Knowledge

Agricultural workers bring with them a specific set of employment rules which farming businesses should be aware of and ready for.

With an uptick in disputes over estates between beneficiaries, executors, or other family members, and challenges to wills becoming more commonplace in recent years, Partner Stephanie Hepburn looks at what you can do now to protect your family’s future. This article was originally published in The Scotsman. 

The law treats locked gates differently depending on whether the access they prevent arises from a private servitude right, a public right of way, or the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003.

A personal account from Keith McLaren, a Partner in our Private Wealth and Tax team, who is involved in a project that delivers and installs operating theatres around the world.

An outline of the current Scottish legislation on sheep worrying, what steps farmers and landowners can take to protect their flocks, the types of penalties that exist, and how our Rural Disputes team can assist with any related issues.

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.