As you may be aware, counterpart execution has not previously been possible under Scots law and there have been difficulties with electronic delivery of Scottish documents. We are delighted to advise you that this will change on July 1, 2015.
The Legal Writings (Counterparts and Delivery) (Scotland) Act 2015 comes into force on 1 July 2015, making life easier in situations where counterpart execution or electronic delivery of documents would be helpful. We have prepared a guide on the new Act and practices going forward. Please click here if you would like to read the full guide, alternatively we have also provided a summary. Please contact us or your usual Shepherd and Wedderburn contact if there is anything you would like to discuss regarding the new regime.
We are particularly pleased to see this enacted as Paul Hally first suggested that the Scottish Law Commission should consider the problems which have led to this Act. Paul and Hamish Patrick gave evidence to the Scottish Parliament during the passage of the Act and others at Shepherd and Wedderburn were also involved with the Scottish Law Commission in its development and in leading discussions among the Scottish law firms on possible changes to Scottish practice.