News
19 June, 2026
Lady Ross holds that relevant statutory schemes requires separate prison accommodation for men and women in accordance with biological sex
Lady Ross has today issued her Opinion in For Women Scotland v the Scottish Ministers [2026] CSOH 59. Ampersand Advocates’ Tony Convery acted as junior counsel for the successful petitioner (with Aidan O’Neill KC as Senior Counsel), instructed by Balfour + Manson. The petitioner challenged guidance (“Prisons Guidance”) issued by the Scottish Prison Service, […]
12 June, 2026
Court of Session confirms duty of care owed to father, and rejects “resources cap” on damages, in wrongful birth claim
PO and OO v Lothian Health Board [2026] CSOH 55 In an opinion issued on 11 June 2026, Lord Braid has decided two significant questions in a “wrongful birth” claim against Lothian Health Board, finding for the pursuers on both. The case concerned a couple whose fourth child, “A”, was born with Down’s syndrome following […]
3 June, 2026
& the devil is in the detail – live on Ampersand Live
Meet the newest generation of Ampersand Advocates – live. This June, “& the devil is in the detail” returns to Ampersand Live with two live broadcasts – each a conversation with one of our newest advocates as they prepare to call to the Scottish Bar. Hosted by Alan Moffat, Practice Manager at Ampersand, with questions […]
3 June, 2026
Paul Reid KC calls to Bar of England and Wales
We are please to announce Paul Reid KC has called to the Bar of England and Wales and joins Cornerstone Barristers as a tenant. Paul remains a member of Ampersand Advocates for his work in Scotland and will practice in both jurisdictions. Paul joins Cornerstone Chambers with a distinguished practice in public, regulatory and healthcare […]
1 May, 2026
Una Doherty K.C. – decree of absolvitor in AM v Lothian Health Board [2026] CSOH 42
Una Doherty K.C. acted for the successful defender Lothian Health Board, along with Ewen Campbell, Advocate, in this action in which Lady Hood granted decree of absolvitor on 30 April 2026. The pursuer was represented by Astrid Smart K.C. and David Swanney, Advocate. The action related to alleged negligence by midwifery staff and obstetricians at […]
8 April, 2026
Scott Clair successful appearance in ‘Joanna Cox -v- Optimax Clinics Limited’
Scott Clair acted for one of the successful defender clinicians in the action for damages by Joanna Cox against Optimax Clinics Ltd and others. The action involved a claim for negligence in respect of multiple laser eye surgeries carried out in 2002, 2003 and 2004. In holding that the action was timebarred, the sheriff held […]