As a London Notary Public we are often approached by residents of Scotland who are surprised that in England not all Solicitors are qualified notaries.  This is due to discrepancies between English and Scottish law.

A Notary Public in London, for example, must first sit an exam to qualify as a Notary, whereas in Scotland all Solicitors were automatically deemed to be a Notary Public, prior to 2007.  Since then, however, a Notary in Scotland must hold a current practising certificate issued by the Law Society of Scotland, and Notaries Public in Scotland are administered by the Council of the Law Society of Scotland.

As a result, it can be easier to find a Notary Public in Edinburgh or Glasgow than it is to find a Notary Public London.  Despite such differences, a Notary in Glasgow, for example, will perform much the same role as a Notary Public London, although in Scotland Notaries can be required for certain declarations in matters of divorce.  This is a role which a Notary Public London would never be requested to perform.

Should you require any further information on the different roles performed by a Notary Public London as opposed to a Scottish Notary, please contact us on 0207 636 4422.  Alternatively, fill out a written request via our website contact form or email Matthew Pryke directly at Matthew@mdpryke-notary.com