Knowledge

An overview of the key changes from the Moveable Transactions (Scotland) Act coming into force today, 1 April 2025. 

This article considers the Land Court’s judgment in Toms v Lambert and what it tells us about the notification requirements that apply when a croft is registered for the first time.  

This article provides a summary of the main provisions of the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill, with particular focus on the deer management provisions.

Stephanie Hepburn acted for MacFarlane (St Helier) Corporation in a successful application to the Land Court for declarator that an area of land on Strollamus Estate in Luib, Skye, was not subject to crofting tenure and therefore the provisions of the Crofters (Scotland) Act 1993 did not apply. 

In this article, Stephanie Hepburn and Emma De Sailly consider two recent cases concerning servitude rights of access.

Certain provisions relating to drainage of surface water may be agreed between neighbouring landowners privately, such as by way of a servitude, but what if no formal agreement is in place? This article looks at the common law position on surface water drainage. 

With the Employment Rights Bill expected to receive Royal Assent in July, this article highlights the significant amendments made following the Bill’s consultation period.

Clare Foster discusses the upcoming reforms to share security in Scotland, and the opportunities this presents for onshore wind project financing.This article was originally featured in The Herald.

The British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (BVCA) has recently published amendments to its 2023 model documents for early-stage capital investments. This article sets out the key changes made to the model documents, the rationale behind some of these changes and the effect they may have on investors and founders.

The Home Office has introduced changes to the Skilled Worker route, effective from 9 April 2025. Jack Freeland, Associate in our immigration team, outlines the key changes below.

The recent allegations of extensive sexual abuse filed against former owner of Fulham Football Club Mohamed Al Fayed have raised questions around the liability of sports organisations for the actions of individuals who act on their behalf. 

This article explores the consequences of a recent judgment disapplying/disproving the existence of the shareholder rule, a rule stating that a company cannot assert its right to legal privilege against its own shareholders by withholding from them the disclosure of certain confidential communications or documents.

On 28 January, The Bank of England launched their liquidity scheme for pension funds with a view to support and stabilise funds and gilt prices in case of financial crisis. 

The recent Technology and Construction Court decision in Grain Communications Limited v Shepherd Groundworks Ltd found that an employer could instruct a variation to postpone works and not provide a definitive commencement date, leaving the contractor unable to recover damages for their losses. 

On 13 December 2024, the UK government published its much-anticipated Clean Power 2030 Action Plan (“CP 2030”). The publication is lengthy and wide-ranging, and sets out how the government will obtain its target of achieving clean power by decarbonising the electricity grid by 2030, one of the government’s five ‘missions’ in their manifesto.

A range of events in recent years have plagued litigation funders – but are some calls coming from inside the house?

For those with concerns around how they might provide for vulnerable loved ones in future, trusts can provide a valuable planning opportunity – but should also be approached with caution.

With market and legal pressures increasing ESG accountability, what does the future hold for ESG in relation to the UK’s clean energy transition?First published in The Scotsman.

The recruitment and retention of top talent is crucial in ensuring the continued growth of a business. Unlike more established companies, start-ups generally lack the cash flow to offer truly competitive salaries and cash bonuses when recruiting talented individuals. Employee share schemes are a useful tool for bridging this gap and allowing smaller companies to offer more competitive pay packages.

In Thatchers Cider Company Limited v Aldi Stores Limited, Thatchers were successful in their appeal, finding that Aldi’s product had infringed Thatchers’ trade mark. This decision may alter the legal landscape for future challenges to “lookalike” products.

An overview of the current regulation of the litigation funding sector in place and whether it is sufficient. 

A look at the court’s application of the doctrine of Champerty in light of the recent case Tactus Holdings Limited (in admin) v Philip Mark Jordan.

The Technology and Construction Court held in Darcliffe Homes Ltd v Glanville Consultants and another that a consultant was not liable for a property developer’s loss despite negligent advice in the consultant’s ground condition report. 

Internationally there has been a significant drive to address online harms, particularly in protecting children’s experiences online. In the UK, Ofcom have recently published their final version of the Illegal Harms Codes and guidance on Age Assurance, which follows on from the UK Online Safety Act.