The Scottish Government has a declared objective to move towards challenging but realistic targets for energy performance with a view to matching, or least making a significant move towards, the most vigorous energy performance levels in Europe (which are in Scandinavia).

On 29 November 2011, the Chancellor made his Autumn Statement.

This broad interpretation places a burden upon employers with rural or remote job locations requiring accommodation.

Last month, the Court of Appeal for Ontario ("ONCA") dismissed an appeal of the judgment of Dow J granting our client's motion for summary judgment in 2689686 Ontario Inc. v Lloyd's Underwriters et al.

A recent case brought before Lord Glennie in the Outer House of the Court of Session has determined and clarified two distinct matters relating to paragraphs 14 and 74 of Schedule B1 to the Insolvency Act 1986 (the "Act").

After months (years) of anticipation, the most significant changes in relation to the planning system in Scotland for a considerable length of time finally took effect on 3 August 2009.

The Scottish Executive is pressing firmly ahead with the implementation of the new planning legislation. It is unlikely that the change of political control following upon the election will change this – though the SNP have suggested an early review of the legislation may be appropriate.

The duty to take reasonable care to warn of risks does not extend to special steps to ensure the patient understands.

No matter how big or small, local governments enter into hundreds of contracts throughout the course of the year.

This NSWCA decision provides a timely reminder that causation is a critical requirement for a finding of negligence.

Chapter I of the Competition Act 1998 prohibits companies from entering into anti competitive agreements. The Competition Act 1998 (Land Agreements Exclusion and Revocation Order) 2004 (the "Order") excludes land agreements from these provisions, but this will be repealed on 6th April 2010 with effect from 6 April 2011.

Given the risks in developing a new business in today’s tough market place, a joint venture (“JV”) can be an excellent way to attempt to break into new markets, launch new products or access new skills and technology.

The recent Enviroco case before the Court of Appeal in England illustrates the unintended consequences that can result from incorporating statutory references into commercial contracts, and indeed from giving a certain type of security over shares.

The chaos caused by the recent bad weather reinforces the need for businesses to ensure that their standard contract terms appropriately address the situation where adverse weather conditions, or other circumstances outwith their control, prevent them from fulfilling their contracts.

The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) in Scotland is changing, in line with wider reform across all public service pension schemes.

Which law applies is a question that must be addressed early in relation to any insolvency issues or process.

Which law applies is a question that must be addressed early in relation to any insolvency issues or process.

In many insolvencies it is the secured creditors who take the action that results in a company entering administration, liquidation or receivership, and assets are often only sufficient to meet the debts due to those secured creditors, leaving the unsecured creditors with nothing.

Legislation will be introduced in the Finance Bill 2011 to introduce a new relief for purchasers of residential property who acquire more than one dwelling.

The announcement last week that a bid by a community company to buy a borders pub has received lottery funding could have far reaching consequences. Gregor Duthie looks at the issues for communities and developers.