Insight Hub

• 31 May 2023
• | Neil Fraser

What does the New Homes Quality Code mean for developers?

A friend recently bought a new-build house. It was only after the first heavy rain that she realised that something was not right. An architect acquaintance confirmed to her that, no, the back door should not be flush with the back garden which sloped downhill towards it, and while there was indeed a damp proof course installed, it was below ground level.

• 23 May 2023
• | Gillian Harkness-McKinlay

Charities (Regulation and Administration) (Scotland) Bill – what you need to know

The Scottish Government introduced its Charities (Regulation and Administration) (Scotland) Bill (the “Bill”) on 15th November 2022. It seeks to make important changes to the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 (the “2005 Act”), the legislation under which the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) was established.

• 23 May 2023
• | Gillian Harkness-McKinlay
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Giving Nature a voice: How on earth does that work?

Faith in Nature is the first company in the world to appoint Nature on it's board. This article covers the legalities and logistics of this concept, how the approach could be perceived and an insight to businesses' obligations towards thinking green.

• 22 May 2023
• | Douglas McLachlan

Data Protection and Digital Information Bill (No.2) – What Charities Need to Know

Reform of data protection law has been firmly on the UK Government’s agenda in recent years, and, following Brexit, is being presented as an opportunity to move away from some of the less popular elements of the EU’s regime towards a business-friendly, “common-sense-led” approach.

• 22 May 2023
• | Robin Turnbull

Challenges ahead for Scotland’s independent schools

Independent schools in Scotland are facing significant cost pressures. There could be more to come. Depending on which political party succeeds in the next General Election, their charitable status may be removed, meaning an extra 20% VAT charge would be payable on school fees.

• Date: 20 June 2023

Scottish Referrals Network: The impacts of incapacity

This webinar took place on Tuesday 20 June and explored the topic of incapacity and how it impacts on Private Client and Court Practitioners. The event covered issues and solutions relating to individuals who are incapable, alongside their families who are looking to navigate the legal system.

• Date: 13 June 2023

Club HR: Managing mental health and stress in the workplace

This webinar took place on Tuesday 13 June and explored the topic of mental health in the workplace. The event identified related issues around this topic.

• 12 May 2023
• | Alice Tait

Scottish Ministers extend the deadline for registration in the Register of Persons Holding a Controlled Interest in Land; are you affected?

Recent legislation has seen a significant shift in the approach to property ownership in Scotland, with greater emphasis being placed on community ownership and public transparency. As part of this agenda, a key change was the introduction of the Register of Persons Holding a Controlled Interest in Land – known as the RCI ­– which came into force in Scotland on 1 April last year.

• 9 May 2023
• | Mandy Armstrong

Additional support needs in schools: understanding your responsibilities

With the numbers of Scottish pupils identified as having an additional support need rising, it is more important than ever for schools to be aware of their obligations in relation to additional support needs. 

• 2 May 2023
• | Karen Craig

Private residential sector changes – what do they mean for you?

Our private residential sector has seen widespread changes over the last five years and the latest instalment is no different. The creation of the Cost of Living (Protection of Tenants) (Scotland) Act 2022 has involved amending various acts and contains a variety of new provisions. We’re here to help you navigate it and understand what it means for you.

• 27 April 2023

Record quarter at Anderson Strathern signals a strong year for Scottish investments

• 27 April 2023
• | Chris McDowall

Navigating the generation game in the workplace

Admit it. If you’re old enough to remember buying music on CD, you’ve probably given side-eye to that 20-something in the office who is "working" with earbuds in while also tapping frantically on their smartphone.