-y-lores.jpg)
insights
Why SMEs should act now on debt recovery
Scottish SMEs can recover outstanding debts through the Simple Procedure (for claims up to £5,000) or statutory demands, avoiding the "myth" that legal action is too costly.
John is very widely known for his successful and meticulous approach to commercial and property litigation, debt recovery, and crisis management
John Bett is a Partner and head of our Scotland-wide Dispute Resolution and Litigation department.
He has over 20 years’ experience in a wide variety of disputes, with particular expertise in commercial litigation and property litigation. John also leads our specialist debt recovery team, providing clients with an economic and efficient debt recovery service.
John has also developed a specialism in crisis management, supporting clients to respond to anything from short-term reputational challenges to existential threats to their business.
His diverse client base includes property managers and developers, manufacturers, football clubs, professional services firms, and high-profile individuals. John works closely with law firms elsewhere in the UK and beyond, supporting their clients in disputes within Scotland.
John has a reputation for a practical, commercial approach to resolving disputes, backed up by thorough preparation. This prompted a positive comment in Civil Practice in which the defender in a significant commercial action was described as being “trapped by diligent case preparation” in proceedings in which John acted for the pursuer.
In 2025, John was elected Dean of the Royal Faculty of Procurators in Glasgow. He also chairs the Faculty’s Audit and Court Committees.
John is a member of the Property Litigation Association.
Highlights
- Acting for Dundee United, Raith Rovers, and Cove Rangers in an action served on them and the SPFL by Heart of Midlothian and Partick Thistle. The claim commenced at the Court of Session, before moving to arbitration. The successful outcome for John’s clients meant that they each secured their respective promotions.
- Acting for the successful tenant in the widely reported, high value dilapidations claim Dem-Master Demolition Limited –v- Healthcare Environmental Services Limited, litigated at the Commercial Court of the Court of Session.
- Acting for the successful pursuer in a breach of directors’ duties/ recovery of secret profit action McGivney Construction Limited –v- Jozef Kaminski & Glen Maree Contracts Limited. The seven-figure claim extended to include “springboard” profits and involved cross-border applications for the recovery of documentation.
- Advising on a major fraud claim brought at the Court of Session in respect of the actions of a client’s former employee.
Recognition
Meet the team
When a dispute lands, we help you find the most sensible way through. That might mean negotiation, mediation, arbitration or court, always with a focus on protecting your position and keeping disruption to a minimum.
Who we help
We act for businesses, organisations and individuals dealing with commercial, property and contractual disputes, including cross-border issues. If relationships or reputations are on the line, we’ll give calm, practical guidance at each step.
Insights from John
Read article
Our people
At your side to provide peace of mind, our people are here to listen and advise in the moments that matter most.
Meet our peopleDispute resolution and litigation
Our team is here to protect your interests and deliver practical solutions tailored to your situation.
Learn moreLegal strength. Human touch.
At Lindsays, we believe great legal representation starts with real connections. That’s why we put people first in everything we do – working with you, not just for you.
Get in touch