Dundas & Wilson has won an eye-catching appointment from Transport Scotland as the main legal adviser on a railway investment programme worth more than £1bn.

The appointment represents Dundas' first instruction from the body since being reappointed to the legal panel of the Scottish Executive earlier this year, although the big four Scots firm has advised Transport Scotland in the past.

The latest role will see Dundas advise on heavy rail infrastructure projects including the Glasgow Airport rail link, the Airdrie-Bathgate rail link, the Waverley rail line and the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine rail link. The combined investment in the projects totals more than £1bn.

Dundas won the appointment after a competitive tender process, with planning partner Trudi Craggs leading the team.

Commenting on the win, Craggs said: "The rail programme plays a crucial part in the development of Scotland's transport infrastructure and we're really excited to be involved. Our planning and transport team has great experience in this area, which will be invaluable in advising on a project of this scale."

Dundas planning and transportation chief Ann Faulds added: "This is a key appointment for our strategy for growth in the UK transport sector."

Dundas was one of eight firms – including DLA Piper, Pinsent Masons and rival Scots law firm Maclay Murray & Spens – appointed to the Scottish Executive's revised panel in May this year. McGrigors, Shepherd & Wedderburn and CMS Cameron McKenna were all dropped from the panel.