Burness Paull LLP

Being a responsible business lies at the heart of our decision-making. As a leading law firm and responsible employer, we’re committed to continuously improving our ESG impact and driving sustainable change. Our annual Responsible Business Report provides transparency and accountability on our progress and highlights key initiatives, showcasing the steps we’re taking alongside some of our clients and partners to make a meaningful difference. Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/e27q_UqR

HFSS ad restrictions update: The ASA has opened a further consultation on incoming restrictions on how foods which are high in fat, salt or sugar (HFSS) may be advertised. Closing date is 18 March: https://lnkd.in/eBz3Xu_F   In a recent joint webinar, Pauline McCulloch, alongside Katrina Anderson from Mills & Reeve, explored the upcoming restrictions and the differences in regulations between England and Scotland.   Key topics covered included: * How the UK advertising ban applies to various food categories, including new classifications and borderline products * The impact of online and broadcast restrictions on advertising strategies * The new enforcement regime, penalties, and Ofcom’s role as a backstop regulator * What to expect from England’s marketing restrictions - and what might be coming in Scotland and beyond   To watch the recording, click here: https://lnkd.in/erhcSvSV  

Tartan Week NYC: Bridging Tradition & Business Opportunities for Scottish Organisations   In the week leading up to the annual New York Tartan Day Parade in April, there is a full calendar of social, cultural, and professional events encouraging transatlantic engagement. Join us for an insightful discussion with key organisations shaping these Tartan Week activities, and discover the exciting opportunities for Scottish businesses to get involved.   Hosted by Olivia McLaren, Head of our US Immigration Practice, this event will feature an esteemed panel of experts, including representatives from Scottish Development International, the AMERICAN SCOTTISH FOUNDATION INC, the National Tartan Day New York Committee, and the Scottish North American Business Council (SNABC).   This event will be relevant to those operating in the US and also those looking access the US market.   Date: Thursday, 27 February 2025 Time: 4:00 - 5:00pm GMT Click here to secure your place: https://bit.ly/41kUU7y

We were pleased to advise Barcelona-based Signaturit Group on its acquisition of Validated ID, the digital identity and biometric signature services provider.   The transaction and integration of Validated ID’s solutions will strengthen Signaturit’s provision of secure, seamless and compliant digital trust services – supporting its ambition to lead the European digital identity market.

With Valentine's Day fast approaching and thoughts turning to love and romance, how could upcoming inheritance tax changes impact marriages and civil partnerships?   In our latest blog, head of our private client team Colin McKenzie explores the significant IHT reforms on the horizon and why spouses and civil partners will continue to benefit from key exemptions while unmarried couple won’t.   Whilst the government’s proposed taxation policy is not the most romantic of topics, could it be the reason more couples decide to tie the knot...?   Read more here: https://bit.ly/3Ez2Qc9 #inheritancetax

We were pleased to work alongside Norton Rose Fulbright for the 22-bank lending syndicate in relation to the £3.5billion financing of the Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm (a 1.1 gigawatt offshore wind farm off the east coast of Scotland), which has reached financial close.   Inch Cape is a significant project (being developed as a joint venture between Red Rock Renewables and ESB) and one that has been many years in the making. It will contribute to the UK’s energy security and emissions reduction goals, and provide economic benefits through local supplier engagement. The transaction was supported by our market-leading banking, real estate, consenting, and ports and harbours teams. Read more here: https://bit.ly/4hTgnKc

We are honoured to have been named UK corporate law firm of the year at the Insider Media UK Dealmakers Awards 2025, which recognised the organisations and individuals who power the UK’s vibrant dealmaking landscape. Having won the award for corporate law firm of the year at the Scotland Dealmakers Awards in November, Burness Paull advanced to the UK finals and was shortlisted in the UK corporate law firm of the year category alongside other regional winners – eventually being announced as the winner at the ceremony held in Birmingham. The judging panel remarked: “Burness Paull wowed the judges with its great range of deals and quality testimonials from high-profile clients. It completed more than 150 transactions in the submission period, worth more than £5bn.” Read more here: https://bit.ly/3Q92ITt

Spectra returns to illuminate Aberdeen this weekend! Running until Sunday, Scotland’s Festival of Light brings together art, culture and business to create a captivating, interactive experience for the entire city to enjoy. We’re incredibly proud to sponsor Spectra for a second year, supporting this hugely popular cultural event. After an exclusive preview tour this week, we can confidently say it’s engaging and inspiring for all ages. If you’re in Aberdeen this weekend, we encourage you to go along and see what the festival has to offer – it's the perfect way to brighten up the dark February nights! You can check out some of the incredible artwork below. Read more about Spectra here: https://lnkd.in/esYvBnkz #Spectra2025

A Burness Paull team led by Jonathan Heaney has advised Gibraltar-based bank, Trusted Novus Bank in connection with a facility to be made available to the borrower for the purpose of financing the cost of acquiring the property formally known as 98 Buchanan Street and 31 Royal Exchange Square, but more commonly recognisable as the LUSH Buchanan Street store – a prime location in Glasgow.   The transaction was supported by our market-leading banking, real estate and construction teams.

Three of our partners – Andrew Christie, Dawn Reoch and Ruaridh Cole - have authored the Scotland chapter of the Global Legal Insights' 2025 fund finance publication, also known as The Pink Book. In this chapter they discuss the unique characteristics of Scottish limited partnerships, which make them a popular choice of vehicle in UK and international fund structures. They also highlight key developments in the Scottish market, in particular the positive and fundamental changes that will impact fund finance transactions when the Moveable Transactions (Scotland) Act 2023 comes into force on 1 April 2025. You can read the online chapter here: https://bit.ly/42HV8qo   This chapter was first published in GLI Fund Finance 2025 (Ninth Edition).