I thought feudalism was dead?
I know two of the men pictured above and have nothing but respect for them as legal scholars. They have even been invited to the launch of my new book, The Poor had No Lawyers. But I do question the
Continue readingTax Increment Financing 2
At the risk of becoming an anorak, I though I would share some correspondence I have been having with the British Property Federation via Twitter on the topic of Tax Increment Financing (see previous posts today). This correspondence has taken
Continue readingLeith Docks TIF Scheme
When John Swinney approved the tax increment finance scheme for Leith docks last week (see previous post), I wonder if he was aware that among the business rate payers who would be picking up the tab for paying back the
Continue readingTax Increment Financing 1
Interesting interview on Newsnight Scotland tonight with CEO of Scottish Futures Trust on tax increment financing. This is a funding mechanism for infrastructure projects whereby a public authority borrows money to pay for infrastructure (bridges, roads etc.) in anticipation of
Continue readingA cautionary tale
I liked this by Drumlanrig in Scotland on Sunday on 29 August 2010. THE DAY JACK WENT TO TEE WITH THE DUKE Jack McConnell’s imminent retirement reminds Drumlanrig of an epic golf match that was played by the former Labour
Continue readingCrown Land – who is going to deliver?
Photo by tom jervis Interesting couple of stories in the Shetland Marine News this week. First of all, Michael Moore, Secretary of State for Scotland, visits Lerwick and announces that the Port Authority can buy the seabed that the harbour
Continue readingPan Am 103
I follow The Firm – the online legal journal.This week they published a brilliant piece by Steven Raeburn [link broken May 2024] on the Lockerbie trial and its aftermath. Well worth a read.
Continue readingAlyth Hill Commonty
In my forthcoming book, The Poor had no Lawyers, I tell the story of the unlawful alienation of the Hill of Alyth commonty. I will shortly be preparing a full legal analysis of the case. In short, land was sold
Continue readingLochhead and Moore to work closely on crown land rights
Good news today that Richard Lochhead has met with Secretary of State Michael Moore and they have agreed to work together to bring more accountability to how the Crown Estate Commission (CEC) manange the crown estate in Scotland. This could
Continue readingCrown Estate debate moves forward
An interesting statement from Alex Salmond this afternoon in the Scottish Government’s statement on its legislative programme. The relevant part of his statement is as follows (as published on the Scottish government website). And we are blessed not just with
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