Energy Act 2011 and The Green Deal
It is now less than 6 months to go until the “Green Deal” launch which is set to revolutionise the energy efficiency of all UK homes and businesses. The Green Deal stems from the Energy Act 2011 and is designed to enable private firms to offer consumers energy efficiency improvements. The benefit to consumers and […]
Cohabitee’s Rights
In a recent landmark decision by five Justices of the Supreme Court, some clarity has been brought to the issue of cohabitee’s rights. Whilst it has always been accepted that the terms of The Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 did not seek to provide couples, who chose to co-habit rather than to marry or enter […]
Stamp Duty Changes
One of the more unpleasant aspects of any house purchase is paying Stamp Duty Land Tax (“SDLT”). It is usually far and away the biggest outlay in any house purchase. According to statistics released by Aberdeen Solicitors Property Centre, the average house price in Aberdeen in 2011 was £208,398. This would attract SDLT of £2,083. […]
Long Leases (Scotland) Act 2012
The Long Leases (Scotland) Act received Royal Assent on 7 August 2012. The Act will on the “Appointed Day” (the first Martinmas (28th November) falling 2 years after the relevant sections of the Act come into force) convert the tenant’s interest in long leases into outright ownership and extinguish the existing rights of land owners […]
NEW SALES AND LEASING OFFICES
James & George Collie are pleased to announce the opening of two new offices in Aberdeen, one dedicated to the sale of residential properties and the other to residential property leasing. Our dedicated property sales office has recently opened at 450 Union Street, in the heart of Aberdeen city centre. Located between Rose Street and […]
Reflections of a Lady President
Wow, the first woman President of the Society of Advocates in Aberdeen – who would have thought it! The Society has been in existence for well over 400 years and yet it was not until the mid 1960s that the first woman was admitted as a member of the Society – another Elizabeth – this […]
WHAT’S THAT COMING OVER THE HILL?………IS IT A MONSTER? NO, IT’S SCARIER THAN THAT – IT’S AUTO-ENROLMENT!
The most seismic change in the provision of benefits in retirement is happening right now, but unbelievably, the majority of employers and employees directly affected by it don’t seem to know anything about it. The largest employers are already complying with the new Auto-Enrolment legislation, but every employer will be obliged to comply over the […]
Ellen’s Babes
This year staff, former staff, various friends, relatives and assorted dogs are taking part in The Race for Life 5k run at Aberdeen Beach on Sunday 30th June to raise money for Cancer Research UK in memory of Ellen McKenzie. Ellen was a dear friend and colleague who sadly died at the end of last […]
Employment Law Update
Settlement Agreements One of the biggest headaches for a small business is navigating its way through the employment laws which afford protection to their employees. More than 90% of all business in the UK are small businesses. There is a perception amongst many that complying with all of the rules and regulations is costly and […]
New Recruits
We are delighted to announce that we have added quite a number of legal staff to our Aberdeen and Stonehaven offices. They are:- Raymond McCombie – Raymond joined our Stonehaven office in February this year as a private client/chamber solicitor; Lili Hunter – Lili, a specialist in employment law, joined our main office in July […]