The Conveyancing Conference at Scots Law 2026

Murrayfield Stadium is the venue for the next event in our Scots Law Conference Series, exclusively available to delegates in person on the day.

We are delighted to welcome the Law Commissioner, Ann Stewart, who will be chairing our prestigious Annual Conveyancing Conference which will include topics ranging from 'the Midas Touch' and the implementation of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2025 to dealing with an adverse Plans Report and the UK Finance Mortgage Lenders' Handbook for Scotland.

With presentations from Professor Roddy Paisley of the University of Aberdeen, Rachel Oliphant from Pinsent Masons, Stewart McKenzie of Nationwide Building Society, Derek Whitmarsh from UK Finance, Malcolm Combe of the University of Strathclyde, Derek Hand from First Scottish, Lisa Conway and Diane Paradise of the Mining Remediation Authority the conference will also include a keynote session from the Keeper of the Registers of Scotland, Jennifer Henderson.

This conference is proudly sponsored by First Scottish

What's being covered?

Registers of Scotland: Setting the course for the next 5 years

Join Jennifer Henderson, Keeper and Chief Executive of Registers of Scotland, as she shares RoS' future areas of focus and the strategic priorities shaping their next corporate plan. Discover what's coming next and why it matters to you.

Jennifer Henderson, Keeper of the Registers of Scotland

The ‘Midas Touch’ – gone but not forgotten

The ‘Midas Touch’ was a key element in the 1979 Act which was repealed but has enduring consequences that need to be taken account of in many transactions. This session will consider the implications for practitioners.

Professor Roddy Paisley, University of Aberdeen

The UK Mortgage Handbook update and current issues affecting residential mortgage lending

In this session we’ll update delegates on the UK Mortgage Handbook and look at some of the most important concerns that currently impact on residential mortgage lending including: cladding remediation; the increasing focus on environmental issues including flood risk (surface water as well as river/stream) and coastal erosion; wildfires and other current issues.

Stewart McKenzie, Nationwide Building Society & Derek Whitmarsh, UK Finance

Collaboration culture: 25 years of the Property Standardisation Group shaping standards

Rachel, one of the founders of the Property Standardisation Group, will look inside 25 years of collaboration across the Scottish property profession. This session will explore how the PSG was created, how it works in practice, and how members collaborate to produce widely used standard documents and guidance. Rachel will reflect on key challenges and successes, highlight current priorities, and consider what the next phase of collaboration may look like for the PSG.

Rachel Oliphant, Pinsent Masons

Lots to talk about – an update on the implementation of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2025

This session will provide an overview of provisions of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2025 that conveyancers should take particular note of and consider the proposed timeline for related regulations and a related public appointment (namely the Land and Communities Commissioner).

Dr Malcolm Combe, University of Strathclyde

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly!

This presentation will have a brief look at the historical property registers in Scotland. What you should consider regarding plans and ordering a plans report, and finally what action you may wish to consider when faced with an adverse plans report.

Derek Hand, First Scottish

We’ve got you covered

With more than 100,000 residential property transactions taking place across Scotland each year, trusted information and expert support are essential when helping clients make informed decisions in coalfield areas. Join the Mining Remediation Authority to discover how their coal mining reports, specialist expertise and support services help legal professionals identify and manage mining related risks, answer client enquiries with confidence, and support smoother. The session will provide an overview of the reports and services available, highlight the most common coal mining enquiries raised during conveyancing, and explain how their experts can provide additional support and reassurance when required. The session will also include a high-level overview of the Authority's role in protecting people, property and communities which is all underpinned by a dedicated 24/7 incident response service.

Lisa Conway & Diane Paradise, Mining Remediation Authority