Paris Steele Law

16/10/2026

Your photos, emails, social media and PayPal balance all form part of your life, and some of them form part of your estate. But if your executor does not know they exist, they cannot deal with them. Our latest article explains what happens to your digital life when you die in Scotland, and why your executor needs a map rather than your passwords.

Think about what is on your phone right now. Years of family photographs, emails going back a decade or more, a few social media profiles, a PayPal balance you had half forgotten about and a string of subscriptions quietly renewing every month. For most of us, a large part of life, and often some of...

09/10/2026

Personal Injury Claims: The Facts

Thinking about a personal injury claim but not sure what to do?

The reality of making a claim in Scotland is far less dramatic than the adverts or the horror stories suggest. Most follow a clear path: gathering evidence, obtaining medical reports, negotiating with the insurer and, only if needed, going to court. The great majority settle without a court hearing.

Our latest article walks you through it, step by step. 👉 https://www.parissteele.com/news/personal-injury/the-truth-about-personal-injury-claims-what-really-happens-step-by-step

05/10/2026

Our latest Property eNews is out now.

East Lothian's property market has made a steady start to autumn. Between July and September, 90.3% of the homes we sold achieved at least their Home Report valuation, and our clients achieved an average of 3.9% above valuation. Average selling prices were also up 15.5% on the same period last year.

Also in this edition: what makes North Berwick and Gullane such sought-after places to live, a rare former coach house on Fidra Road in North Berwick, practical tips for buying and selling at the same time, and a chance to meet the people behind our property team.

Our Moving Homes, Saving Lives campaign has now raised nearly £4,000 for the RNLI. Instruct us to market your property before 31 December 2026 and we'll donate £100 to the RNLI. Terms and conditions apply.

Read the full eNews here: https://mailchi.mp/clientcommunications/paris-steele-property-update-autumn-2026

02/10/2026

📝Understanding Partnership Agreements

Did you know that, without a written partnership agreement, the death or departure of one partner can bring the whole business to an end?

In Scotland, partnerships without their own agreement fall back on rules written in 1890, and those rules rarely match what partners would choose today.

Our latest article explains what a good partnership agreement should cover and what is involved in settling up when a partner leaves. 👉 https://www.parissteele.com/news/services-for-business/demystifying-a-partnership-agreement-whats-involved-in-settling-up-a-partnership

30/09/2026

We had a brilliant evening at the ESPC Charity Quiz last night, raising funds for Rock Trust, ESPC’s charity partner, and the important work they do supporting young people affected by homelessness.

There was plenty of friendly rivalry, a few questionable answers and, thankfully, enough correct ones for Team “Steele the Answers” to finish 2nd out of 20 teams!

A fantastic effort from Fraser Symon, Lorna Melville, Carole Seaton and Cameron Thomson, who did us proud.

A big thank you to ESPC for organising such an enjoyable evening and to everyone involved in helping raise funds for Rock Trust. It was a pleasure to be part of it.

25/09/2026

Planning for the Cost of Dying

The average simple funeral in Scotland now costs £3,655, and that is before flowers, catering, a wake or a memorial.

Research undertaken in 2026 found that while most people make some provision for their funeral, fewer than half set aside enough to cover it, leaving family members to make up the difference at an already difficult time.

In our latest article, we look at the rising cost of dying in Scotland, and what you can do now to spare your family that worry. 👉 https://www.parissteele.com/news/private-client/the-increasing-cost-of-dying-in-scotland-what-families-really-pay

24/09/2026

We look forward to seeing everyone at William Purves Funeral Directors - North Berwick Open Day.

The clock is ticking. The advice is free. But what you do with it could be priceless.

On Thursday 8 October, 11am–3pm, we're bringing together local end of life professionals from across East Lothian at William Purves Funeral Directors, 99 High Street, North Berwick.

💬 Funeral planning - William Purves
⚖️ Legal advice - Paris Steele Law
❤️ End-of-life care - St Columba's Hospice Care
🤝 Bereavement support - Coastal Community Connections

Four areas of advice. One place. No charge. No pressure. No question too small.

Just the time and space to talk about the things that matter and leave a little more prepared for what lies ahead.

Call us via the link below to book your free appointment.

22/09/2026

Investing in the next generation is important to Paris Steele, and we were inspired by the number of enthusiastic pupils who came along to North Berwick High School’s recent careers evening.

Recently qualified solicitor Roslyn Griffiths, who attended North Berwick High School herself, was delighted to return to the school for the event alongside Kathryn Wilson (pictured), Paris Steele’s Family Law Consultant.

Thank you to everyone who came along to say hello and find out more about careers in law!
www.parissteele.com

18/09/2026

🏰Listed Buildings: Know the Rules

Thinking of buying a listed property in East Lothian?

A common misunderstanding about listed buildings is that the protection does not stop at the front door.

Unless the listing says otherwise, it covers the interior as well as the exterior, along with anything attached to the building and unattached structures within the boundary that predate 1948. Boundary walls, railings, gate piers and old outbuildings are frequently caught. Well worth knowing before you plan any works.

Our latest article explains what listing actually covers, what needs consent, and the checks that should be made before missives conclude. 👉 https://www.parissteele.com/news/residential-property/buying-a-listed-building-in-scotland-the-obligations-that-come-with-the-keys

16/09/2026

🔴⚫ Meet the Team 🔴⚫

Cameron joined Paris Steele as our Property Manager in 2025. Born and raised in North Berwick, he completed his Business Studies degree at the University of Stirling where he discovered a real passion for property and for helping people make life-changing decisions with confidence.

Previously, Cameron was at Sturrock, Armstrong & Thomson, where he managed the full sales process – from valuations and marketing right through to negotiating offers. He’s also completed the SPC Property Practice Certification Course, giving him a solid grounding in everything from estate agency and property law to marketing and conveyancing.

When he’s not helping clients, you’ll most likely find Cameron enjoying sport (whether that’s playing, watching or chatting about it) or out in the hills ticking off Scotland’s Munros.