The nomination is in recognition of the centre launching all-female initial panels of domestic and international arbitrators, in advance of moving to gender parity on the panels.

GAR is an arbitration news platform, providing its readers with updates five days a week, original surveys and annual reports, and in-depth coverage of issues that are being faced by the arbitration community. Every year GAR also hold the GAR Awards, which are awards to recognise exceptional achievement by individuals or firms in a range of topics.

The centre launched its own arbitration rules in September 2022, becoming the first Scottish administrative body offering administrative services with support from the centre’s Registrar, Duncan Bagshaw, and under the oversight of the Court of the Scottish Arbitration Centre (COSAC).

In May 2023, the centre launched an initial panel of invited arbitrators, both domestic and international. The initial domestic (Scotland) panel is as follows:

• Shona Frame
• Janey Milligan
• Susanne Tanner KC
• Sheila Webster

Lord Glennie, chairman of the board of the centre, said: “I am delighted that the centre has again been recognised by GAR and that our progressive approach has been endorsed by the ERA Pledge leadership. For the centre to be repeatedly listed amongst nominees by GAR at its prestigious awards ceremony illustrates our prominent position within the international arbitration community. We continue to ensure Scotland and the centre has a powerful voice on the international stage.”

Andrew Mackenzie, CEO of the centre, added: “In addition to our nomination for the GAR ERA Pledge Award, keynote speeches given at our new annual international arbitration event, the Edinburgh International Arbitration Festival (Arbfest2023), have also been nominated for GAR Awards. Keynote speakers Justin D’Agostino MH, Global CEO of Herbert Smith Freehill, and Carita Wallgren-Lindholm, independent arbitrator, have also been recognised by GAR, demonstrating the high-quality nature of ArbFest2023.”

The GAR Awards will be held in Paris on the 21 March 2024 during Paris Arbitration Week.