Legal news

Advance rent payment not a tenancy deposit, sheriff rules
Payment made to meet obligation, not give security for performance

Society backs attempt to devolve estate agency regulation
Carmichael to move amendment as Scotland Bill completes committee stage

Lindsays completes merger with Dundee's RSB Macdonald
RSB Lindsays launches as Tayside brand

Religious bodies fail to block abuse inquiry chair appointment
Judge finds no close association with party or likelihood of bias

Controversy as English MPs to gain override on exclusive measures
Concerns expressed over what is "English-only" legislation

Health and tobacco bill goes out to views
MSPs issue stage 1 call for evidence on disclosure measure

Simpson & Marwick adds to property team
Consultant and associate move from Shoosmiths

Parent snatching child should be dealt with as contempt: appeal court
Court refuses appeal against conviction for abduction

Former solicitor wins appeal against jail term for interdict breach
John O'Donnell admonished by appeal court

Ministers move to implement Commission's moveables report
Consultation opens on possession and title

Scottish Sentencing Council gears up for launch with new website
First phase unveiled ahead of October opening

Harper Macleod upgrades in Edinburgh
Office space trebled with Citypoint move

FAI Bill given stage 1 welcome
Justice Committee report asks ministers to consider further improvements

Domestic abuse disclosure scheme to be rolled out
Scotland-wide reach for "Clare's Law" by later this year