Scottish Law and buying a house?

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I know this is not a business question but I hope someone can answer this before Monday morning. I asked a Scottish lawyer to act for me and place an offer on a house I'm buying and they told me that they cant as they are acting for the seller. When I told the broker she says there is no conflict and he could do it if he likes.

Anyone know who's talking rubbish?

[Antonia @limeone.com]

The lawyer is acting ethically, whilst the rules have changed, the principle of acting for both the buyer and seller causes a number of issues in practice.

Personally, it is not something that is, in my view, either ethical or helpful for the clients to have the same firm trying act in the best interests of both of you. The rules have never allowed the same person to act for both, it has changed to allow the same firm to serve both clients.

All lawyers have the right to choose who they do work for so cannot be compelled to work for a particular client.

[RedEvo]

Scottish houses are usually sold on a sealed bid system. This could present a conflict of interest.

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