News

The publication yesterday of the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) Interim Report on the derailment of a passenger train at Carmont, Aberdeenshire, last August offers more questions than answers, writes Lisa Gregory. Despite the huge advances we have seen in road safety, workplace safet

Margaret Taylor speaks to Julia McPartlin, president of the newly formed Scottish Solicitors Bar Association, on the crisis that has led to its formation. After years of pleading with the Scottish government to raise legal aid fees, by the end of last year Scotland’s criminal defence lawy

Dr Kath Murray, Lucy Hunter Blackburn and Lisa Mackenzie of MurrayBlackburnMackenzie cast a critical eye over the Yogyakarta principles. Launched last week, the Scottish Green Party manifesto sets out a commitment to "enshrining the Yogyakarta human rights principles into Scots law", as pa

Businesses that fail to provide for employees’ retirement are storing up a potential staffing crisis according to a new report on the challenges facing boards in dealing with pension liabilities. An ethical approach to investing in pensions and eradicating the gender pensions gap were among a

As it continues to grow its track record of contributions to Scotland’s renewables mission, the offshore wind sector is currently making all the right headlines, writes Kelly Hardman. Amid the positive news, however, anyone with knowledge of sustainable business success will tell you it p

US law firms are continuing to grow their bases in the UK, particularly London, in spite of Brexit, new figures suggest. The total number of lawyers working in the UK at firms headquartered in the US rose by 22 per cent over the four years from 2016 to 2020, while the number of partners rose by 19 p

Burges Salmon's application to join the values-led partnership between government and business in Scotland has been formally accepted. Burges Salmon has become a signatory to the Scottish Business Pledge, marking a commitment to helping to support fairness, equality, opportunity and innovation in Sc

Scullion LAW has launched its annual free will writing service in support of end of life charity, Marie Curie. Throughout the partnership, which has already seen 1,000 people leave a gift to the charity as a result of the free will writing scheme, almost £250,000 pledges have been made since 2

A celebrity psychic who said he lost his powers after a car accident is facing a £100,000 legal bill after a judge ruled he had been "fundamentally dishonest" in his claim for compensation. Maurice Amdur said an injury sustained in a collision six years ago left him unable to concentrate enoug

A commercial judge in the Outer House of the Court of Session has allowed a proof in an action raised by a centuries-old Aberdeen society against five of its members to recover money said to have been wrongly paid to them. The Shore Porters’ Society of Aberdeen, as well as three members of its

The Crown Office has published data on the Covid deaths in care homes that have been reported to it. The prosecution service was considering at least 3,400 deaths linked to Covid-19 as of 8 April.

The SNP has promised to consult on splitting the dual role of the Lord Advocate if returned to power after next month's election. In its manifesto, the party pledges to "consult on whether the dual functions of [the Lord Advocate], as head of the independent prosecution service and principal legal a

Four solicitors have combined to establish a new legal firm based in Glasgow city centre.  Stacy Campbell, Maureen Matheson, Fraser Morrison and Alan McKee have launched McKee Campbell Morrison (MCM), a law firm specialising in corporate, commercial and residential property, private client, dis

Scots law has had – and continues to have – many influences, from ancient Rome to the modern-day parliaments and courts. European, UK and Scottish legislation all continue to play a part in Scots law albeit that Brexit has greatly diminished the European influence in terms of new EU laws

The SNP has pledged to establish a register of judicial interests if it returns to power. Scotland's judiciary has long opposed the creation of any such register. The incumbent Lord President, Lord Carloway, has warned in the past that such a register would deter applicants to the bench.