Knowledge


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7 October 2025

A guide to the new Companies House mandatory identity verification requirements

Contributors:
Christina Sinclair, Tom Swan

On 18 November, new mandatory identity verification requirements will be introduced. We answer some key questions about the new requirements and how to prepare for them.

3 October 2025

Inheritance disputes and the disappointed farmer

Contributors:
Stephanie Hepburn, Elaine Brailsford

How does the law differ in England and Scotland regarding inheritance disputes? This article outlines two recent inheritance disputes and the key differences of each relating to the different laws north and south of the border.

3 October 2025

Green burials. The most environmentally friendly option – until it isn’t

Contributor: Stephanie Hepburn

As green burials become increasingly popular in Scotland as an eco-friendly alternative, addressing practical considerations is essential to minimise potential disputes.

3 October 2025

Electricity transmissions charges continue to spark debate

Contributor: Jamie McRorie

The UK’s climate commitments will not be met without a significant increase in the use of renewables. Changes to the regulations around the costs for using the physical network could stimulate the necessary investment.First published in The Herald.

2 October 2025

What is a cottar?

Contributor: Ross Simpson

A recently published judgment of the Land Court has shed light on a little-discussed but potentially consequential area of the Scots law of property.

2 October 2025

Family Investment Companies: A vehicle worth considering?

Contributor: Douglas Sinclair

Family Investment Companies may be a tax efficient way to pass wealth to future generations. While trusts may be more familiar to most FICs may be a better fit for you and your family.

1 October 2025

Spring is the king for selling your home, but autumn has its charms

Contributor: Phil Harris

Historically, the housing market fluctuates greatly depending on the time of year and 2025 has proven sellers have not yet been able to buck the trends.

26 September 2025

Liability when trees fall in Scotland: not a philosophical question

Contributors:
Shona Lean, Stephanie Hepburn

Falling trees are the basis for an intriguing philosophical question, and also for more practical ones.

25 September 2025

An adjudicator’s decision may be invalidated if a false statement was made during the appointment process

Contributors:
Iain Drummond, Kirsty Gray

A recent decision by the Technology and Construction Court has clarified the consequences when a false statement is made during the process of appointing an adjudicator.

24 September 2025

Pensions Dashboards – Key actions as we approach the finishing line

Contributor: Daniel Boynton

The key actions that scheme trustees and managers should take now to ensure that when the time comes to connect to the new Pensions Dashboard digital architecture, they are up-to-date and confident.

24 September 2025

Why legal disputes don’t have to be scary

Contributor: Stephanie Hepburn

Legal disputes do not need to be as scary as they seem. With the right approach, clear advice and an effective dispute resolution strategy, they can often be resolved quickly and effectively.

24 September 2025

Joint ventures in the clean energy sector: Competition law and Foreign Direct Investment considerations

Contributor: Jonathan Carey

In this sixth instalment in our series on clean energy joint ventures, we look at general competition law and Foreign Direct Investment considerations.

16 September 2025

Father wins right to move daughter’s remains to Monaco

Contributor: Stephanie Hepburn

The sheriff appeal court has granted permission for the disinterment of a teenager’s body to allow reburial in Monaco.

15 September 2025

Court rules settlement agreement was variation to original JCT contract and not standalone contract

Contributors:
Iain Drummond, Alejandro Coghill

The High Court in England has confirmed that a settlement agreement was a variation to the original JCT contract, allowing the adjudication provisions to be applied.

15 September 2025

Vodafone / Three Merger: The competition law implications of starting a joint venture

Contributor: Jonathan Carey

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority has decided to approve the creation of a joint venture combining Vodafone Group plc and Three UK, after both companies made legally binding pledges to carry out certain ‘behavioural remedies’. We explain the thinking behind the decision, and explore the implications for future joint venture partners.

12 September 2025

Workforce planning in the energy sector: Navigating the Employment Rights Bill

Contributor: Joanna Rae

From early 2026, we will begin to see the first significant effects of the Employment Rights Bill come into force, bringing a number of substantial changes that employers need to be prepared to adapt to.

12 September 2025

Private equity investment into the Scottish legal sector: Where are we now, and what next?

Contributors:
Stephen Trombala, Christina Sinclair

The Law Society of Scotland has set out its approach to the implementation of the Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Act 2025 and confirmed that work on regulating licenced legal service providers will be deferred until 2027.

8 September 2025

Right to roam v right to resort: Scottish Borders Council approves draft byelaw for Center Parcs development

Contributor: Stephanie Hepburn

Scottish Borders Council backs a draft byelaw to restrict public access at the proposed Center Parcs site near Hawick, sparking debate over Scotland’s right to roam and the future of open countryside.

29 August 2025

Failure to prevent fraud: What you need to know

Contributor: Kevin Clancy

The ECCT Act contains a number of different measures to prevent and tackle economic crime, including the new failure to prevent fraud offence. In this article we highlight the key details of this development.

29 August 2025

Court mandates compulsory mediation despite no contractual obligation to do so

Contributor: Leigh Herd

The High Court in England’s recent decision in DKH Retail Ltd v City Football Group Ltd [2024] EWHC 3221 (Ch) suggested a change of attitude towards mandating compulsory mediation during judicial proceedings. The decision highlights the court’s willingness to actively encourage alternative dispute resolution and provides useful guidance in respect of commercial litigation strategy.

28 August 2025

Joint Ventures in the clean energy sector: UK and EU Merger Control

Contributor: Jonathan Carey

In this fifth instalment in our clean energy joint ventures series, we look at the topic of merger control in the UK and the EU.

25 August 2025

Heirs to leaders: Succession of the next generation in family businesses

Contributor: Olivia Greener

Changing leadership is a challenge in any workplace but for family businesses the decision can be even more complicated. It is paramount to carefully consider succession planning and training for future leaders to ensure your business stands the test of time.

19 August 2025

Understanding growth shares

Contributor: Gavin Charlton

Using equity is a tried and tested method to help recruit, retain and incentivise key employees and align their interests with shareholders. One commonly used structure involves ‘growth shares’.

18 August 2025

Growing offshore wind in Scotland: The route to 2040

Contributors:
Scott McCallum, George Bruce

The Scottish Government is striving towards an ambitious 2040 renewable energy target, with upcoming consultations seeking views on three connected strands of offshore wind delivery in Scotland. First published in SPEL, (2025) 230 SPEL 85.