Opinion

The Scottish Budget for 2016-17, announced by John Swinney, contains a cut of a third in the Accountant in Bankruptcy budget. David Menzies examines how this will impact its services. The Scottish Government draft budget for 2016-17 has been announced by Finance Secretary John Swinney. While many of

Joanna Cherry QC MP Joanna Cherry QC MP reminds us that the UK has set standards for the world in safeguarding human rights and that ensuring those rights apply to everyone is not a mere inconvenience but is fundamentally necessary in a country that wishes to be governed by the rule of law.

Karin Bousie Karin Bousie gives some timely advice on giving gifts for Christmas… without falling foul of the inheritance tax rules.

Simon Allison Simon Allison discusses the perils of the office Christmas party including the alcohol-induced Public Display of (office) Affection.

David Menzies The UK government response to a call for evidence on collective redundancy consultation in insolvency situations provides little clarity on the way forward, writes David Menzies.

Alan Meek The recent case of BIS v Smith, Peto and Wright serves as a reminder of the requirements for handling collective redundancies writes Alan Meek.

David Gourlay David Gourlay provides an update on data sharing agreements following the demise of Safe Harbor in the wake of the ECJ's Schrems ruling.

Fiona McAllister With the new Trade Mark Directive, published by the Council of the EU in June 2015, expected to be given a stamp of approval any time now, businesses should start thinking about reviewing their current levels of protection and consider whether anything further is required says Fiona

Ian Maxwell Ian Maxwell discusses changes enacted this week to the family court system.

Ben Bestgen With the rise of using social media for brand-recognition and brand-promotion purposes, many clients wonder if a logo or slogan that starts with or includes a "#" can be trademark-protected says Ben Bestgen .

Lindsay Urquhart Lindsay Urquhart follows up on her first Safe Harbour blog.

Lindsay Urquhart Lindsay Urquhart discusses the consequences for companies of the ECJ's Safe Harbour ruling.

Alan Delaney Alan Delaney of Maclay, Murray & Spens LLP (MMS) writes on recent announcements about parental leave for grandparents.

Dr Cyrus Tata With the Scottish government consulting on an extension of the presumption against short prison sentences, Dr Cyrus Tata looks at the reasons behind the appeal of imprisonment.

Laura Irvine Laura Irvine writes on the importance of complying with the Data Protection Act 1998.