Trusts and Succession Bill passes final stage

The bill to reform trust law in Scotland has passed its final stage in the Scottish Parliament.

MSPs voted unanimously to pass the Trusts and Succession (Scotland) Bill, which implements long-awaited reforms to law which dates back are than a century, including the powers and duties of trustees and powers of the court in trust matters and administration.

It also has provisions relating to succession, including a reform to prevent killers from acting as an executor on their victim’s estate, by allowing a court to remove someone convicted of murder or culpable homicide from a previously nominated role of executor.

Victims and Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said: "There is consensus that the law in Scotland on trusts is outdated and this legislation, developed by the Scottish Law Commission, will make a significant and positive difference for those who use them."

The bill is expected to receive Royal Assent early next year.