HM Insights

Legal Insights & Industry Updates

Life, business and the law

The law never stands still, and the way it applies to you and your organisation is constantly evolving. Our people are on top of these developments and can keep you up to date with some of the most interesting aspects of these changes. Check out our articles and updates for our perspective on issues that might affect you.

Latest articles from David Bone

  • Countdown to COP26 Glasgow – what to expect

    Countdown to COP26 Glasgow – what to expect

    By David Bone

    The UNFCCC's 26th Conference of Parties – COP26 – will take place in Glasgow next November. Many key issues will fall to be agreed in Glasgow, as parties seek to bridge the gap between ambition and reality. Delayed by Covid-19, COP26 will proceed in an entirely new political context, and is shaping up to be one of the most interesting and critical meetings in the global effort to limit global warming. Here, David Bone and Joshua Hale take a look at some of the main points of contention?

  • Climate change and the role of UK renewables in reaching Net Zero

    Climate change and the role of UK renewables in reaching Net Zero

    By David Bone

    Despite the continuing impact of Covid-19, the US election drama and the impending Brexit, the need for climate change is pushing its way back up to the top of the agenda. We have seen important policy statements and calls for action surrounding net zero or carbon neutral. Although reaching net zero involves changes in many areas, what role will renewable energy play? David Bone, Harper Macleod's Head of Energy & Natural Resources, surveys the landscape in the UK and Scotland in particular.

  • Why access to wind farm development sites can't be taken for granted – cautionary tales of private rights and public roads

    Why access to wind farm development sites can't be taken for granted – cautionary tales of private rights and public roads

    By David Bone

    Of the many considerations involved in a wind farm development, or any proposed property development, appropriate access to the development site is critical. A wind farm may comprise several parcels of land. Just because one parcel of land within a wind farm site enjoys access rights does not necessarily mean the developer can use that access right to reach other parts of the wind farm. A failure to appreciate the nuances of the law governing access in this context can jeopardise a project, and the case law is scattered with cautionary tales. Two recent cases raise important points about access for wind farm developers.

  • What does the future hold for renewable heat incentives in the UK?

    What does the future hold for renewable heat incentives in the UK?

    By David Bone

    Since 2011 the UK Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) has provided financial support to low carbon heating and biomethane production for injection into the gas grid. The non-domestic RHI scheme was due to close in March 2021, but the UK Government announced in August that applicants will now have a further 6 months to 30 September 2021 to apply for the scheme. The domestic scheme is due to close in March 2022. We examine the key features of the current proposals to replace RHI.

  • Will the District Heat Networks Bill herald a change in the way Scotland heats its buildings?

    Will the District Heat Networks Bill herald a change in the way Scotland heats its buildings?

    By David Bone

    The Heat Networks (Scotland) Bill makes provision for the construction and operation of Heat Networks in Scotland. While these are not new, in Scotland the deployment of these networks to date has been typified by ad hoc projects, often to meet the needs of single organisations such as universities. However, the Scottish Government is keen to accelerate the deployment of Heat Network schemes and this Bill could be an important step forward.