Legal Matters Scotland
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21st July 2025

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THE LAW
Ministers accused of delaying gender law changes
SNP ministers have faced accusations of deliberately delaying the implementation of the Supreme Court's ruling on defining women by biological sex, with officials signalling that lengthy consultations may postpone changes until after the Holyrood elections. Although the Scottish Government maintains it accepts the judgment and is preparing policy updates, it insists it will wait for revised guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission before making significant changes. Critics argue this approach risks further delay and undermines women's rights, amid ongoing controversy over policies allowing biological males access to female-only spaces. The Government has not confirmed whether new rules will be in place before the elections, while opposition parties urge swift action to comply with the ruling.
Sex workers criticise Regan bill
Scotland for Decrim, a grassroots organisation advocating for the full decriminalisation of sex work, argues that Ash Regan's proposed bill criminalising sex workers' clients (the Nordic model) would increase violence and poverty among sex workers, as seen in other countries where it has been implemented. They criticise the lack of consultation with current sex workers and highlight that the bill offers no support for those wishing to leave the industry or address underlying poverty issues. The group stresses that criminalisation worsens stigma and danger, while evidence from places like New Zealand shows full decriminalisation improves safety, health access, and workers’ rights.


 
INDUSTRY
AI threatens the future of lawyers
Eleanor Lightbody, CEO of Luminance, a leading legal AI provider, discusses the transformative impact of AI on the legal profession. Luminance has seen a significant surge in demand, with a 40-fold increase in queries and sales exceeding £50m, thanks to the rise of large-language models. The company, which has over 700 clients including the BBC and KPMG, automates contract review and negotiation, effectively acting as an in-house legal brain. Lightbody believes AI can enhance the skills of junior lawyers, saying: "The AI will tell you why another user has done something in the past." However, the industry faces challenges, as predictions suggest that 44% of legal work could be automated, leading to potential job losses.



 
CASES
Nurse takes union to court
Sandie Peggie, a nurse, has initiated legal proceedings against the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) after alleging that the union failed to support her during a suspension by NHS Fife in 2024. Peggie was accused of bullying and harassing Dr Beth Upton, a transgender doctor, but was later cleared of these allegations. She claims the RCN did not act in her best interests, stating it "failed to act like a trade union" and contributed to her mistreatment. Her lawyer, Margaret Gribbon, argued that had the RCN fulfilled its role, Peggie might not have faced an 18-month disciplinary ordeal. The RCN has denied all allegations and maintains that it has the right to determine the extent of support it provides to members. The dispute arose after Peggie expressed discomfort around Dr Upton in a changing room, leading to a complaint and subsequent investigation by NHS Fife, which found insufficient evidence of misconduct.
NHS doctor jailed for PPE fraud
Dr Attiya Sheikh, 45, and her husband Omer Sheikh, 48, have been sentenced to 10 months in jail for selling stolen personal protective equipment (PPE) on eBay during the Covid pandemic. The couple made nearly £8,000 from selling gloves, face masks, and wipes at a time when the NHS was struggling to secure these essential items. NHS Scotland supplier Fannin alerted authorities after discovering their listings online. Gordon Young, head of NHS Scotland counter fraud services, condemned their actions as "outrageous," stating: "To make a profit out of people's fears... it really is the opposite message to what the NHS stands for."
Neurosurgeon's snowmobile crash claim fails
Andrew Cannestra, an American neurosurgeon, has lost a High Court case against McLaren following a snowmobile crash in Finland that he claimed endangered his life. The incident occurred during a "Pure McLaren Arctic Experience" on February 2, 2020, resulting in significant brain and orthopaedic injuries. Cannestra's legal team argued that McLaren was negligent, citing an inadequate safety briefing and a guide's excessive speed. However, Mr Justice Ritchie ruled that the safety briefing met standards and attributed the crash to Cannestra's "accidental throttle use" rather than negligence.
Three charged under Terrorism Act over defence factory crash
Three women have been charged under the Terrorism Act following a van attack on the fence of Leonardo UK's defence factory in Edinburgh. The suspects, aged 31, 34, and 42, were arrested on Tuesday, with Police Scotland's counter-terror unit leading the investigation. Separately, officers are probing a pro-Palestinian march in Edinburgh, where some participants reportedly displayed T-shirts and banners supporting the banned group Palestine Action.
FIRMS
Glasgow law firm celebrates record growth
Glasgow-based Complete Clarity Solicitors and Simplicity Legal, operating a four-day working week, has reported a 25% turnover rise over two years to £2.1m, with a forecasted 33% jump to £3.2m next year. The firm, now 35-strong, has maintained its reduced working hours while awarding salary increases, bonuses, and benefits, prioritising staff fulfilment since its founding nearly 15 years ago. After merging in 2017, the firm continues to attract talent and seek acquisition opportunities. Director Emma King credited the strong performance to the firm's "progressive, people-focused" culture.
EMPLOYMENT
Public bodies spend £20m on DEI
Nearly £20m has been spent across Scotland's public sector on diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) initiatives since 2019, according to figures obtained by the Scottish Conservatives. The NHS accounted for the largest share, with over £8.9m directed toward training and personnel, while local authorities spent £2.48m, with Aberdeen City Council the highest local government spender. Universities, the Scottish Prison Service, and justice bodies also contributed to the total, which doubled annually over the six-year period. Critics argue the spending comes amid pressure on core public services, while the Scottish Government maintains that DEI roles support fairness and inclusivity across institutions. Councils noted that some of the funds covered translation services and inclusion officers, while universities cited mandatory training and awareness events.
ENVIRONMENT
RSPCA calls for ban on suffocating farmed salmon
The RSPCA has called for a legal ban on suffocating farmed salmon, urging the Scottish and UK Governments to make new humane slaughter guidelines mandatory rather than voluntary. The guidance recommends pre-stunning salmon and recording the entire killing process on CCTV, but the charity says legislation is needed to truly protect fish welfare. Salmon Scotland counters that all harvest stations are already independently certified, CCTV-monitored, and follow high welfare standards. However, animal welfare groups argue that without legal enforcement, these protections risk being ignored, especially given recent scientific recognition of fish sentience and pain.
GOVERNMENT
UK faces legal challenge over Gaza
The UK Government is facing a legal challenge regarding its refusal to medically evacuate critically ill children from Gaza, contrasting its actions in other conflicts. The legal action, led by Carolin Ott from Leigh Day, argues that the Government has overlooked the lack of treatment options available in Gaza. "These mechanisms are profoundly inadequate to meet the urgent needs of children in Gaza," Ott stated. Families of the affected children, aged two and five, are calling for urgent evacuations for critical treatments unavailable in the territory. The World Health Organisation estimates that around 12,500 patients in Gaza require medical evacuation, highlighting the dire situation as the conflict continues. The UK Government has until 28 July to respond to the pre-action letter.
AND FINALLY...
Rockers sue bandmate over cancelled Scottish wedding
Members of Jane’s Addiction are suing singer Perry Farrell for $10m after a violent onstage altercation led to the cancellation of the band's 2024 tour and delayed guitarist Dave Navarro's wedding. Farrell allegedly assaulted Navarro during a Boston show, causing $50,000 in losses from the postponed Scottish wedding. Farrell has filed a counter-suit accusing Navarro and other bandmates of a prolonged bullying campaign against him. Navarro and his partner Vanessa DuBasso eventually married in March at Dunskey Castle in Scotland.
 


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