Knowledge

The legal framework around fire safety in Scotland, and suggested actions for owners of businesses and properties.

A ‘real burden’ is a legal restriction on how a piece of Scottish land can be used. This can create problems for people who want to diversify rural businesses.

Kamal v Tax Policy Associates marks the first judicial application of the UK’s anti-SLAPP regime, with the High Court rejecting a defamation claim arising from public-interest reporting on alleged tax avoidance. The decision highlights the importance of protecting public-interest journalism and comes amid calls to expand the regime further.

The decision in Murrayfield Curling Ltd v Murrayfield Ice Rink Ltd illustrates some of the reasons for which the Lands Tribunal can refuse applications to vary and/or discharge title conditions in Scotland.

When someone dies, the original (principal) will is needed to deal with their estate. If that cannot be found, this can create difficulties for the administration of the estate. However, all is not lost and steps can be taken which, if successful, can revive the lost will.

On 6 April, the next batch of updates introduced by the Employment Act 2025 will come into force. Here’s everything you need to know.

A recent Court of Session decision highlights the risks of oral sub-contracts and the value of maintaining clear records and evidence of commercial agreements.

Succession planning is a key consideration for anyone who owns any assets that require ongoing management. The first step is to have clear conversations with everyone involved.

Exploring the impact of the Moveable Transactions (Scotland) Act 2023 a year on since it came into force.

Maternity leave: the legal rights and obligations, and what employers can do beyond the essentials

Partner Susan Swan and Consultant Liz McRobb outline how Connection Reform delays have affected the clean energy project pipeline.

The Fair Work Charter has been introduced by the Government, aimed at allowing unprecedented Trade Union access to offshore wind workforces. It is important employers in this sector understand their obligations and how to prepare for these incoming changes.

Examining how the Scottish Budget 2026 affects business rates for commercial landlords, investors, and occupiers.

Partner Susan Swan discusses some of the biggest challenges facing green hydrogen production and the need for more urgency behind policy decisions.

Hayley Russell and Nathaniel Buckingham discuss their chosen Top 5 Construction Cases of 2025 and highlight some of the key commercial lessons that can be taken from them.

With the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill now passed, the lotting decision rules for large landholdings are now being implemented.

On 9 February 2026 the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) issued updated guidance on financial sanctions enforcement and monetary penalties. The updated guidance implements a number of key reforms which companies should be aware of.

A summary of five important cases relating to the management of businesses, highlighting some key takeaways for directors and shareholders.

As of 1 December 2017, landlords letting a residential property under a new lease are now subject to a new letting regime in Scotland – the private residential tenancy.

Tenants under “ultra long leases” in Scotland may have woken up in 2015 to find themselves the owner of the property they formerly tenanted. On 28 November 2015, legislation came into effect by which the rights of certain tenants automatically converted into ownership. Former landlords may now however benefit from the automatic conversion of some lease conditions into title conditions.

Download our briefing on the Contract (Third Party Rights) (Scotland) Act 2017, which is the outcome of the Scottish Law Commission’s recommendation to create an updated statutory regime for third party rights, replacing the common law rules.

With proposed new renewable energy projects, a truly two-way consultation process can lead to outcomes that are better for everyone.

With last week marking the beginning of Ramadan and Lent, employers are reminded of their obligation to support employees and ensure the workplace remains free from discrimination during this period of religious observance over the coming weeks.

Many jobs in offshore wind can be hazardous, so good health and safety practices should be a priority.