Knowledge

In this article, Clare Foster, Partner and Head of Clean Energy, explains that although a number of Scottish ports are currently working on major infrastructure developments, politicians must now act to accelerate the process.First published in The Herald. 

The UK government has now confirmed the implementation date for the change to the minimum income threshold for spouse/ partner visa applications. There is also a welcome change to the definition of “Partner” for unmarried partner visa applicants.

With this service now closed, other means of document legalisation must now be pursued, with two methods remaining for obtaining an apostille certificate.  

Changes to the immigration rules for business visitors came into force yesterday, 31 January 2024. The Government has also confirmed the implementation date for changes to the minimum salary threshold for Skilled Workers.

Increasing focus on the environmental performance of buildings and the impact of their emissions on climate change is leading owners and occupiers of commercial buildings to look at developing strategies for improving energy use. Stuart Dick reports that green lease clauses are becoming more popular among landlords and tenants.

After a quiet few years on the employment legislation front, 2024 is set to be a year of change.

In this article, Peter Smith discusses how the Aberdeen property market fared in 2023 and what the future holds for 2024.     

First published in: The Press and Journal 

Litigation is expensive, but access to justice remains a vital pillar of our legal system. The UK government has attempted different approaches over the years, with litigation funding remaining a presently shaky but overall solid solution.  

Land boundary inaccuracies can frequently lead to unwelcome disputes. With the obligation of the Keeper of the Land Register to rectify such inaccuracies, what is required for this to happen? 

The recently introduced Online Safety Act is intended to bring legislation in line with current-day internet usage to expand online safety protections. It has a widened scope, with potential to impact a diverse range of sectors.

Guidance from The Pensions Regulator highlights the benefits of equality, diversity and inclusion practices and offers recommendations for implementation.

The litigation funding market had a tumultuous year in 2023. Although there were some notable successes, many funders lost money and all funders were disrupted by PACCAR. We consider why and what the future might hold for litigation funding.

Key considerations for landlords when considering the installation of EV charging points.

Contractor insolvency is continuing to dominate the headlines in 2024. Iain Drummond and Lindsay Robinson discuss important tips to help you manage the process carefully.

In Emotional Perception AI Ltd v UKIPO the UK High Court considers the application of the computer programs exclusion to the patentability of an AI invention.

As courts around the world grapple with what the rapid growth of artificial intelligence means for intellectual property rights.

The UK Supreme Court has handed down a judgment, which addresses the issue of whether AI can be the inventor of a patent. The judgment is unambiguous in firmly rejecting the notion, as it relates to current legislation.

Edwin Mustard looks at the issue of cyber risk facing pension schemes and some of the key issues for Trustees to consider.

Businesses can be significantly affected by the behaviour of regulated utilities, such as those operating water or transport infrastructure, with failure of these infrastructures resulting in considerable costs for firms. Here we discuss the increased risk of private court actions against underperforming regulated utilities, spurred on by greater accessibility of collective actions.

An examination of the recent Court of Appeal decision in Churchill v Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council. This case highlights the court’s ability to compel parties in court proceedings to engage in Alternative Dispute Resolution such as mediation.

The Moveable Transactions (Scotland) Act 2023 is going to change the way that individuals and unincorporated organisations can pledge their assets. Peter Alderdice, considers the restrictions that apply under section 46 of the new Act including the practical issues that arise for lenders when deciding whether to take a statutory pledge from an individual or unincorporated organisation.

In this article, Fiona McKerrell and Kirsty Fryer discuss some of the potential challenges which Scottish businesses operating in the hospitality and leisure sector may face in 2024.  First published in: The Scotsman 

New guidance has been outlined for judges to help them navigate the use of AI in their roles.

Scotland has introduced a new tax band. More than ever it’s important to understand who is a Scottish taxpayer and what income this tax will apply to.