Legal Matters Scotland

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THE LAW
Critics of assisted dying 'scaremongering', say humanists
Critics of assisted dying have faced accusations of "scaremongering" from humanist campaigners advocating for legal change in Scotland. Fraser Sutherland, CEO of the Humanist Society, urged the Scottish Government to support the proposed bill by Lib Dem MSP Liam McArthur, which aims to allow health professionals to assist terminally ill individuals in ending their lives. Sutherland stated: "We know the Scottish public are behind assisted dying... We hope lawmakers will do the right thing and avoid the scaremongering, for the sake of everyday Scots." The debate is set for Stage 1 in Holyrood next Tuesday. While public support for assisted dying is high, concerns remain about potential coercion of vulnerable individuals. Dr Gordon Macdonald, CEO of Care Not Killing, argued for improved palliative care instead of legalising assisted dying.


Denovo Launches Registers of Scotland Integration

Denovo’s CaseLoad platform just took another big step towards becoming the all-in-one legal software solution for Scottish law firms. The brand-new integration with Registers of Scotland (ROS) allows users to request title information, download documents, and access title summaries - all without leaving CaseLoad system.
This update eliminates the need to switch between systems, saving firms time and reducing risk across every conveyancing transaction.

Read more

 
SOCIAL
'No reason' more safer drug consumption facilities could not be opened
Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain KC has told MPs on the Scottish Affairs Committee that while she has not received proposals for more safer drug consumption facilities in Scotland, there is "no reason" why another such proposal would not be approved "so long as it was underpinned by the very strong evidence base we were given in order to make the decision for the Thistle centre". Ms Bain noted that there will be a "rigorous evaluation" of the Glasgow facility, which opened in January for an initial three-year pilot period, adding that it could remain open beyond that time if the situation remains "compelling, as it is at the moment". Glasgow City Council's addiction services convener, Cllr Allan Casey, recently suggested that more safe consumption rooms are needed "in Scotland and across the UK as well".



 
CASES
Doctor paralysed in bike crash wins settlement
A doctor left paralysed from the waist down after the front forks of his bike broke has won a £4.5m settlement. Dr Daniel Gordon suffered spinal cord injuries in the August 2020 incident and is now dependent on a wheelchair. The manufacturers' insurers have settled the case ahead of the start of a five-day high court trial in England. Dr Gordon had sought £10m in damages. Planet X, the makers of the bike, had gone bust but Dr Gordon's lawyers Stewarts brought proceedings against the firm's insurers. The £4.5m settlement includes a provision for Dr Gordon to return to court and seek further damages in the event he experiences a rare but serious and untreatable deterioration caused by a spinal cyst.
Woman who fatally stabbed boyfriend jailed
A Falkirk woman has been sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in prison for killing her boyfriend by stabbing him in the heart with his own 12-inch knife during a struggle in June 2022. At the time, Dionne Christie, 24, was 12 weeks pregnant with Jevin Haig's child. The incident occurred in her bedroom when both were 21 years old. Although she was initially tried for murder, the jury convicted her of culpable homicide, concluding she acted under provocation. Christie delayed calling emergency services and initially claimed Haig had stabbed himself, but forensic evidence proved otherwise. Prosecutors argued she acted out of anger as Haig's crime-funded lifestyle had collapsed.
Shed conman jailed over scams
A man who scammed dozens of people across Scotland by falsely promising to build garden sheds and summerhouses has been jailed. Alistair Baxter advertised on social media, took orders and pocketed deposits from victims in Dunbartonshire, Stirlingshire, Glasgow and Aberdeen. The 36-year-old made over £30,000 a year from the scheme and a sheriff told Baxter: "Your greed was quite remarkable." He pleaded guilty to fraud at Stirling Sheriff Court and has been jailed for three years and four months.
Tribunal backs worker compared to Darth Vader
Lorna Rooke, an NHS blood donation worker, has been awarded £28,989.61 after an employment tribunal ruled that a colleague comparing her to Darth Vader was "insulting" and a workplace "detriment." Employment judge Kathryn Ramsden said: "Darth Vader is a legendary villain ... and being aligned with his personality is insulting."
PROPERTY
Scottish regulator publishes briefing note on Grenfell report
The Scottish Housing Regulator (SHR) has issued a briefing note in response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report, focusing on its relevance to Scottish social landlords. While the SHR does not propose new recommendations, it emphasises the importance of improving tenant communication on safety issues, enhancing complaint handling, and supporting vulnerable residents during emergencies. The regulator acknowledges that Scotland's existing regulatory framework addresses many of the inquiry's principles but notes potential misalignments with aspects of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, such as mandated repair timeframes and competence standards.
Study flags landlord insurance concerns
Research reveals that over a third of UK landlords are inadequately insured, with many lacking dedicated landlord insurance. Simply Quote Insurance found that 25% of landlords have no specific insurance, and 12% are unsure about their current policy's adequacy. With rising costs and new legislative demands, many landlords are unaware of the risks they face, including property damage and legal disputes. 
CRIME
'Nationally significant' cyber-attacks double in six months
Cyber-attacks classified as "nationally significant" in the UK have doubled in the past six months, according to Richard Horne, head of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). These attacks, often linked to hostile states like Russia, China, and Iran, target major organisations and can threaten essential services or the wider economy. Horne said the disruption caused by ransomware attacks on retailers including Harrods, Marks & Spencer and Co-op, showed the "very real impacts that cyber attacks can have." He noted that the NCSC handled over 200 incidents between September 2024 and March 2025.
COMPENSATION
Justice delayed for infected blood victims
The Infected Blood Inquiry has seen victims express concern over compensation, fearing they may not live to see it. The inquiry aims to ensure that justice is delivered, as over 30,000 people were infected with HIV and hepatitis C due to contaminated blood products. Ministers have allocated £11.8bn for compensation, but only a fraction of claims have been processed.
 


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