Scotland is now well positioned to be a 'world leader in the lucrative international arbitration scene', Scottish Government Ministers said today.

Community Safety Minister Fergus Ewing and Enterprise Minister Jim Mather spoke as they visited the Edinburgh headquarters of the newly formed Scottish Arbitration Centre, which will promote Scottish arbitration, and build on the Arbitration (Scotland) Act 2010 coming into force to give Scotland a world class legal framework for arbitration.

The partnership brings the Scottish Government together with the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, the Faculty of Advocates, the Law Society of Scotland and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.

Speaking at Dolphin House, the centre's headquarters in Edinburgh's Hunter Square today, Mr Ewing said:

"The Scottish Government recognises the role that arbitration can play in meeting the needs of businesses, their customers and their employees in finding cost-effective resolution to complex issues. The Government is well aware too of the level of expertise vested in Scotland's legal community.

"We have been determined in our commitment to provide businesses and lawyers with the infrastructure they need to make Scotland an international centre for arbitration and enhance this country's global competitiveness.

"The launch of the Scottish Arbitration Centre will give Scottish business an opportunity to adopt a method of dispute resolution which is increasing being used around the world.

"With its distinguished legal tradition, innovative legislation and ready access to advice and facilities, Scotland is well placed to compete as an attractive and cost-effective venue for arbitration on the global stage."

Enterprise Minister Jim Mather, who steered the legislation through the Scottish Parliament, said:

"Creating a supportive business environment is a key foundation of the Scottish Government's growth strategy, as set out in our economic recovery plan. Having these world class arbitration facilities here in Scotland can only help in that respect. The Scottish Arbitration Centre is a vital commitment that this Government pledged to deliver and the launch today is good news for Scotland, our economy and will guarantee we continue to be lead the way globally in this crucial area of business support."

Linda Urquhart, Chair of CBI Scotland, said:

"I welcome the launch of the Scottish Arbitration Centre. Business needs cost-effective, efficient ways to resolve disputes and the growth of alternative dispute resolution has demonstrated the appetite for this. The launch of this centre gives both an opportunity for Scottish businesses to take more advantage of arbitration as a useful alternative to litigation, which should reduce the time, energy and costs involved, particularly in the case of claims up to £25,000, and an opportunity for Scotland to 'export' our skills and resources in this area, exposing business from other parts of the UK and beyond to the advantages offered by our legal system and giving us another means of showcasing Scotland as a place to do business."

Jamie Millar, President of the Law Society of Scotland, said:

"At the request of our members, the Society campaigned for new arbitration laws and was actively involved in the passage of the Arbitration (Scotland) Act 2010 through the Scottish Parliament. We have long supported the idea of having a focal point to promote the value of arbitration to Scottish businesses so are delighted to see that the new opportunities the act presents are being seized, and that international arbitrations are being encouraged to locate in Scotland."

Graeme Hartley, Director of RICS Scotland, said:

"The Scottish Arbitration Centre is a great opportunity for Scotland. This is the ideal place for people from the UK and overseas to come to deal with their arbitration issues and can only be good for Scotland's economy."

Alan Dewar QC, Treasurer of the Faculty of Advocates, said:

"The Faculty of Advocates is pleased to have participated in the planning and preparations leading to today's launch of the Scottish Arbitration Centre. It looks forward to playing its part in promoting arbitration (both domestic and international) as a useful, cost-effective alternative to litigation. Quite apart from being a beautiful country to visit, Scotland is ideally placed to offer a first class arbitration service in terms of expertise, facilities and surroundings. The Faculty is delighted that the Centre is to be located at Dolphin House in the Old Town of Edinburgh, very close to the Faculty's base."

Richard Farndale, Honorary Secretary and Treasurer, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Scottish Branch), said:

"Through its Scottish Branch the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, in its core role of promoting the use of arbitration and other means of alternative dispute resolution, is delighted to support the formation of the Scottish Arbitration Centre. This new venture will drive forward the promotion of arbitration in Scotland, following the opportunities which arise from the new Arbitration (Scotland) Act 2010."

The Centre will be headquartered in Dolphin House, in an office owned by City of Edinburgh Council. The council have provided the office to the Board of the Centre for a small monthly service charge.

Cllr Tom Buchanan, City of Edinburgh Council's convener for Economic Development, said:

"The Council was delighted to offer office space in Dolphin House by way of assistance to the Scottish Arbitration Centre, which will undoubtedly be a tremendous asset for Edinburgh."

Back to contentsTwitter @scotgovwebPodcastFlickrYou TubeCrown Copyright Privacy Policy and Content Disclaimer General Enquiries