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.

Publications available on this website provide general information only and do not constitute legal advice. See Legal Notices for further information.

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Thursday 25th July 2024

Understanding Occupiers’ Liability in the rural sector in Scotland

This Farm Safety Week we’re exploring occupiers’ liability, and the responsibilities of landowners and occupiers towards those on their land.

Categories: Agricultural and Rural Disputes , Rural and Estates

Fruit pickers on farm working in orchard

Thursday 25th July 2024

Your health and safety obligations towards seasonal workers

Learn how your business can protect seasonal workers in advance of and during work placements, as well as what to do if things go wrong.

Categories: Workplace Risk and Regulation , Regulatory Risk and Compliance , Health, Safety and Environmental Regulation , Rural and Estates , Agricultural Tenancies , Farm and Estate Management , Partnerships

Wednesday 24th July 2024

The Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill passes

The Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill has been passed by the Scottish Parliament. Robbie McElroy summarises what this development will mean for the hotels and hospitality sector.

Categories: Hospitality and Leisure

Tuesday 23rd July 2024

Retail, Hospitality and Leisure business rates relief: Are there any bright spots on the horizon for Scotland?

The extension of the 75% rates relief for Retail, Hospitality and Leisure for 2024/25 which was announced for England last year has not been followed in Scotland. Ian Soppitt ponders whether there are any bright spots on the horizon for Scottish hospitality.

Categories: Hospitality and Leisure

Monday 22nd July 2024

Assessing and managing health and safety risks in the agricultural sector

This Farm Safety Week, our health and safety team explore recent Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecutions in the agricultural sector; outline responsibilities of landowners and employers; and identify steps to reduce risk.

Categories: Workplace Risk and Regulation , Health, Safety and Environmental Regulation , Agricultural and Rural Disputes , Farm and Estate Management

Monday 22nd July 2024

Land Reform (Scotland) Bill 2024: The Land and Communities Commissioner

The Land Reform (Scotland) Bill 2024 has proposed significant changes to legislation relating to land in Scotland and introduced numerous new obligations and requirements. To assist with the enforcement of these new provisions, the Bill introduces the role of the Land and Communities Commissioner. Director, Gillian Gibbons and Trainee, Erin Connor, look at the key functions and enforcement powers of the proposed new Commissioner

Categories: Rural and Estates

Wednesday 17th July 2024

Collateral warranty held not to be a construction contract – clarity provided by the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has clarified that a collateral warranty in traditional form will not be a construction contract under the Housing Grants (Construction and Regeneration) Act 1996 and so will not engage the payment or adjudication provisions of the Act.

Categories: Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) , Construction, Engineering and Infrastructure Disputes , Real Estate and Infrastructure

Tuesday 16th July 2024

What the new Labour government means for non-domiciles in the UK

The new Labour government plans to make considerable changes to the non-domiciled tax regime.

Categories: Private Wealth and Tax

A woman using a tablet in a family run business

Tuesday 16th July 2024

Keep it in the family: The importance of succession planning for family businesses

Family businesses often sit at the heart of an individual’s estate. As such, it is important to make time to carefully consider your succession planning to ensure the longevity of your business.

Categories: Private Wealth and Tax , Family Business and Wealth

Wednesday 10th July 2024

Will the new UK government power up the energy sector?

With Labour sweeping into power in the UK on the back of a large parliamentary majority, energy infrastructure experts Euan Murray, Colin Bathgate, and Emma Reid cast an eye over the potential impact the change of government will have on the direction of travel for energy sector policy.

Categories: Energy and Sustainability , Clean Energy and Renewables , Energy Markets and Networks , Natural Resources

City in Scotland beside Scottish hillside

Tuesday 9th July 2024

How will SEPA’s proposed new environmental regulations in Scotland affect rural businesses?

The draft Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2024 propose bringing the regulation of waste, water, industrial activities, and radioactive substances into one common framework. Solicitor Kathryn Argo and Trainee Erin Connor discuss the impact of these draft regulations and the new changes proposed.

Categories: Rural and Estates

Friday 5th July 2024

Your questions answered: How can I provide for my cohabitant on death?

Given the continual increase in cohabiting couples within society, it’s important that those in such relationships are aware of their rights on the death of their partner and any pre-emptive steps that can be taken to ensure their partner is provided for.

Categories: Private Wealth and Tax