advising AlphaReal was led by partner Stuart McMillan, senior associate Samir Younes and solicitor Emer O’Connell from the firm’s Banking and Finance team. They were supported by colleagues specialising in real estate, construction and commercial matters. Burges Salmon advised on the Scottish law aspects of the transaction, working in partnership with law firm Fladgate, which acted on English law matters.
Stuart McMillan comments: “We’re delighted to have played a part in facilitating this substantial new investment into Highland Broadband and the rural communities it serves. The roll-out will make a real difference to people and businesses, supporting jobs and boosting economic growth. It was a pleasure collaborating with Fladgate on this transaction, and it’s another example of Burges Salmon’s strong expertise in banking and finance deals in Scotland.”
Brad Bauman, Head of Alternative Credit at AlphaReal, adds: “We are delighted to provide this initial facility to Highland Broadband. We have extensive experience in providing bespoke lending solutions across the debt spectrum, and as we expand into digital infrastructure, we look forward to working with the team at Highland Broadband. It was a pleasure to collaborate with both Burges Salmon and Fladgate on this transaction. Their joint approach ensured a seamless and highly professional service throughout.”
Bringing together sector knowledge and banking and finance expertise, Burges Salmon delivers tailored advice to support clients on complex transactions across the UK and internationally. The firm’s strength in the energy sector was recognised in Clean Energy Pipeline’s 2025 Legal League Tables, where Burges Salmon was ranked the second most active law firm for clean energy M&A deals, placed in the top 10 for Project Finance, and fifth in the inaugural Influence Factor rankings.