Commercial Property - the Virtual Summer Series 2026

Our new online conference will consider the role of the modern real estate lawyer, from commercial considerations and drafting issues to legal developments and managing risk. Chaired by Professor Kenneth C Ross of Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park Authority, our panel of speakers includes Ken Gerber of Mitchells Roberton, Sheila Webster from Thorntons, Matthew Thomson & Anna Forsyth of Lockton, Sarajane Drake & Katy Davenport from Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie, Robert Sutherland of Terra Firma Chambers and Martin Bennett from Harper MacLeod.

What's being covered?

Commercial considerations in 2026

In this session we will discuss the current commercial aspects to consider when negotiating property transactions generally and commercial leases specifically.

Ken Gerber, Mitchells Roberton

‘Green’ clauses in a commercial lease - should you care?

We will review the current “green” provisions in a commercial lease, consider how they interact with other provisions in the lease and discuss why we should be careful to consider such clauses and their impact, or potential impact, for both landlord and tenant.

Martin Bennett, Harper MacLeod

Lease termination – the present and the future?

We will look at how to get notices right in terms of the current law, the basics of notices and the consequences of mistakes. The session will also consider reform – what next now the Leases (Automatic Continuation etc) (Scotland) Bill is no more?

Sheila Webster, Thorntons

Property case law review

A review of key recent cases likely to be of interest to commercial property practitioners.  The review will consider the not only the outcome of these decisions, but what effects they may have and what lessons can be learnt from them.

Robert Sutherland, Terra Firma Chambers

Managing risk in 2026

Matthew Thomson and Anna Forsyth from Lockton, the appointed broker to the Law Society of Scotland, will provide an update on risk management in legal practice today. They will look at current claims trends in commercial property practice, the pros and cons of generative AI, strategies to avoid common practical errors, and workplace culture as a risk management strategy.

Matthew Thomson & Anna Forsyth, Lockton

Heads of terms in commercial lease transactions – getting them right!

The importance of getting heads of terms right can be critical to the success of a commercial lease transaction. In this very practical session we will consider what you need to do to help your clients achieve their aims and avoid problems further down the line.

Sarajane Drake & Katy Davenport, Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie