Shepherd and Wedderburn

We're delighted to have acted for Port of Ardersier (Haventus) in the drafting and promotion of a statutory order under the Pilotage Act 1967, to allow Port of Ardersier to acquire pilotage powers in addition to its existing statutory harbour powers. The order comes into force in January 2025. This matter involved consultation with specified third parties as well as public advertisement of the order, which is only the second order of its kind since devolution. This order means that when the port opens to shipping, the port can make a direction whereby certain vessels entering the port may only do so with a port pilot embarked. This aims to avoid any damage to the port or any blockage to the navigation of the port. The work was carried out by Jamie Grant assisted by Alison H., well done.

We are excited to share that we are sponsoring and exhibiting at the Scottish Renewables Offshore Conference 2025 on 22 and 23 January at the SEC in Glasgow. Clare Foster, Partner and Head of Clean Energy, will also be chairing the “Finding Funding – from pitches to riches” session on unlocking the investment plans of ambitious supply chain businesses. 💡 This session brings together key figures from the supply chain and finance community to delve into what it’s really like to get from business plan to deployment. If you’re attending the conference, see more information below – this session is not to be missed 👇 #offshorewind #SROFFSHORE25

In November, we hosted our annual innovation event – Spark Month. This year's event set new records, with over 50% of our colleagues attending seminars and workshops focused on continuous improvement, collaboration, and leveraging technology (and even more participating in related initiatives). Led by Lynn Beaumont, Steve Dalgleish, and David Chalmers, Spark Month generates a significant wave of energy and enthusiasm for transforming the way we deliver our services. We are thrilled to see another extensive array of projects already in motion to further enhance our efficiency and the work we deliver. We would like to extend our thanks to everyone who participated in Spark Month, with a special mention to our expert speakers (pictured below): Emma Guthrie, Alannah O’Hara, Donna Thompson, Claire McCarte, Laura Barron (née Rennie), Edward Fitzgerald, Suzan Caldwell, Fiona McKerrell, Serena Evelyn Weir, Nicole Hazaz, Chris Magennis, Rhys Hodkinson, Derek Southall, James Beck, Ailsa Mapplebeck, Pamela Sealey, Sharon Martin, and Lindsey Cox.

It’s been a turbulent few years in the Scottish property market for both buyers and sellers but the waters seemed to have calmed in 2024. In this article in The Scotsman, Phil Harris, Director in our residential property team, reflects on this year and considers the year ahead.

Port infrastructure is crucial for the development of Scotland’s offshore wind potential. Over the last year we’ve seen a range of new port infrastructure developments – but are things progressing quickly enough? Partner and Head of Clean Energy Clare Foster and Partner Jamie Grant have been featured in The Business, where they discuss recent shifts in the ports sector and what it means for Scotland’s offshore wind ambition.

Historically, family farms have enjoyed an exemption from Inheritance Tax. The latest budget, however, marks a move away from Agricultural and Business Property Reliefs, creating what is sure to be a significant impact on farming communities. Solicitor Erin Ryan (née Ross) and Partner Douglas Sinclair explain to The Business the recent change and its potential sticking points. 

We are so proud to share that our very own Kirsty Headden, Partner in pensions, and Carly Duckett, Senior Solicitor in commercial disputes and regulation, have been featured in The Business' 25 Women in Law to Watch in 2025! Huge congratulations to you both, we can't wait to see what you do next! 👏

On 26 October 2023, the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCT Act) received Royal Assent. Through a broad range of measures, it aims to strengthen the UK’s response to economic crime, prevent abuse of the UK economy, and support enterprise. The ECCT Act contains a number of different measures to prevent and tackle economic crime, including the new failure to prevent fraud offence. In this article, Partner Kevin Clancy and trainee Patrick Kelly set out the details of the offence, the organisations that fall within the scope of the offence, and what the latest guidance offers by way of recommendations for reasonable procedures.

Scotland’s beautiful forests and woodlands are an important environmental asset, home to so many species from iconic red squirrels and capercaillie to lesser-known flora and fauna. As the need for sustainable forestry increases, legal expertise will continue to play a pivotal role. In Scottish Land & Estates’ LandBusiness Magazine (p16), Senior Associate Katie McNab explains the key legislation guiding forestry activities, the importance of forestry management, and the benefits of good forestry practices.

Across the UK there's a push to improve the energy efficiency of non-domestic buildings.    However, the regulatory approach varies significantly between England and Wales and that of Scotland.   Make sure your building is on the level with this detailed breakdown of the differences by Scott Ritchie, Alannah O’Hara, and Matt Lamberton.