Legal Matters Scotland
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3rd December 2025

A free early morning round up of news for legal professionals across Scotland.
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CRIME
UK abuse inquiry chair calls for Scottish review
Professor Alexis Jay, who chaired the UK Government's Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, which ran from 2016 to 2022, has urged the Scottish Government to set up a multi-agency review into the activities of grooming gangs in Scotland, as a potential "precursor to a public inquiry". Prof. Jay said that "we do not have a clear or reliable picture of what the present situation is in Scotland, therefore I think it is important that should be established", and that such a review "could inform other decisions", including "whether an inquiry into child sexual exploitation was necessary". Scottish Labour MP Joani Reid, who has called for such a review to be carried out, said of Prof. Jay's comments that SNP ministers "were willing to quote her as the final word in the argument when they mistakenly thought she was opposed to an independent investigation, and so they would be nothing more than hypocrites if they failed to act now". First Minister John Swinney indicated that the Government's position will be announced before Christmas.

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COURTS
Sheriff with MND uses voice app to preside over trials
A Dundee sheriff diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in early 2024 is continuing to preside over criminal jury trials using synthetic voice technology. Alastair Carmichael, 62, communicates with staff, lawyers, and defendants through voice apps, making him believed to be the only judge in the world operating in this way. Carmichael first noticed speech difficulties in 2023 and was later referred to Ninewells Hospital, where he received his diagnosis. His continued work highlights both the potential of assistive technology in the legal system and the ongoing challenges posed by MND. Carmichael said: "My job is a very public one, and continuing to work gives me the chance to show that even if you have lost your voice, you can continue to work with the assistance of voice IT and with the assistance of positive-minded people."
Labour slashes rights to trial by jury
Justice Secretary David Lammy has announced plans to eliminate some jury trials in England and Wales to address the backlog of nearly 80,000 criminal cases. In the House of Commons, he stated that new Crown Court procedures will allow a judge alone to decide verdicts for cases with sentences of three years or less. Additionally, Lammy will limit appeals for the Magistrates' court so that they are only allowed on points of law and increase Magistrates Court sentencing to 18 months so they can take a greater proportion of lower level offending. The move is facing significant pushback from the legal profession and the public. Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick asserts in a piece for the Telegraph that scrapping jury trials has long been a desire of Labour elites and now Sir Keir Starmer and Mr Lammy are threatening to "sever the link between British citizens and the administration of justice for good."
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PRISONS
Scotland's custody death inquiries face scrutiny
The Scottish Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has condemned the investigation of deaths in custody as "traumatising" for families, highlighting an unacceptable rise in fatalities. The report, created with charity Inquest, criticises the current Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) system for its adversarial nature and lengthy processes. Families reported feeling ignored and blamed during investigations. Professor Angela O'Hagan, chairwoman of the SHRC, stated: "Scotland has a very high rate of deaths in its places of detention, and these deaths are rising." The report calls for significant reforms, including guaranteed legal representation and trauma-informed practices.
INDUSTRY
AI reshapes legal hiring landscape
AI is significantly transforming the legal sector, prompting changes in hiring practices. Max Junestrand, CEO of Legora, noted that firms are increasingly seeking lawyers with diverse backgrounds. "I think the way you hire lawyers will change a bit…more increasingly we're seeing lawyers with varied backgrounds. They might have a minor in computer science… entrepreneurial background… because knowing the law, yes, that will be one thing, but AI will also know the law. So the question is, what do you bring on top of that?” he stated. Legora has expanded rapidly, increasing its valuation from $50m to $1.8bn in two years.
POLICING
Civilian finance chief handed 'golden goodbye' after failed bullying claim
A Police Scotland civilian finance chief, David Page, received a £374,000 "golden goodbye after a failed bullying claim against Chief Constable Jo Farrell was dismissed by a Scottish Police Authority probe. Page, who earned up to £210,000 a year, went on six months' sick leave before taking voluntary early retirement, with legal fees adding £9,000 to his exit package. The payout, revealed amid significant budget pressures and a growing crimewave, drew criticism from Scottish Conservative justice spokesman Liam Kerr, who called it a strain on taxpayers' money.
ENVIRONMENT
Holyrood to canvass public opinion on draft Climate Change Plan
The Scottish Parliament is seeking public input on the Government's draft Climate Change Plan for 2026-2040, which outlines how Scotland aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2045. The Net Zero, Energy & Transport Committee will lead scrutiny, inviting feedback on the plan’s clarity, transparency, and detail across sectors including transport, energy, buildings, agriculture, and forestry. MSP Edward Mountain emphasised the importance of public engagement, noting that credible, transparent policies with broad support are essential to meeting Scotland’s emission reduction targets.
FIRMS
Scullion LAW attains MoD Gold Status for Armed Forces support
Scullion LAW has received the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award, the highest level of recognition for employers supporting the armed forces community, at a ceremony held at Edinburgh Castle. The firm’s progression from Bronze to Silver and ultimately to Gold was led by Associate Director and Army Reservist Stephanie Grieve.
EMPLOYMENT
Bosses prepare to scale back on hiring following Budget
A survey by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), released on Tuesday, showed private sector bosses are expecting to accelerate jobs cuts and freeze recruitment following the Budget. Alpesh Paleja, the deputy chief economist at the CBI, said that uncertainty ahead of the Budget had caused many businesses to hold back on hiring and investment. This is unlikely to change after Labour unveiled a package of £26bn in tax increases and spending cuts in the Budget last week, the lobby group said. However, Mr Paleja conceded that improved fiscal headroom created by the Budget "may provide some stability going forward."
ECONOMY
OECD: UK inflation set to be second highest in G7
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) predicts the UK will experience the second highest inflation in the G7 over the next year. This is attributed to Labour’s increased employment taxes and a rise in the national living wage, which have hindered labour cost disinflation. Inflation is expected to remain above the Bank of England's 2% target for two years, cooling to 2.5% in 2026. However, the Chancellor defended her Budget, stating: "The OECD has upgraded our growth and cut its forecast for inflation next year." But shadow chancellor Mel Stride warned: "Rachel Reeves promised growth but growth is expected to weaken next year, because of her choices. This is the cost of policies that punish work, businesses and investment."
OTHER
Scotland facing 'unprecedented demographic shifts'
The National Records of Scotland (NRS) have published new figures showing that the number of people living in Scotland has risen to a record 5.55m, despite a record low in the number of births. Net migration of 56,400, the NRS said, more than compensated for a ninth consecutive year of the number of deaths exceeding births. Head of population and migration statistics Andrew White said the country was experiencing "unprecedented demographic shifts", with projections showing the over-75 population is set to rise by 68.6% by 2047, while the populations of under-15s and 16- to 29-year-olds are set to fall by 9% and 6.2% respectively. These changes, Mr White noted, suggest "that demand for age-related services such as childcare, education, housing, healthcare and social care will change".
 


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