Law department

The Law Department of the Church of Scotland was created in 1937 and has a central function of the Church, acting in legal matters for the organisation and all of its courts, councils, committees, the General Trustees, the Church of Scotland Trust and the Investors Trust.

The Department also acts for individual congregations and is available to give advice on any legal matter arising.

The post of Solicitor of the Church was created at the same time as the formation of the department and it is now customarily held along with the traditional posts of Law Agent of the General Assembly and Custodian of former United Free Church titles.

Property for sale

The Department is responsible for the marketing and sale of properties no longer required by the Church's councils, committees and congregations. This ranges from land with potential for development to Church buildings suitable for community use. You can see the list of the current properties for sale here.

Law Department circulars

To assist Church of Scotland congregations, the Law Department from time to time prepares circulars on various legal topics affecting congregations such as health and safety, employment and discrimination law and data protection. These can be found on our resource page.

Contact for more information

The Solicitor of the Church is Mary Macleod, who is assisted by the Church's team of solicitors, property manager, titles clerk and secretarial support staff.

For further information, please email lawdept@churchofscotland.org.uk or contact us at the Church's offices in Edinburgh.