What is a Notary Public
The Law Society of Scotland states:
"Historically, the notary public in Scotland has performed an important function in the legal life of the country. From the 13th Century, the notary developed distinct from the lawyers branch of the profession but in comparatively recent times these functions have enjoyed a resurgence. The influence of the Civil or Roman Law on Scotland is clear in this separate development of the notary public in Scotland. In many other jurisdictions, the distinction remains today. In England, for example, the profession of notary remains separate from that of Solicitor and although many notaries in England are also Solicitors not all are, and there are firms comprising notaries only.
Notaries public play an important legal role in Scottish life where the legal validity of a document requires the swearing of an oath. Only solicitors/notaries in possession of a practising certificate can act as notaries in Scotland".
Notary Public in Edinburgh
In Edinburgh, Janice Fergusson Nisbet of Fergusson Law is a Notary Public. She can provide certified copies of original documents, notarise documents and apostille documents.
Many legal documents, including documents for use in foreign jurisdictions, require execution before a Notary Public.
Certain documents for use abroad require a signature and notarial seal and to be “Apostilled and legalised" (authenticated) by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in London. She can not only notarise the documents but also arrange for FCO Apostille papers.
Proof of identification will be required to carry out these services.