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Statistics indicating that those with severe and terminal health conditions were twice as likely to take their own lives have prompted calls for a change in the law from assisted dying campaigners. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) found that the suicide rates for people with cancers with low

New figures from the Scottish government show that there were 9,842 recorded cases of violent crime in 2021-22, the highest level in more than a decade. The number of sexual crimes recorded by police in 2021/22 stood at 14,556, a 15 per cent increase on the previous year.

Clyde & Co has announced the promotion of 23 equity partners across its global network, including Andrew Tolmie in Edinburgh. The promoted partners represent each of the firm’s core sectors and each of its regions. There are 14 promotions in insurance, five in projects & construction,

Plans for future legislation are part of the Scottish government’s official response to the independent working group on misogyny. A new bill to deal with misogyny is being considered by Scottish ministers as part of these proposals.

An Aberdeen sheriff has found that the death of a Croatian man who died at sea while attempting to paint a ship could have been avoided had appropriate safety measures been taken. Pjero Kurida had been employed on an offshore supply ship, the Athina, then owned by ER Offshore GmbH. He died in hospit

The closing date for the Faculty of Advocates’ scholarship programmes for 2023 is the end of April, so anyone keen to access funding to support them while devilling must apply soon. In addition to providing financial assistance, the scholarships are also aimed at promoting and encouraging dive

New approaches to protecting and restoring nature are the theme of recent publications by NatureScot and the (UK government) Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs, writes Neil Collar. The availability and shortcomings of legal tools are key factors in achieving those objectives.

A family's new puppy has turned into a profitable investment after digging up valuable gold coins on his first walk. Ollie, a young lagotto romagnolo, well known as truffle hunters, dug up 15 sovereign coins valued at £5,943.96 when taken for a walk near Blackpool in northern England, The Time

Solicitor Aamer Anwar has claimed the Spanish government used Israeli spy software to hack his phone. Mr Anwar acted for Clara Ponsatí, who was was charged in Spain with sedition for her role in Catalonia's independence referendum in 2017, in an extradition case that was later dropped.

Following the upcoming retirements of Sheriff Principal Mhairi Stephen and Sheriff Principal Duncan Murray, the Lord President has appointed Sheriff Principal Marysia Lewis as president of the Sheriff Appeal Court and Sheriff Principal Craig Turnbull as vice-president. The appointments are effective

Gateley, which in 2015 became the first law firm to be listed on the stock market, has bought a firm of chartered surveyors in a £20 million deal. The firm has acquired Smithers Purslow, which has a presence in Scotland. It is described as a “multi-disciplinary chartered surveying practi

Pinsent Masons has significantly increased its rewards package for entry-level lawyers by boosting starting salaries by £16,000. Newly qualified (NQ) lawyers offered positions in the firm’s three Scottish offices will receive salaries of £61,000 – a 35.5 per cent increase on

Duncan Love has been elected as president of the Society of Advocates in Aberdeen. At the society’s annual general meeting Ken MacDonald, a partner at Brodies, passed the presidency on to Mr Love, who is a partner at James & George Collie. Martin Sinclair of Mackinnons and Neil Smith of Bu

England should follow in the footsteps of Scotland and Wales and ban smacking, the children's commissioner has said. Dame Rachel de Souza said she was supportive of changing the law and was "against violence of any kind against children".

Businesses with a UK turnover of less than £10 million will be removed from the scope of the UK's merger control regime, the government has announced. Under the "small merger safe harbour", mergers will be exempted from review by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) where each party's U