The resignation of Michael Scanlan as President of the Scottish Law Agents Society has been confirmed, as Law Society President Ian Smart paid tribute to the departing President's "common-sense approach" to the vexed debate over ABS.

“We regret that the President of the Scottish Law Agents Society has chosen to step down," said Smart.

"Michael Scanlan was an excellent president there, as he was with the Law Society of Scotland in 1999 - 2000. The Society has welcomed his common-sense approach to the discussions about Alternative Business Structures and I hope that in his absence we can still work with the SLAS to agree a way forward for the whole profession on the ABS debate.”

The Council of the Scottish Law Agents Society later announced Scanlan's resignation, stating that "his own views are no longer sufficiently consistent with those of Council as to enable him to remain in office."

"At the same time, Michael remains a member of long standing, as well as a friend, of the Society," they added.

"Vice President Craig Bennet of Dunfermline who is a past President of the Society immediately resumed Office and took the Chair of his first meeting at Edinburgh on Friday, 16th April, 2010. This meeting was used to address the up to date situation in relation to the ABS issue and also to put the Society’s ongoing diary of meetings, and certain other matters, into order.

"Michael Scanlan’s period of Presidency has been of great benefit to the Society and it has been a particular pleasure to read his regular presidential column, the passing of which is much regretted."