Knowledge

The issue of riparian rights is a complex and, at times, confusing area of law that is becoming increasingly important for developers and land owners alike. It is also an area in which there is likely to be possible reform in the future. In this article Elaine Brailsford, a Partner in our rural disputes team, takes a dive into the murky legal waters of riparian rights. 

This insightful webinar addresses the laws on wildlife crime and sheep worrying, and is accompanied by an in-depth article addressing potential remedies for when sheep and livestock worrying occurs.

In 2019 the Scottish Government recorded 236 reports of wildlife crime over a 12-month period. In this insightful webinar Elaine Brailsford and Stephanie Hepburn examine the laws on wildlife crime and sheep worrying, accompanied by an in-depth article focusing wildlife crime and vicarious liability for the harming of wild birds.

The use of electronic signatures is becoming increasingly popular, particularly in commercial transactions. In this article, we take a look at what is meant by electronic signature under Scots law, some of the risks involved and points to bear in mind when considering electronic signing.

Can we park the issue of whether Scots law recognises a standalone servitude to park vehicles? What can be done when someone is parking unlawfully on land or on a right of access? Our rural disputes experts take a closer look at these key issues, and how the landmark case of Moncrieff v Jamieson has influenced recent decisions in this area.

Moving to a new country can be a daunting prospect, particularly if you are also contemplating setting up your own business. Keir Willox, a corporate Partner in our Aberdeen office, discusses some of the most important aspects to consider and how our International Families Group can help.

The Scottish Land Court has approved a varied Scheme for Development to allow part of the Viking Wind Farm on Shetland to be built on land subject to crofting tenure.

Ewan MacLeod, Partner in Shepherd and Wedderburn’s planning team and a member of the firm’s Clean Energy Group, discusses the latest Programme for Government.

Pubs and restaurants in Scotland must comply with more rigorous requirements to collect contact information about visitors to their premises. 

Andrew Hall, Shepherd and Wedderburn’s Head of Housebuilding, shares his views.

The Technology and Construction Court has reinforced that in construction projects an employer must “pay now, argue later”, and while the court stopped short of striking out a subsequent claim where the employer had attempted the opposite, it refused to allow the employer’s claim to proceed pending payment.

Scotland’s farms are ripe for low-carbon practices while woodland is both a climate-friendly and tax-efficient investment.

Why are we not treating climate change like the pandemic?

Scotland will need to take urgent action to achieve its aim of achieving a 75% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 in order to meet its 2045 net zero target.

Does your construction business know if it is “cheating or competing”? According to research conducted on behalf of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), only 6% of firms in the construction centre are familiar with how competition law operates.

The forestry industry can play a vital role in the ‘green recovery’ from COVID-19 with its ability to support wind farms, grow locally-sourced sustainable timber and provide carbon offsetting services, writes Stuart Greenwood, a Partner in our rural property and infrastructure team.

As the world grapples with the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, governments are seeking to identify those industry sectors best placed to help drive investment and employment opportunities.

Five top tips for UK employers operating group life trusts, whether registered or excepted.

The Supreme Court judgment in Bresco Electrical Services Ltd v Michael J Lonsdale (Electrical) Ltd has clarified the interplay between adjudication and the process of insolvency set-off.