News

Jamie Kerr Significant changes to the way UK tourist visas are issued to people from China will provide a huge boost to Britain’s economy, according to one immigration lawyer.

John Swinney The UK government's Scotland Bill amendments fail to deliver on the Smith Commission proposals according to Deputy First Minister John Swinney.

Gordon Buchan

Joe Fitzpatrick The Scottish government has reversed its intention not to extend the freedom of information (FOI) legislation to housing associations.

The Gambling Commission has published an update to its advice note – "The Role of Authorised Persons – Scotland". The commission was set up under the Gambling Act 2005 to regulate commercial gambling in Great Britain in partnership with licensing authorities.

David Menzies Scottish laws on insolvency are to be brought together into one piece of legislation for the first time in a generation as the new Bankruptcy (Scotland) Bill is introduced to the Scottish Parliament.

From left: Geoff Begg (president of HRFC), Ewan Stafford (Harper Macleod) and Andy Little (chairman, HRFC)

Lord Kinclaven Pupils from schools across Ayrshire have been cited to attend court this week, and will be given the chance to take the law into their own hands.

Lord Carloway A man accused of sodomising a child who claimed the alleged offence arose from the same incident for which he was previously acquitted has had a “plea in bar of trial” appeal refused.

John Macmillan MacRoberts has had another successful year, with increased profits, turnover and seven new partners.

Marco Biagi Couples who have a civil partnership registered abroad or elsewhere in the UK can now marry in Scotland following an extension to existing legislation.

A lawyer jailed for fraud has been made the subject of a confiscation order for £7,500 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court. Mark Strachan, 56, must pay the order on top of the £11,663.80 he has already paid the Scottish Legal Aid Board (SLAB)

Members of the public and interested organisations are being asked whether they think a bill to create a register of lobbying activity in Scotland is necessary and desirable. The call for views from the Scottish Parliament’s Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments(SPPA) Committee follows the

Morna Simpkins Cheap drugs could change the lives of those suffering from illnesses such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and breast cancer if the law is changed according to top doctors who have called on Scottish MPs to support a new bill going through Parliament next week.