The Bill is designed to incorporate the ownership and transfer of digital assets into Scots law.
In recent decades, the use and importance of digital assets has become widespread. There is, however, little case law relating to new forms of digital assets, including cryptocurrencies, to help individuals, businesses and legal practitioners in their dealings with such assets.
The Bill confirms that digital assets can be recognised as incorporeal moveable property. If passed, the Bill would confirm how ownership can be established and acquired, providing greater legal certainty for tech developers, digital asset owners and the legal profession.
As of 2025, approximately 10% of adults in Scotland – around 540,000 people – own some form of cryptocurrency.
Economy and Fair Work Convener, Daniel Johnson MSP, said: “Scotland’s financial technology (FinTech) sector contributes £14billion to the Scottish economy.
“This Bill could help provide the answers needed about digital assets as objects of property and support ongoing innovation and investment in the sector.
“We are keen to hear from legal practitioners, academics and anyone with an interest in digital assets about whether they support the provisions in the Bill. We also want to hear what other actions could be required to support businesses and individuals in their dealings with digital assets.”
Daniel Johnson visited local businesses in his constituency as part of Scotland Loves Local Week 2025, urging people to choose local
Labour’s Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Business and Fair Work Daniel Johnson MSP showed his support for the Scotland Loves Local campaign as he visited local businesses in his Edinburgh Southern constituency.
People make Places is the theme of activity across the country during the week, encouraging everyone to get behind those who make local businesses so special – helping to protect the jobs of friends, relatives and neighbours.
Speaking during his visit, Mr Johnson said: “As a former retailer, I know first-hand how much local independent businesses contribute to high street communities in Scotland.
“Morningside High Street, in the heart of Edinburgh Southern, is a fantastic example of this – a community minded high street with a varied and diverse array of shops and places to eat and drink.
“There is much to celebrate but our high streets also face challenges. That is why in 2021, I introduced the Protection of Workers (Scotland) Act which has been used thousands of times to protect shopworkers from violence, threats and abuse at work.
“Whilst the Act has been successful, much more needs to be done across the board to help our high streets thrive.”
He was joined on the visit by Chief Officer of Scotland’s Towns Partnership Kimberley Guthrie and Scotland Loves Local Programme Coordinator Nicola Hutchinson.
Kimberley Guthriesaid: “Scotland Loves Local Week is a celebration of local excellence and celebrating the people who make places.
“It has been fantastic to see such a tremendous amount of support from across the political spectrum for this year’s celebrations, helping to showcase the great spirit of entrepreneurialism, innovation and community we have in Scotland.
The simple act of thinking local first has a profound effect and can have a transformational impact on local economies, laying the foundations to make our places stronger and more sustainable for the future”.
Scotland Loves Local Week is spearheaded by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) as part of its drive for people to build stronger, more sustainable futures for their community by supporting the businesses in their area, potentially injecting millions of pounds more into regional economies.
It has calculated that almost £26.8m more could be driven directly into the city of Edinburgh economy if every person spent just £1-a-week more with local businesses.
Labour MSPsattend Jerba Campervans’ Employee Ownership Day staff event
THE SCOTTISH Labour leader pitched in to celebrate the 10th Employee Ownership Day (EO Day) at a fun-filled afternoon with staff at a leading campervan converter yesterday.
East Lothian based Jerba Campervans, a 100% employee-owned business since 2018, welcomed Anas Sarwar MSP along with fellow MSP Daniel Johnson, before downing tools and hosting a staff barbeque.
EO Day (Friday 24 June) raises awareness of the benefits of employee ownership and is celebrated by many of the estimated 1000 plus EO businesses operating in the UK, at least 146 of which are Scottish-registered and employ 5,350 people.
Jerba Campervans founder Simon Poole has been a flagbearer for the employee ownership movement and EO Day marks his last full working day before he hands over the reins to new MD Paul Kimberlin, before taking on a part time role as Chair of the company.
Simon said: “EO Day is a great way of raising the profile and highlighting the benefits of the employee-owned business model which naturally is one that we fully support.
“Anas Sarwar has previously expressed an interest in employee-owned businesses so we thought it was a great opportunity to invite him in to see the work we do and he seemed impressed by what he found.
“The day also provided a chance for all the staff to let their hair down and to relax a bit after what has been a very busy period for the business. With a two-year order book in front of us, it’s important to enjoy some downtime when the chance comes up.”
The politicians in attendance were given a tour around Jerba’s workshop, providing them with the opportunity to scope out a number of its in-progress conversions and to discuss the value of employee ownership with the staff. Both were also invited to join the barbeque in the afternoon.
Scottish Labour Leader Anas Sarwar said: “It has been a pleasure visiting Jerba Campervans on Employee Ownership Day 2022.
“The site is a wonderful example of both the benefits of employee ownership and the scale of the employee ownership sector in Scotland.
“The team at Jerba are highly skilled and are creating high quality products in a growing market for Scotland.
“I want to thank the team for showing me around and wish them continued success.”
James de le Vingne, Chief Executive at Employee Ownership Association which organises EO Day said: “With this year being the 10th annual EO Day, it’s great to hear what Jerba Campervans has been up to.
“In raising awareness of the benefits of employee ownership, it helps us plant the seed of EO in the minds of the nation to #GrowEO like never before.”
Jerba Campervans was launched in 2006 and specialises in converting and customising Volkswagen Transporter vans for those passionate about adventure and the outdoors.
Converting Volkswagen T6.1 models, the North Berwick based firm is officially recognised by Volkswagen as a Motorhome Qualified Converter, and is the only firm in Scotland to receive this qualification.
With a dedicated and flexible team, the Jerba Campervans’ family adapts to the needs of their customers, creating a house on wheels with the highest UK level of road safety, assuring customers of a safe, and stylish ride.
