Opinion

A new Scottish government paper has put fresh evidence and practical proposals behind the argument that an immigration system designed around UK-wide averages cannot adequately respond to Scotland’s economy, geography or communities, writes Kelly Hardman. If the next phase of UK politics is ge

The UK’s onshore wind fleet – one of the country’s greatest energy success stories – is approaching a critical juncture. Recent discussions featuring developers, consultants, energy analysts and legal practitioners at industry showcases have underlined the growing case for re

Two decisions handed down within a month of each other have brought the permission stage in Scottish group proceedings into much sharper focus, write Mark Gibson and Paola Sproul. In McKenzie v Covidien LP [2026] CSOH 48, Lady Haldane granted both permission to bring group proceedings and authorisat

This week the Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland celebrates ‘Interntional Right to Know Day’.  Protecting and strengthening the right to official information in Scotland should be a priority, both as a defensive as well as proactive measure to address fake news and prov

Julie Scott-Gilroy and Lauren McLaughlin of MFMac – co-sponsors of the Scottish Construction Summit 2026 on 22 October – share what the construction industry should know when progressing works under a construction contract. Notices are an important part of contract administration in cons

AI-powered fraud is exposing Scottish businesses to increasingly sophisticated deepfake scams that can bypass traditional cybersecurity defences, writes James McGachie. A director joins a video call with the chief financial officer and several senior colleagues. An urgent series of transfers is requ

In an extended article for Scottish Legal News, Dean of Faculty Roddy Dunlop KC warns that corroboration has now been effectively abolished in the wake of HM Advocate v PK. For centuries, the requirement of corroboration has been regarded as one of the cardinal principles of the criminal law of Scot

UK companies should urgently check that directors and people with significant control (PSCs) have completed identity verification steps required for each of their roles as the Companies House transition period enters its final months, writes Gary Gray. New identity verification requirements to help

The days of offering a quick cosmetic treatment from the spare room, beauty salon or a client’s home could soon be numbered, writes Arlene Dunbar. From September 2027, Scotland’s aesthetics industry will face a significant regulatory shake-up, bringing a range of non-surgical cosmetic pr

As an expert witness, I am often asked what instructing solicitors value most. My answer is clarity, confidence and a well‑reasoned opinion. Those expectations are entirely reasonable. But recent Scottish judgments suggest that an expert’s credibility depends on demonstrating independence th

The United States has confirmed that it has deployed a weapon in space. While details are scarce, what are the legalities around such a move? Dr Alexander Simmonds, an expert in space law at the University of Dundee, takes a look. The positioning of a space weapon in Earth orbit by the United States

Revised guidance settles a key question over how the aggregates tax exemption applies to construction and infrastructure projects, writes Bryn Reynolds. Construction companies that excavate rock, gravel or sand as a necessary part of laying foundations for houses or other building projects in Scotla

Each year, universities welcome thousands of new students. While attention is often focused on academic transition and student welfare, less consideration is given to the legal consequences that can arise when criminal allegations are made against students, writes Neil Hay. Increasingly, allegations

The decline of legal representation in the sheriff court risks increasing costs and delays, while placing represented litigants at an unfair disadvantage, writes Andrew Stevenson. Recent research by HM Courts & Tribunal Service showed that over a third of civil actions and nearly half of private

The latest start-up data paints a highly encouraging picture for Scotland's innovation economy, writes Pamela Bryer. While overall UK company incorporations have moderated, Scotland has emerged as the strongest-performing region for new business formation, with start-up activity increasing by around