News

The Upper Tribunal for Scotland refused an appeal against a decision of the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber), which had rejected the tenant’s claim after finding that he requested the arrangement.  ‘Pre-payment agreement’

Issues have been identified by the Faculty of Advocates in a planned new system to allow complainers in sexual offence cases to refer themselves for forensic examination. The Forensic Medical Services (Victims of Sexual Offences) (Scotland) Bill transfers responsibility for examination and rete

A photographer who said his reputation has been damaged in a fight over a nude photoshoot at a castle in Aberdeenshire has failed in an attempt to take the case to the Supreme Court. Howard Kennedy had wanted to sue the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) for up to £50,000 after claiming stateme

No low-skilled workers will be awarded visas from January 2021 under the UK's proposed post-Brexit immigration system, unveiled today by Home Secretary Priti Patel. The points-based system will see applicants assigned points based on specific skills, qualifications, salaries or professions, and visa

Andrew Stevenson has been appointed secretary of the Scottish Law Agents Society and will take up the role later this month. Mr Stevenson, a solicitor advocate and former president of the Glasgow Bar Association, told SLN: "I am delighted to be taking on the role as secretary and look forward to see

Sarah Alexander discusses the case of Babcock Marine (Clyde) Ltd v HS Barrier Coatings Ltd [2019] CSOH 110 and its impact on what an adjudicator needs to do if they use other people (like a QS) when preparing their decision. In December 2019, Scottish Construction Now published an article by Ki

The International Bar Association (IBA) has published a model statute aimed at helping citizens launch legal challenges against governments for failing to take action over climate change. The Model Statute for Proceedings Challenging Government Failure to Act on Climate Change was launched in London

Some of Scotland’s most experienced lawyers working in the field of EU citizens rights will be speaking at a seminar in Edinburgh next month. The seminar aims to provide lawyers and others with essential training and updates about the rights that EU citizens in Scotland now have after Brexit.

A 60-year-old pigeon fancier has been fined for shooting and killing a sparrowhawk. Duncan Cowan, from Cowie in Stirlingshire was fined £450 after pleading guilty to a charge under section 1(1)(a) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 at Stirling Sheriff Court.

The climate emergency has risen to the top of the UK’s political agenda in recent years, with green issues set to become one of the biggest political hot potatoes of the decade. Last year, the UK legislated for net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This was recommended by the Committee on

The Boy Scouts of America has filed for bankruptcy as it faces legal challenges over thousands of allegations of sexual abuse. The 110-year-old body lodged papers at a court in Delaware as it attempts to negotiate a compensation plan for abuse victims.

A prisoner who was denied toilet paper for nearly three days apparently suffered no violation of his rights. Three inmates at a prison in the US state of Delaware brought a lawsuit after being forced to use newspaper for two-and-a-half days last August.

A man found guilty of murdering his friend after causing him to fall down a flight of stairs and repeatedly kicking and stamping on his head and body has successfully appealed against his conviction. Ralph Goldie was convicted of killing Jeremy Paradine following a drunken fight in a flat he sh

Lord Woolman has been appointed to the Inner House of the Court of Session. The judge has been appointed to the Second Division while Lord Pentland and Lord Doherty will also be appointed to the Inner House and will begin sitting in July and December respectively.

A new judge has honoured his late mother by taking her maiden name for his title, Lord Harrower. Sean Smith QC was sworn in as a Senator of the College of Justice at a ceremony led by Lord Carloway, the Lord President in Parliament House.