Insights

Our lawyers are immersed in the industries and sectors in which they operate. Keep abreast of the changing legal landscape with insights from our expert lawyers.

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Wednesday 2nd July 2025

Freedom of information reform on the agenda in Scotland

20 years on from the introduction of freedom of information laws in Scotland and the rest of the UK, we consider potential developments following the introduction of the Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Bill at Holyrood on 2 June.

Categories: Regulatory Risk and Compliance , Data Protection and Privacy

Monday 30th June 2025

Connections reforms: Gate 2 to Whole Queue timeline and challenges

The recently published National Energy System Operator’s connections reform timetable requires all developers who have projects with existing signed connection agreements in place to apply for a Gate 2 offer to receive an identified connection location and energisation date for their project. This marks the single biggest administrative exercise we have ever seen impacting grid agreements.

Categories: Clean Energy and Renewables , Energy Markets and Networks , Construction, Engineering, and Infrastructure , Planning and Environment , Renewables

Friday 27th June 2025

Planning appeal fees in Scotland – new charges open to challenge?

Any appeal against refusal of a planning application in Scotland now incurs a significant fee, but issues with the way they have been implemented may give rise to the fees being challenged via the courts.

Categories: Real Estate and Infrastructure , Development , Housebuilding , Planning and Environment

Wednesday 25th June 2025

Cruel Summer? Riparian rights in Scotland in summer months

With the summer in 2025 being the driest on record since the 1960s, this article takes a dive into the murky legal waters of riparian rights, particularly focussing on issues faced by landowners in drier summer months.

Categories: Agricultural and Rural Disputes

Wednesday 25th June 2025

Rural sector urged to embrace opportunities to lead on sustainable land management

A packed audience gathered in the Lowland Hall at the Royal Highland Showground on Friday 20th June for the annual rural business breakfast briefing hosted by Shepherd and Wedderburn and Bidwells.

Categories: Rural and Estates , Agricultural and Rural Finance , Rural Development and Diversification

Tuesday 24th June 2025

The Supreme Court confirm the public have a right to wild camp on Dartmoor

An update on the case of Darwall v Dartmoor National Park Authority, and analysis of the Supreme Court decision to uphold the public right to wild camp on Dartmoor.

Categories: Agricultural and Rural Disputes

Wednesday 18th June 2025

Joint ventures in the clean energy sector: Key documents

In this third instalment in our clean energy joint ventures series, we look at the key documents needed to establish a joint venture.

Categories: Merger Control and Joint Ventures , Corporate , Clean Energy and Renewables , Environmental, Social and Governance(ESG) , Renewables

Two people talking over a desk about paperwork

Tuesday 17th June 2025

Resolving executry disputes – why mediation deserves a seat at the table

With executry disputes on the rise across the UK it’s important to consider different resolution paths. For some, mediation can be the best way forward.

First published in The Scotsman.

Categories: Contentious Executries, Trusts and Tax

Older couple looking at their children in field

Monday 16th June 2025

Business owners facing an uncertain future

Nine months on, business owners are feeling the impact from the 2024 Autumn Budget and how the axing of Business Property Relief is changing the family business landscape.

First published in The Business.

Categories: Private Wealth and Tax

Friday 13th June 2025

Right to roam: rights and responsibilities of landowners to protect animals and avoid civil liability

A look at the rights and responsibilities of landowners to ensure the right of responsible access, also known as the right to roam, is enjoyed responsibly, protecting livestock and avoiding civil liability for harm caused to the public by animals.

Categories: Agricultural and Rural Disputes

Friday 13th June 2025

A lucky escape for tenant farmers from the new Inheritance Tax rules?

How will the new Inheritance Tax rules affect tenant farmers, and what should be done to prepare?

Categories: Rural Succession Planning

Thursday 12th June 2025

Ploughing ahead – sustainability and the Scottish agricultural industry

With the significant policy changes introduced over the last year, what does the future hold for the Scottish agricultural industry and the constant strive for sustainable farming practices?

This article was first published in The Business.

Categories: Rural and Estates