During February 2013 Gibson Kerr are participating in 'Love the Arts, Leave to the Arts'. You have the opportunity to get a basic Will written, or amended, free of charge by participating law firms if you leave a legacy to an arts charity taking part in Love the arts, Leave to the arts.

So, if you’re someone to whom the arts have given pleasure, voice and inspiration; if they have provoked you, transported you, confronted you: help ensure the presentation of new visions and fresh interpretations for the generations that follow you. Leave a legacy to one or more of our Love the arts, Leave to the arts charities.

Why should I make a Will?

Making a Will, and keeping it up to date, is an easy way of making sure that your loved ones are protected, and that property and possessions go to the people you most care about. If you die without a valid Will (intestate), it may delay the settlement of the estate and could leave your family and friends without financial provision, and with the stress of resolving potentially complicated legal issues."More than 60% of the population don't have a Will, which can often leave relatives with real problems and additional heartache after a family bereavement. This fantastic scheme means, that for a modest legacy, a free Will can be drawn up by regulated professionals benefitting the individual, their family, and Scotland's vibrant arts community. The arts are so often dependent on charitable giving and yet provide pleasure, employment, and vital tourist income for the whole nation. I'm delighted to see Scottish solicitors sharing their expertise to benefit their communities, and would encourage everyone to take up this significant opportunity." Austin Lafferty, President, Law Society of Scotland

Why should I leave a legacy?

Legacies are vital to the future of arts charities, and gifts make a lasting contribution to Scotland’s cultural landscape. Legacies to charities are free from inheritance tax, so a gift to a Love the arts, Leave to the arts charity could reduce the amount of tax payable to the Government from your estate.“Everyone should have a Will.  That’s how you provide for family and friends.  But you can do a lot by leaving a legacy to a “Love the arts, Leave to the arts” charity.  Why not use your Will to help the vibrant cultural life that makes Scotland such a fine place to live. A legacy to the arts is a small gesture that makes a very big difference. ” Alexander McCall Smith, Author and Art LoverInheritance tax is 40% payable on estates worth over £325,000.  Money left to a charity is not taxed.  From April 2012 if you leave 10% of your estate to charity there is a corresponding reduction in the overall rate of inheritance tax payable on the rest of your estate from 40% to 36%. 

If you would like more information on writing a will, click here.

To speak to a solicitor about writing a will, contact Lindsay Maclean on 0131 226 9162 or email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it