Opinion

With the Scottish government’s Housing Bill moving through Holyrood, one question keeps coming up in conversations with landlords: is it still worth it? Nicky Lloyd, head of lettings at ESPC, considers the bill. The private rented sector in Scotland has always played a vital role in providing

UK hospitality businesses could be unwittingly landed in hot water by guests when the Employment Rights Bill comes into force next year, writes Robin Turnbull. Most employers are aware of the ‘headline’ provisions of the bill, like rights to claim unfair dismissal from day one and guaran

Brian Inkster discusses the continued failure to implement alternative business structures in Scotland. Alternative business structures (ABS) in Scotland being kicked into the long grass was a possibility raised yesterday. This was at an online event organised by the Law Society of Scotland: 'Policy

As the use of Botox in online hacks and challenges grows, Derek Couper warns people to be sure of exactly what they’re getting into – and the dangers of not doing so While Botox has been increasing in its use for some time among image conscious people who want to look their best, the inf

Scotland is set to be the first UK nation to introduce detailed regulation of non-surgical cosmetic procedures, write Duncan Batchelor and Claire Raftery. In May, the Scottish government announced plans to introduce a non-surgical cosmetic procedures bill during the current session of the Scottish P

Millions of people involved in running UK businesses will be required to verify their identity with Companies House from the middle of November, writes Gary Gray. The identity verification requirements form part of a suite of strengthened corporate governance and transparency measures being implemen

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

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.

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

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