Scottish Arbitration Centre hosts training day for arbitrators

The Scottish Arbitration Centre has held its fourth annual arbitrator training day. The event, which was sponsored by Hill International and supported by RICS Scotland, took place at the Centre on Princes Street overlooking Edinburgh Castle.

Around 50 delegates from various professions attended the event, including delegates from outwith Scotland.

Leading practitioners provided an update on developments in arbitration and related case law and gave guidance on practical aspects. Sir David Edward QC, honorary president of the Centre, provided the keynote speech, which including an update on the work of the Centre. In a wide-ranging speech he discussed his experience of international arbitration and thoughts on current thinking on the medium.

The Rt Hon Lord Carloway, the Lord President of the Court of Session, gave the view from the Court.

Sheila Webster of Davidson Chalmers, provided the main presentation on Scottish arbitration and best practice, drawing on her years on experience in numerous arbitration cases.

Lindy Patterson QC of CMS Cameron McKenna, and a member of the Centre’s Arbitral Appointment Committee, provided a useful insight into international arbitration, referring to her experience in various international disputes.

David Anderson of Shepherd and Wedderburn provided a short talk on arbitration in construction matters and introduced the afternoon workshops. David and Janey Milligan of Construction Dispute Resolution, a director of the Centre, then facilitated the workshops they had developed, which resulted in a stimulating interactive discussion on various issues which can arise in an arbitration.

Brandon Malone, chairman of the Centre and the event, made a presentation on the Centre’s recent success in winning the International Council for Commercial Arbitration Congress for Edinburgh in 2020.

Andrew Mackenzie, chief executive of the Centre, said: “We are delighted to have hosted another successful arbitrator training day.

“Despite our focus on Scottish arbitration and best practice, we managed to attract delegates from outwith Scotland, such as Fiona Sinclair QC from 4 New Square, Ravi Aswani from St Philips Stone Chambers and Seguimundo Navarro from Madrid, who all enjoyed learning about the Scottish system and sharing experiences in international cases.

“We are particularly pleased that we continue to attract a mix of professionals to this event, with advocates, solicitors, surveyors and accountants exchanging experiences in best practice.

“Our training day continues to demonstrate the interest from Scottish and other professionals in this developing industry.”