News

Paula Jefferson Following a consultation last year which received 35 written responses a very short draft bill has been produced by the Scottish government which promises to make significant changes to the current ability for victims and survivors of abuse to bring claims for damages, writes Paula J

Two men have been charged with wildlife offences after the BBC obtained footage of a fox hunt in the Scottish Borders. The news comes as campaigners claim the ban on fox hunting with dogs is routinely flouted while supporters say they take care to abide by the law.

Plans have been revealed for a new jail at Milton of Leys in Inverness. The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) has notified Highland Council of its plan to potentially submit a formal planning application for an area of land in the Braes of Balvonie area.

Lawyer of the Year - John McGovern

The prosecution of three women on brothel-keeping charges collapsed after the chief investigating officer refused to give evidence on medical grounds that were discussed in secret, The Guardian reports. Manchester Crown Court heard that the charges will lie on file.

The man found guilty of the “World’s End” murders has had his appeal against sentence refused. Angus Sinclair, who was convicted in 2014 of raping and murdering teenagers Helen Scott and Christine Eadie in 1977, argued that the punishment part of 37 years – the “longest in Scotland to date

(L-R): Alistair Dean and Murray McCall

A framework for the devolution of the Employment Tribunal system in Scotland has been criticised by the Faculty of Advocates. Changes under a Draft Order in Council could deny claimants access to tribunals in Scotland, and give the impression that Scotland was second best in a two-tier system in Bri

New legislation is needed to better protect consumers and allow the Scottish legal services market to thrive, the Law Society of Scotland has said. Publishing a detailed prospectus which it has presented to the Scottish government on the need for change, the professional body for Scottish solicitors

Michael Livingston Michael Livingston has been elected chairman of Maclay Murray & Spens LLP (MMS), following banking partner Robert Laing's decision to retire after 32 years at the firm. Elected in 2010, Mr Laing is set to hand over the reins on 1 June.

The House of Lords EU Committee has invited the UK government to articulate the positive benefits of EU membership, clearly presented to the public, "rather than playing on the fear of the alternative". It welcomes the government’s new emphasis on the UK’s geopolitical role as part of the EU, an

Graham Murray

The application process for some lending on land and property in Scotland will change from 1 April 2016 as a new trigger to support the completion of theLand Register of Scotland is activated. The historic deeds-based General Register of Sasines will close to standard securities on April 1 and, as a

The dispute resolution team at MBM Commercial beat stiff competition from CMS, Shoosmiths, and Thompsons to win Litigation Team of the Year at this year's Scott + Co Scottish Legal Awards.