News
AC&H launch Employment Law Briefing
We are pleased to announce launch of our employment law briefing which aims to keep our clients as informed as possible of up coming legislative changes, recent case law decisions and other salient issues relating to the complex area of employment law. This follows the recent appointment of Karen Harvie who is head of our Employment Law team.
Archibald Campbell & Harley litigation & dispute resolution solicitor in running for top legal award
AC&H appointed to Kingdom Housing Association legal panel
AC&H has been appointed to Kingdom Housing Association's new legal panel after a competitive tender process.
New partner and promotions at Archibald Campbell & Harley
Archibald Campbell & Harley is delighted to announce the appointment of Karen Harvie as a new partner. Karen, formerly of TC Young, has extensive experience in employment law and joins the firm on the 5th December 2011. She has an excellent reputation in the market place and will add significant strength and depth to our commercial team.
Commercial Leases, 2nd Edition book co-written by Robin Mitchell, Head of Commercial Property
Archibald Campbell & Harley's Head of Commercial Property, Robin Mitchell, and former Senior Partner, David Cockburn's new book, entitled, "Commercial Leases, Second Edition" has now been published by Bloomsbury Professional.
The Future of Care Funding in Scotland
We are living longer than previous generations did but, as a consequence of this, more and more of us will require some level of third party care in our later years. Residential accommodation certainly does not come cheap, therefore early and careful financial planning is essential to ensure that enough money is available to meet all care needs in the years to come. The main issue with this is that it is impossible to predict what level of care will be required by a person and for how long. There has also been a rise in the number of people being cared for in their own homes as an alternative to moving into permanent residential accommodation. Rather than receiving assistance with domestic tasks (in the form of the traditional "home help"), instead those being cared for at home are requiring more assistance with their own personal care needs than ever before. It is perhaps not surprising that individuals are choosing to stay at home for as long as they possibly can before moving into a care home and incurring the substantial costs involved.
Laura Bloxham of Archibald Campbell & Harley wins Up and Coming Solicitor of the Year at Law Awards of Scotland 2011
Archibald Campbell & Harley is delighted to announce that Laura Bloxham was named Up and Coming Solicitor of the Year at the Law Awards of Scotland 2011. Laura, a key member of the firm's highly regarded Affordable Housing team, was shortlisted alongside five lawyers from leading national firms.Laura deals with a broad range of development and property transactions principally for the Affordable Housing Team. She is increasingly specialised in large-scale, complex development acquisitions and in particular over the past year Laura has been heavily involved in a landmark property transaction for a high-profile Housing Association using an entirely new structure for the provision of mid-rent housing. AC&H delivered the legal framework underpinning the new model and Laura was instrumental in the success of this project. The testimonials provided by two key parties in the transaction, Dunedin Canmore Housing Association and Rettie & Co, reflect her contribution to the project and her achievements so early in her career.
Latest Private Client Newsletter Uploaded to website
The latest Private Client newsletter has been uploaded to the website. Please click on the link below to access an electronic copy
Archibald Campbell & Harley feature as finalists in three categories in the 2011 Law Awards for Scotland
Archibald Campbell & Harley have secured nominations as Law Firm of the Year, and Private Client Team of the Year, whilst Laura Bloxham, Solicitor in the firm's Affordable Housing Team is nominated as Up and Coming Lawyer of the Year.
ACH Property launch exciting new website
The website which can be accessed by clicking on the "Properties for Sale" button" or directly through www.achproperty.com has a featured property on the home page with full search facilities of all properties for sale, enlarged images of individual rooms, a map, floor plans and the ability to request a viewing. It will also give sellers the opportunity to request a pre-sale valuation.
A C & H Advises Dunedin Canmore in Acquisition of Affordable Housing using ResonanceTM Model
In a significant pilot project delivering affordable housing using an innovative alternative funding structure, Archibald Campbell & Harley advised Dunedin Canmore Housing Association in the acquisition of a number of units in Milton Road East, Joppa from Springfield Properties plc. This transaction represents the first affordable housing financed, Regulator approved and acquired using the ResonanceTM Model, a pilot rental guarantee model developed by Rettie & Co in conjunction with Dunedin Canmore to stimulate house building and provide affordable housing without a requirement for capital subsidy.
The Firm worked closely with all parties involved in the project from the outset, in particular Dunedin Canmore, Rettie & Co and the The City of Edinburgh Council and during that process drafted, assembled and ultimately delivered the legal structure and documentation underpinning the ResonanceTM Model.
It is anticipated that this transaction (which provides much needed affordable housing for mid-rent) will be the first of many other projects to be rolled out on same model. Indeed the firm is already acting for the same clients on the acquisition of 18 further units on another prime site in the city.
Janette Speed, Archibald Campbell & Harley, who acted on behalf of Dunedin Canmore and headed the team advising on this deal said "We are delighted to be involved in this high profile acquisition. Dunedin Canmore are a progressive and forward thinking organisation and as a result of working together with them and Rettie & Co, we were able to develop the detailed legal structure which allowed the successful application of the ResonanceTM model.
We hope that the transaction will serve as a broad template for many future deals. It also illustrates our Affordable Housing Team's growing reputation for expertise, excellent client service and project delivery in this sector .We see this as another platform for further growth in this area of our practice."
If you would like any further information about our Affordable Housing Services, please contact:
Janette Speed, Partner, Affordable Housing Team, janette.speed@achws.co.uk, DDI: 0131 270 8129
Laura Bloxham, Solicitor, Affordable Housing Team, laura.bloxham@achws.co.uk, DDI: 0131 270 8014
A Capital Display!
Those of you visiting our office recently may have noticed an exciting new display of original artwork in our reception areas and meeting rooms!
Archibald Campbell & Harley shortlisted for Private Client Team of the Year at the 2011 Scottish Legal Awards
The Private Client Team (referred to within the firm and to our clients as the "Wealth Management Department") has grown considerably over the last 4 years and has gone go from strength to strength in challenging times. The department deals with Tax, Trusts, Wills, Powers of Attorney and Executries. Archibald Campbell & Harley were also nominated recently for the "Private Client Team of the Year" Award at the 2010 Law Awards of Scotland.
ESPC shows a positive return to its roots
Archibald Campbell & Harley climbs Social Housing rankings in Legal 500 2010
Archibald Campbell & Harley rises in the rankings for Social Housing in the Legal 500 directory. Janette Speed, Head of Social Housing team, said: "It is extremely gratifying to have our hard work, commitment and expanding expertise in this sector acknowledged. The firm's reputation in this area is growing and that is reflected in our rise in the rankings."
The Royal British Legion Scotland recommends Archibald Campbell & Harley to its members
The Royal British Legion Scotland have very recently entered into a new partnership with equityCare to help support their Welfare Pathway initiative. This service provides care advice and also access to legal advice to members of the legion in Scotland. equityCare is a specialist firm advising on care, primarily for older people, though also for people with serious care needs such as from car crashes or other injuries.
Archibald Campbell & Harley Appointed Lawyers for Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board
Following a competitive tender process, Archibald Campbell & Harley has been appointed to the legal panel of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board in Scotland.
Update on regulation of Will Writing Services
Following our last Article on this subject in January the Scottish Government have now announced plans to change the law to regulate non-lawyer will writers. The proposed amendment to the Legal Services (Scotland) Bill, following the consultation process, would apply a set of regulatory rules, enforcement measures and sanctions to ensure non-lawyer will writers conform to acceptable industry practice.
Archibald Campbell & Harley Appointed Lawyers for Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board
Following a competitive tender process, Archibald Campbell & Harley has been appointed to the legal panel of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board in Scotland.
Archibald Campbell and Harley - Partner Resignation
Archibald Campbell and Harley announce the resignation of Rory Milne from the partnership effective as of 31st January 2010. After more than 22 years with the firm in the commercial property team, Rory is leaving to commence practice on his own account.
Archibald Campbell & Harley's managing partner Steve Dougherty comments: "AC&H and Rory envisage an ongoing business relationship and we wish him every success in his new venture. Meanwhile, the firm's commercial property team continues to have a very strong presence in the sector. The last few years have seen us developing significant new commercial property and general corporate business whilst continuing to advise our traditional portfolio of leading high street retailers and other commercial clients".
Legal Update Highlight: Buying and Selling
The latest version of the Standard Clauses designed to speed up the contract stage of all residential property transactions is now live and has been adopted for use by Archibald Campbell & Harley in virtually all residential transactions. Full details and an explanatory guide are available online by clicking on the links below.
Archibald Campbell & Harley shortlisted for two awards at the 2010 Scottish Legal Awards
Archibald Campbell & Harley have secured two nominations at the Scott + Co Legal Awards 2010 in the categories of Paralegal of the Year (Sarah Chambers, Affordable Housing Team) and Private Client Team of the Year.
Proposals to Regulate Will Writing Services
The Scottish Parliament is currently considering major changes to the provision of legal services in Scotland and during the course of this, various groups, including the Law Society of Scotland, have raised concerns about the lack of regulation of non-lawyers who charge for preparing Wills. The Legal Services (Scotland) Bill currently contains proposals to bring in regulation of non-lawyers who charge for getting Confirmation and administering estates of people who have died, and the Scottish Government have now issued a consultation paper to see if there is any merit in extending the Bill to cover will writers.
Archibald Campbell & Harley expands its planning team with the appointment of a new partner and assistant solicitor
Archibald Campbell & Harley has announced the expansion of its planning law team with the appointment of Louise Cockburn as partner, on 1st December 2009.
A Fond farewell to Eric Young as he retires
"Eric Young retires" was the heading of the intimation in (2003) 96 SPEL 25 of the retirement of Eric Young as its editor after some 23 years and it now makes its reappearance with his recent retirement from the Editorial Board, bringing to an end a very long-standing association.
We want to do what’s right, says tycoon as he bats back environmental concerns
Donald Trump yesterday batted back environmental criticisms of his plans - saying the Menie estate would only be enhanced by his involvement.
Value of site would be reduced under golf resort plans, says Trump scientist
A scientist working for Donald Trump yesterday reluctantly admitted that the value of a protected dune area would be "substantially reduced" if the tycoon was allowed to build his golf course there.
Trump plan – ‘better for some, worse for others’
An animal and bird expert yesterday said Donald Trump's £1billion golf development would be "better for some things and worse for others" if it got the go-ahead.
Trump golf resort inquiry reaches final stages
THE public local inquiry into Donald Trump's proposed golf resort on the Menie estate in Aberdeenshire entered its final stages yesterday as opponents and supporters set out their closing submissions.
Tycoon in danger of getting 'carried away by his dream'
Donald Trump is in danger of being "carried away by his dream" to create the best golf course in the world in Aberdeenshire, environmental groups said yesterday.
Our new Wills brochure is now available for download
Making provision for your death is not a task that anybody undertakes with much joy. However, if something was to happen to you, are you confident that your assets would be divided as you would wish? Scots Law can be complex when it comes to the division of a deceased person's estate and quite often the results of the application of the legislation can be very different to what you would assume to happen.
AC&H advises purchaser in relation to the acquisition of Wemyss House
In one of the highest profile property transactions of the year Edinburgh law firm Archibald Campbell & Harley has acted for an existing client of the firm in the purchase of Wemyss House in Charlotte Square.
Important changes: Cross Border Inheritance
The European Commission has just announced proposals to simplify inheritance rights between member states. It is estimated that 450,000 deaths in the EU each year involve an international element, with those estates valued at €120 billion.
Latest Private Client newsletter
The latest edition of the Private Client newsletter is now available to view online. To view a copy of the newsletter, please click below:
Access To Funds – A Possible Alternative To Guardianship
COMPANIES ACT 2006
On 1 October 2009, the final provisions of the Companies Act 2006 came into effect. The Act consists of 1,300 sections and 16 Schedules and the following is only intended as a summary of some provisions we think might be of immediate interest to private companies.
Home Reports Are Here
From 1 December 2008, all properties for sale in Scotland will have to be marketed with a Home Report. AC & H are well placed to advise buyers and sellers of residential property throughout Scotland on the effect of this radical change in law.
AC&H RETAINS SCOTTISH NATURAL HERITAGE
Archibald Campbell & Harley is pleased to advise that, following a tender process, the firm has been retained as legal advisers to SNH. AC&H has worked for SNH and its predecessor organisations for over 50 years.
Archibald Campbell & Harley Shortlisted For Three Awards At The Law Awards of Scotland 2008
Archibald Campbell & Harley have been shortlisted for three awards at The Law Awards of Scotland 2008 namely Managing Partner of the Year, Litigation Team of the Year and Paralegal of the Year (Sarah Chambers).
Changes in licensing law seminar a roaring success
Earlier this year, Archibald Campbell & Harley held their first hospitality seminar which focussed on the wholesale changes taking place in Scottish Licensing Law due to the coming into force of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005. Held at The New Club, the seminar was attended by a number of key players within the hospitality sector.
Archibald Campbell & Harley Shortlisted For Four Awards At The 2008 Scottish Legal Awards
Archibald Campbell & Harley have secured four nominations in the Cuthbert Legal Awards 2008. Having been short-listed in the categories of Paralegal of the Year (Neil McNab), Private Client Team of the Year, Rising Star of the Year (Louise Cockburn) and Law Firm of the Year, AC&H has gathered more nominations than any other firm.
AC&H Hospitality Group - Licensing Update Seminar - 10th January 2008
The Hospitality Industry Group of Archibald Campbell & Harley are delighted to invite you to a FREE seminar on 10th January 2008.
New Corporate Identity for Archibald Campbell & Harley
Archibald Campbell & Harley, a commercially-focused and progressive law firm have gone through a major rebrand.
As well as the practical aspects, the move is also a statement of intent - to emphasise that, despite its age, the firm is a modern, commercial practice.
"The re-brand shows that we are a modern firm retaining the core values which have always underpinned the way we go about our business," says Managing Partner Rod Macphail. "Re-branding was a strategic rather than a cosmetic decision designed to drive the business on by projecting the firm as open, forward moving and assertive in a competitive business market."
Presently 13 partners strong, and with over 100 staff in total, the firm has extensive expertise in commercial property, corporate, debt recovery, litigation, planning and social housing. Archibald Campbell & Harley also has one of Scotland's best known private client departments and has substantial charity law expertise too.
Glasgow-based designers, Ministry carried out the re-brand. Bryn Beveridge, Director said "AC&H came to us with a challenge. They had outgrown their existing identity and needed a brand that supported their modern and focused approach to law and highlighted their growing position in Scotland. Together we have created a flexible identity system that unites the elements of AC&H with a clear voice."
Earlier this year, AC&H made a major strategic decision to expand the firm's Glasgow presence, by taking on a prestigious suite of offices at 1 Park Terrace, Glasgow to improve the service offered to their client base in the west of Scotland.
Archibald Campbell & Harley launch Hospitality group
Due to growing demand, AC&H are delighted to announce their first cross-department industry focus group, specifically designed to offer clients and contacts in the hospitality and leisure industries a "one-stop shop" for all their legal needs.
Leading Lawyer heads Commercial Property Team
Robin Mitchell has been appointed as the head of Archibald Campbell & Harley's commercial property department, a move the firm says will allow it to streamline its service to this sector.
Robin, who joined AC&H in 1996 and has been a partner in the commercial property department for the last 5 years, is an experienced property lawyer with particular expertise in high quality landlord and tenant work. He acts for some of Britain's leading retailers and also advises on the acquisition and disposal of investment property and development sites.
Commenting on his recent appointment, Robin said: "Chambers Directory correctly identifies our commercial property department as a "great practice with huge potential". AC&H already have an excellent reputation in this field and I'm looking forward to building on this to reinforce our position as a major force in Scottish property work. The last few years have seen the firm attracting significant new business. My role is to ensure that we continue to do so whilst also providing the quality of service that is rightly expected by our existing clients"
Archibald Campbell & Harley shortlisted for Law Firm of The Year
Archibald Campbell & Harley are celebrating after becoming one of three law firms to be shortlisted for the accolade of "Law Firm of the Year Award (under 50 fee earners)".
Archibald Campbell & Harley expands
Archibald Campbell & Harley have made a major strategic decision to expand the firm's Glasgow presence, by taking on a prestigious suite of offices at 1 Park Terrace, Glasgow to better serve their client base in the west of Scotland.
Christmas Charity
Instead of sending Christmas cards this year, the firm will be making a large donation to When You Wish Upon a Star's Lapland Appeal, sending children with life-threatening illnesses to Lapland to meet Santa Claus.
Planning Team Acts for SNH in Windfarm Inquiry
David and Louise Cockburn of the firm's planning department have just returned from inquiries in which they acted for Scottish Natural Heritage in respect of two related windfarm proposals, which, if successful, would see the development of 232 turbines (each of a height of 125 metres) located in the M74 corridor. This is the largest onshore proposal so far in the United Kingdom and the inquiries lasted for more than 10 weeks.
New Appointments
Archibald Campbell & Harley wish to congratulate their second year trainees, Lesley Gray and Alison McIntyre, who will complete their traineeships on 5th September 2006 and become fully qualified solicitors. Both have accepted positions within the firm; Lesley will be an assistant in the Litigation department and Alison will be an assistant in the Residential Conveyancing Team within the Private Client Department.
Archibald Campbell & Harley complete hotel portfolio deal
Archibald Campbell & Harley acted on behalf of off-shore clients in the purchase and immediate onward sale of the Beancross Bar & Hotel, Falkirk and Buchanan Arms Hotel, Drymen, Stirlingshire and the purchase of Stonefield Castle Hotel, Tarbert, Argyle for a global price in excess of £11.5m. Following completion of the purchase of Stonefield Castle Hotel and the onward sale of Buchanan Arms Hotel and the Beancross Bar & Hotel, all three properties were then subsequently leased to a national hotel chain.
Archibald Campbell & Harley complete “Homestake” portfolios
Archibald Campbell and Harley recently completed the acquisition of 2 Homestake portfolios for DunedinCanmore Housing Association.
Archibald Campbell & Harley advises in the sale of Edinburgh Retail Park
Archibald Campbell & Harley acted for the Dixons Group in the sale to Morley Pooled Pensions Limited of Corstorphine Retail Park, Edinburgh and the lease-back of the anchor unit in the development to PC World.