Features

Scotland has never quite had an artist like John Bellany, and probably never will again. Correction: delete ‘probably’. His work has had a force and an impact which few of his generation could replicate, and he was so doggedly sui generis that we must hesitate to classify him as simply S

Allan Pinkerton (born Glasgow 1819 – died Chicago 1884) has a complex legacy. Some recall with pride that the Scot was the founder of the Pinkerton National Detective Agency. In short, Pinkerton pioneered the enforcement of law and order on the American frontier, upheld principles of gender eq

The Land Reform (Scotland) Bill, aimed at reforming the law relating to 'large landholdings' and leases of rural land, has progressed to its final stage in the Scottish Parliament, following significant amendments during the stage two process, writes Rona Macdonald. Over 500 amendments were submitte

Dear Editor, Sheriff Principal Abercrombie’s review of the fatal accident system is to be welcomed. In my view, there are aspects of the system which cry out for such a review. The main problem, as I see it, is delay for which, sometimes, there is no explanation.

Harper Macleod's Bobby Murray warns consumers of the serious implications of a significant Scottish court ruling on health insurance. On 25 June, Lord Sandison issued a detailed and very interesting decision in a long-running case. 

W​ith modern slavery and people trafficking on the rise, we must stay vigilant in Scotland, writes Sheriff Maryam Labaki. There’s a brand-new Scottish musical coming to Glasgow this August, based on a remarkable story drawn straight from our legal past.

"Take that, sir. By God, sir, you shall more of this yet!,” cried Scottish banker George Morgan as he struck a merchant on the head with his umbrella. The incensed victim, David Landale, replied through the crisp Kirkcaldy air in measured breaths: "You are a coward, sir, a poor, silly coward."

As Scotland consults upon its minimum marriage age, Caroline Gillespie, family law partner at Weightmans, suggests that the country must also consider aligning its legal definition of a child with the UNCRC to ensure meaningful safeguarding. In 2024, Scotland became the first UK nation to bring the

Douglas Ross KC reviews the latest instalment in Philippe Sands KC's "loose trilogy". Philippe Sands KC is a leading public international lawyer who has moved beyond the realm of practitioner/academic by writing a series of books based on themes of international law and justice aimed at a wider audi

The Gallagher brothers furnish perhaps the most famous example of workplace conflict – but what are the costs of simmering resentments between colleagues? Noele McClelland explains. With Oasis due imminently to take to the stage for its much-awaited reunion gigs at Murrayfield (August 8, 9 and

Steph Innes considers the merits of Geographical Indication protection following a victory for Scotch whisky in South America. Last month, Scotch whisky became the first-ever foreign product to gain Geographical Indication (GI) status in Argentina. Products labelled as Scotch whisky in Argentina wil

Sheriff Reid's determination in the fatal accident inquiry into the death of Shea Ryan makes various recommendations to the HSE that may have an impact on the construction industry. Karen Railton highlights the key details of the sheriff's decision. 10-year-old Shea Ryan and some friends entere

Employers back ethnicity and disability pay gap reporting, but more preparation is needed ahead of the entry into force of mandatory reporting requirements, writes Susannah Donaldson. Pinsent Masons asked clients for their say on the introduction of reporting requirements to aid our response to the

Earlier this year, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) issued reprimand notices to two Scottish local authorities – Glasgow City Council and City of Edinburgh Council – relating to widespread delays in responding to Subject Access Requests (SARs), writes Amy Haughton. SARs

As a summer of horrors unfolds in Gaza, the International Bar Association's Human Rights Institute (Mark Stephens CBE, IBAHRI co-chair, Hina Jilani, IBAHRI co-chair and Baroness Helena Kennedy LT KC, IBAHRI director) asks the international community: if not now, when will it be time to act? Death, s