Legal Matters Scotland
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2nd April 2025

A free early morning round up of news for legal professionals across Scotland.
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INDUSTRY
Law Society of Scotland Council condemns US targeting of lawyers
The Law Society of Scotland has joined international criticism of US government actions against legal professionals, both domestically and abroad. In a unanimous decision, its governing Council endorsed calls from the Law Society of England and Wales urging the US to uphold the rule of law and prevent interference in lawyers’ work. Recent US executive orders have stripped security clearances from lawyers at prominent firms and imposed sanctions on personnel of the International Criminal Court (ICC), including asset freezes and travel bans. Law Society of Scotland President Susan Murray called the developments "deeply alarming" and reaffirmed the legal profession’s duty to defend judicial independence worldwide.


Denovo Announced as Headline Sponsor for the 2025 Scottish Legal Awards

Denovo has been announced as the headline sponsor for the 2025 Scottish Legal Awards, Scotland’s premier celebration of excellence in the legal profession. As the largest independent awards programme in the sector, the event recognises the outstanding achievements of legal professionals, firms, and teams across the country. Denovo is thrilled to support an event that champions excellence in the legal profession, reinforcing their commitment to empowering Scottish law firms with the tools they need to thrive. The team at Denovo is looking forward to celebrating the industry’s brightest talents at the prestigious awards ceremony, which will take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Glasgow Central, on Thursday, 18th September 2025.

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THE LAW
MPs clash over assisted dying bill
Concerns have arisen among Labour MPs regarding the timing of the assisted dying bill's return to the Commons on 25 April, as it coincides with the final week of local election campaigning. Andrew Pakes, the Labour MP for Peterborough, said lawmakers shouldn't be distracted from what is an "incredibly important and sensitive issue." Meanwhile in Scotland, legal experts have warned that the Scottish Parliament will need the backing of Westminster if assisted dying is to become the law north of the border. The experts said the "primary purpose" of the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill "relates to the reserved matter of regulating the health professions." Separately, Pam Duncan-Glancy, the first permanent wheelchair user in the Scottish Parliament, has expressed concerns that the Bill could make it easier for disabled individuals to access assistance to die rather than to live. She emphasised that the proposed safeguards are insufficient to protect against coercion and abuse.
NHS Fife faces enforcement action over trans policy
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is contemplating the use of its enforcement powers regarding NHS Fife's compliance with equalities legislation. This follows a high-profile employment tribunal involving nurse Sandie Peggie, who was suspended after raising concerns about sharing a changing room with transgender medic Dr Beth Upton. A spokesperson for the EHRC said: "The policies and practices of all Scottish health boards must comply with the Equality Act 2010, as it relates to the provision of single-sex services and spaces."
New bill aims to bolster cyber security
The UK Government has proposed the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, aimed at enhancing the security of essential services against cyber threats. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle stated: "Economic growth is the cornerstone of our plan for change, and ensuring the security of the vital services which will deliver that growth is non-negotiable." The bill mandates that firms providing critical IT services improve their data protection and conduct comprehensive risk assessments. With 50% of British businesses reporting cyber breaches in the past year, the legislation seeks to empower regulators and protect over 200 data centres crucial for AI operations. Richard Horne, chief executive of the National Cyber Security Centre, described the bill as a "landmark moment" for improving cyber defences in essential services.


 
CASES
Celtic Plc settles 70% of abuse cases
Celtic Plc has settled approximately 70% of cases in a class action lawsuit concerning historical sexual abuse at Celtic Boys Club, as reported by Thompsons Solicitors, which represents around 30 former players. Laura Connor, a partner at Thompsons, stated: "Our clients trusted us to fight for them on these difficult cases and ensure their voices were heard." The case involves abuse by convicted paedophiles James Torbett and Frank Cairney, with further settlements anticipated in the coming weeks. The group legal action was approved by Scotland's highest civil court, despite Celtic Plc's arguments that the boys club was a separate entity. Celtic FC has expressed its dismay at any form of historic abuse.
FIRMS
Appointments
Simkins LLP has announced the promotion of Juliane Althoff, Helena Franklin, and Jessica Welch to its Partnership. Managing Partner Euan Lawson commented: "Many congratulations to our newly appointed Partners... they are great Simkins success stories." Meanwhile, Lawrence Stephens has announced the promotion of Asim Arshad, Anna Christou, Sarah Gallagher and Ausra Triantafyllidou to Director. The promotions follow a year of continuing growth for Lawrence Stephens, with Director numbers increasing from 28 to 45. Elsewhere, Neil Matheson - who was named Associate Solicitor of the year at the Scottish Professional Awards in 2024 - has been promoted to the position of Partner at TC Young.
Holmes Mackillop expands with acquisition
Holmes Mackillop has acquired the private client and property business of D&J Dunlop, enhancing its service offerings in Ayrshire. The firm stated that this acquisition brings "a full-service law firm to Ayrshire", leveraging its six-office network. Peter and Pauline McNamara, formerly of Lockharts Law, will lead the Ayr office.
HOLYROOD
New support group launched for postmasters
Rab Thomson, a former sub-postmaster and victim of the Horizon scandal, is launching the Scottish Postmasters for Justice and Redress (SPJR) group in Holyrood. Following the overturning of his conviction in January 2024, Thomson aims to assist other Scottish postmasters in achieving similar outcomes. He commented: "Scotland are the sleeping dogs in this case and many victims are unaware of how they can be exonerated or what redress options are available to them". The group estimates that around 140 individuals in Scotland were prosecuted due to the Horizon IT system's faults. The Scottish Government has passed legislation allowing wrongly convicted Scots to access a UK compensation scheme, with 64 convictions already identified as quashed.
PRISONS
Scotland's prisons need urgent reform
Henry McLeish, former First Minister of Scotland, has declared that the country's criminal justice system is "not working", leading to wasted lives and resources. In his recent commentary, he highlighted that the prison population has risen to approximately 8,300, contrary to his 2008 recommendations aimed at reducing it to 5,000. Despite a reported 53% reduction in crime from 2008 to 2021/22, Scotland's incarceration rate remains the highest in Western Europe, with 144 per 100,000 people imprisoned. Justice Secretary Angela Constance acknowledged the rising prison population and emphasised the need for a shift towards community justice, with a £159m investment planned for 2025/26 to strengthen alternatives to custody.
SOCIAL
Shelter Scotland suggests councils cut non-essential services
Shelter Scotland has urged local councils to consider "unthinkable" cuts to non-essential services such as culture and sport in light of a report revealing that many are failing to provide accommodation for homeless individuals. The Scottish Housing Regulator's annual engagement plans indicate that homelessness levels in several areas, including Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Fife, have surpassed their capacity to respond, marking a "systemic failure." Alison Watson, director of Shelter Scotland, stated: "Warm words and good intentions are failing to tackle Scotland's growing housing emergency." The report highlights a 9% drop in social house building and a record high of 10,360 children in temporary accommodation, prompting calls for urgent and "radical action" from all levels of government.
ECONOMY
Trump's tariffs threaten UK economy
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has warned that Donald Trump's impending tariffs will "have an impact" on the UK's economy. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds described the situation as a "very serious and significant moment." The US President is expected to announce tariffs on various goods, potentially including a 20% tariff on UK imports. Professor David Miles from the Office for Budget Responsibility noted that tariffs of 20-25% could eliminate the Government's fiscal headroom. The Government is conducting talks with the US on an economic deal which it hopes will result in the UK being excluded from the new tariff regime.
 


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