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23rd June 2025

A free early morning round up of news for legal professionals across Scotland.
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INDUSTRY
Scotland's legal aid solicitors face crisis
The number of solicitors registered to provide legal aid in Scotland has decreased by over 12% in three years, with only 1,122 solicitors currently registered for criminal and children's cases. A Freedom of Information request by The Herald revealed a consistent decline over the past four years. Simon Brown, president of the Scottish Solicitors Bar Association, commented: "Our numbers have been decimated in recent years," highlighting concerns about the ageing solicitor workforce, with around 60% over 55 years old. The Law Society of Scotland's president, Pat Thom, expressed alarm over the findings, stating: "These figures show why we have an access to justice crisis in Scotland." Despite a steady number of legal aid applications, the decline in solicitors poses significant challenges for vulnerable individuals seeking legal support. The Scottish Government has acknowledged the issue but faces criticism for insufficient action to address the crisis.
Breaches of community sentences soar
Data from the Scottish Conservatives reveals that nearly 30,000 breaches of community payback orders (CPOs) have occurred over 11 years, with 8,078 resulting in another community sentence and 7,956 leading to custodial sentences. Justice Secretary Angela Constance emphasised the need to "shift the balance from custody to justice in the community" to address prison overcrowding. The Conservatives, including Sharon Dowey MSP, have called for stricter sanctions for offenders breaching CPOs, arguing that the current system sends a message of impunity. A Scottish Government spokesperson defended CPOs, stating they have a lower reconviction rate than short prison sentences and that courts determine appropriate outcomes for breaches.

 
STV
Bett appointed Dean of legal faculty
John Bett, a litigation lawyer from Glasgow, has been appointed as the Dean of the Royal Faculty of Procurators, a prestigious organisation with roots dating back to the 1600s. At a special ceremony, Bett expressed his pride in joining the Faculty, stating: "I am incredibly proud to be part of the Royal Faculty and the work that it does, so to become Dean is a huge honour." He will serve a two-year term, succeeding Stephen Vallance, who has been made an honorary member for his contributions. The Faculty plays a vital role in representing Glasgow's legal community, adapting to the evolving landscape of law while maintaining its historical significance. Sheriff Principal Aisha Anwar was also granted honorary membership for her contributions to the legal profession.


 
THE LAW
Assisted dying bill faces tough scrutiny from peers
The Terminally Ill Adults (End Of Life) Bill has successfully passed through the Commons with a majority of 23 votes, but faces significant opposition in the House of Lords. Dame Esther Rantzen, a prominent campaigner for assisted dying, urged the Lords not to obstruct the legislation, stating: "Their job is to scrutinise, to ask questions, but not to oppose." However, Conservative peer Lord Shinkwin stressed the need for thorough examination of the Bill, particularly regarding safeguards for vulnerable individuals. Meanwhile, opponents like Tory MP Danny Kruger have voiced strong objections, labelling campaigners as "militant anti-Christians" while a group of Labour MPs who voted against the legislation said they were "still deeply concerned about the risks in this Bill of coercion of the old and discrimination against the disabled, people with anorexia and black, Asian and minority ethnic people, who we know do not receive equitable health care." Elsewhere, former Paralympian Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson pointed to loopholes on anorexia and around children while linking the timing of the legislation to swinging cuts to disabled benefits.



 
SOLICITOR VACANCY


 
HOLYROOD
Scottish Government bans WhatsApp for business
The Scottish Government has officially prohibited the use of WhatsApp and other non-corporate messaging services for official business on mobile devices. This decision follows revelations from the UK Covid Inquiry, which highlighted that officials, including former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, had deleted WhatsApp messages related to government matters during the pandemic. Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes stated that this policy aims to enhance "openness and transparency" within the Government. However, opposition MSPs argue that this move is merely an overdue concession and does not signify a cultural shift. The new policy mandates that all relevant communications must be recorded on corporate records, and only approved applications like Teams and email should be used for official business. Forbes acknowledged that the increased use of mobile messaging during the pandemic necessitated this change, emphasising the importance of "secure and searchable data."
CASES
Rangers and REPX settle costly lawsuit
Rangers FC and Reputation Exchange PLC (REPX) have reached a settlement in a costly lawsuit regarding a pre-payment card for fans. During a recent hearing at the Court of Session, lawyers for both parties informed Judge Lord Sandison that they had agreed "in principle" to resolve the matter. REPX claims it is owed significant compensation due to an alleged breach of agreement by Rangers, which halted the card's launch. The firm stated: "REPX invested several hundred thousand GBP in technology and one year of development" before the project was blocked. Although the settlement is in principle, Lord Sandison expressed concerns about finalising the details, emphasising the need for a binding agreement before the next court date scheduled for July 2025.
Biffa's compensation claim heats up
Biffa Waste Services Ltd has initiated legal action against the Scottish Government, claiming £166.2m in compensation due to the delay of the deposit return scheme. Roddy Dunlop KC, representing Biffa, stated that the case is "good to go" to court, alleging that Lorna Slater, the former minister for green skills, provided negligent assurances that led to the company's involvement. The scheme, which aimed to introduce a 20p deposit on single-use drinks containers, was postponed after the UK Government refused to approve it unless it aligned with a UK-wide approach. Biffa argues that the Scottish Government's actions resulted in significant financial losses, and the case is set to be heard in October 2025.

 
STV
CRIME
Legal crackdown on football hooligans
Andrew Watt has been sentenced to eight months in prison and received a six-and-a-half-year football banning order for throwing a Buckfast bottle at Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo during last month's Old Firm match at Ibrox. SPFL boss Calum Beattie emphasised the need for strict measures against hooliganism, stating: "Some of the scenes at the end of the season were wholly unacceptable." He called for a united front among stakeholders to address the growing disorder in Scottish football, which has seen incidents like the assault on former Aberdeen defender Jack MacKenzie. Beattie noted that while points deductions for clubs are an option, they prefer to focus on individual responsibility and collaboration with law enforcement to tackle the issue effectively.
HEALTH
Urgent action needed on baby deaths
Campaigners are alarmed by the rising number of newborn deaths in Scottish maternity units, urging immediate action. Roger Livermore, from the campaign group ASAP-NHS, highlighted that around 500 babies have died since 2019, with health boards compensating 131 cases, totalling over £74m. Livermore stated: "We have been very concerned about the large number of babies dying unnecessarily and unlawfully all over Scotland." Despite these concerns, Police Scotland has not initiated a formal investigation, claiming they have "noted" the issues. Livermore criticises the lack of independent investigations and inspections, stating that "lessons are not learnt" and the public remains uninformed about ongoing problems in maternity services.
SOCIAL
Glasgow's homelessness crisis deepens
The homelessness crisis in Glasgow has escalated, with the city declaring a housing emergency in December 2023. Recent statistics reveal that in the last three months, the council received 2,017 homelessness applications, of which 763 were from refugee households. Despite the perception of prioritising refugees for housing, the data shows that non-refugee applications surpass those from refugees by a ratio of more than two to one. Glasgow City Council spends over £40m annually on hotels for the homeless, with 1,721 households currently in temporary accommodation, including 1,246 refugees. Paul McLennan, the housing minister, confirmed that refugees do not receive preferential treatment in housing allocations. He said: "I know from my time as a local councillor for many years that is not the case."
FRAUD
One in seven fall victim to fraud
According to a survey by TransUnion, 14% of respondents reported losing money to fraud in the past year. The "consumer pulse" survey, which included 1,000 participants aged 18 and over in the UK, revealed that half of those surveyed experienced a fraud attempt in the last three months. Chad Reimers, general manager of fraud and identity at TransUnion UK, stated: "Quick and seamless journeys have become the norm. However, consumers are increasingly demanding trust as part of their interactions with digital channels." The survey also highlighted that 78% of respondents prefer secure account access over convenience, with nearly half willing to undergo additional authentication for transactions.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Glasgow City Council reprimanded for delays
Glasgow City Council has received a formal reprimand from the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) due to significant delays in processing subject access requests (SARs) from historic abuse victims. The ICO's investigation, initiated in 2023, revealed that the council is struggling with an "unmanageable" volume of requests, with 1,405 received in 2024 alone. Currently, there are 527 overdue requests, and the council aims to clear the backlog within 18 months. To address the issue, the council is implementing new AI technology and hiring additional staff. A senior officer acknowledged the stress caused by the delays and offered an apology for the administrative challenges faced. The ICO will continue to monitor the council's handling of SARs.
TAX
Tax credits blocked in fraud probe
Italian prosecutors have blocked €400m (£342m) in tax credits amid an investigation into alleged fraud involving Global Services 2 Ltd, a Glasgow-registered company. The public prosecutor's office in Taranto claims that over 70 individuals, including entrepreneurs and accountants, are implicated in a scheme where fictitious software purchases were made to claim tax breaks. The investigation highlights the misuse of tax incentives designed for investments in special economic zones in southern Italy. Lorenzo Aquila, the company's director, is at the centre of the allegations, which also involve connections to an amateur football team.
TRANSPORT
East Dunbartonshire Council enforces parking ban
East Dunbartonshire Council is set to enforce a pavement parking ban starting on September 1, 2025, following the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019. This legislation prohibits pavement parking, double parking, and parking across dropped kerbs, aiming to enhance pedestrian safety, particularly for those with mobility issues and parents with pushchairs. Councillor Paul Ferretti, convener of the council's Place, Neighbourhood & Corporate Assets Committee, explained: "The message here is clear: pavement parking is unsafe, unfair and illegal." The council will issue Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) of £100, reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days, and will launch a campaign to raise awareness of the new regulations.
Inquiry demanded over ferry fiasco
Calls for an independent public inquiry have intensified following the revelation that hundreds of millions of pounds of taxpayers' money have been 'lost' due to a ministerial failure regarding a proposed catamaran ferry project. The plan, which aimed to create a fleet of 50 catamarans for £800m, was rejected despite its potential to save jobs and costs. Currently, the Scottish Government has committed over £1bn for 13 ferries, with only one delivered. Experts, including Professor Alf Baird, have expressed concerns over the procurement process, stating: "Dismissing ferry advisers recruited specifically for their expert knowledge... was seen as a deliberate ploy." The group is advocating for an inquiry to address what they deem a "scandal" and to ensure better management of Scotland's ferry services.
EDUCATION
Experts criticise 'incoherent' school behaviour guidance
Education specialist Tom Bennett, a long-time adviser to the UK Government on behavioural issues in schools, has described the Scottish Government's new guidance on the issue as "incoherent, nonsensical and allergic to reality", and that the new guidance will serve only to confuse and frustrate "already beleaguered and stressed teachers" who have been left with no good response to violent pupils. Mr Bennett's criticism was echoed by the University of Edinburgh's Prof. Lindsay Paterson, who said the refusal to use terms such as "sanction or punishment" meant the "moral unacceptability of bad behaviour" would not be made clear to children.
INTERNATIONAL
Apple faces lawsuit over AI claims
Apple is facing a proposed securities fraud class action lawsuit from shareholders who allege the company misrepresented the timeline for integrating advanced artificial intelligence into its Siri voice assistant. The lawsuit claims this misrepresentation has led to significant financial losses, potentially amounting to hundreds of billions of dollars. Shareholders, led by Eric Tucker, argue that Apple misled them about the capabilities of AI in the upcoming iPhone 16, stating that the company lacked a functional prototype for the promised features.
AND FINALLY...
Girls' speaking skills steal the show
Michelle Agbo and Emily Traynor from St Aidan's High in Wishaw have been crowned Scottish champions in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Schools Public Speaking competition. Competing against teams from St Andrews and Trinity High School, they presented on the topic of introducing a law to combat digital inequality. Head judge Ruth Charteris KC commended the participants for their enthusiasm and respect. The competition saw a record 117 teams from 72 schools. Beth McDowall, principal teacher of literacy, expressed pride in the girls' achievements, commenting: "I’m so proud of all the girls have achieved throughout the competition."
 


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