A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law
Scottish Edition
29th December 2025

Legal Matters Scotland is now Legal Slice.
The focus hasn’t changed - you’ll still get the same trusted Scottish legal news, insight and analysis you rely on. Same content. Same team. Just a new name.

THE HOT STORY
55 criminals freed from Scots jails by mistaken since 2015
In the last decade, the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) mistakenly released 55 inmates, including 13 violent offenders. Some were free for months, with one on the run for over a year. Data shows that 11 prisoners have been mistakenly released from HMP Barlinnie in Glasgow since April 2015, while 10 prisoners were accidentally released from HMP Addiewell in West Lothian. The SPS acknowledged errors occur but insisted that they are rare. A Scottish Government spokesman added that such incidents represent only 0.03% of all releases. Scottish Labour justice spokeswoman Pauline McNeill said: "It is clear that our justice system is in total chaos under this SNP government." 

 
THE LAW
Upskirting cases remain alarmingly low
The Scottish Liberal Democrats report that only 38 upskirting cases are prosecuted annually, despite rising voyeurism incidents. Wendy Chamberlain, Deputy Scottish party leader, stated that the charges do not reflect the actual number of occurrences. A freedom of information request revealed 302 upskirting charges reported to the Crown Office from 2018 to October 2025. The party is calling for a review of the law on such crimes. A Scottish Government spokesperson acknowledged the trauma caused by these acts, emphasising the need for effective legal accountability.
Governments stall on single-sex spaces ruling
The UK and Scottish governments are facing criticism for delaying the implementation of the Supreme Court ruling on women's single-sex spaces, according to campaigners from For Women Scotland. Founders Susan Smith, Marion Calder, and Trina Budge accused Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Bridget Phillipson, Minister for Women and Equalities, of stalling on new trans guidance. They also highlighted the SNP's failure to pay over £417,000 in legal expenses. Ms Smith said: "Both the Scottish Government and the UK Government claim they accept the Supreme Court ruling but they have done nothing to implement it."
Liam McArthur confident on assisted dying bill
Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur is optimistic about the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill, which aims to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill adults. The Scottish Parliament previously voted in favour of the bill's general principles, marking a significant step forward. McArthur stated: "I am confident that still a majority of my MSP colleagues support a change in the law." The bill will undergo further amendments before a final vote expected in March 2026. Critics argue that the scrutiny process has been insufficient, raising concerns about potential coercion and the bill's implications.
Parents fight for spiking law reform
Colin and Mandy Mackie founded Spike Aware UK after their son Greg died from suspected spiking. They are frustrated with the Scottish Government's refusal to create a standalone spiking offence, despite the UK Government's plans. Colin stated: "If there's no prosecutions, there's no deterrent." Current legislation in Scotland is deemed sufficient by Justice Secretary Angela Constance, who noted only four convictions for drink spiking from 2021-2023. The Mackies continue to advocate for change, pointing to the need for clarity and stronger deterrents against spiking incidents.
Inkster Banner


Inksters are supporting the ABS Scotland Group as founding members and with Brian Inkster being a member of the committee.

The Group was born out of frustration with the Law Society of Scotland’s delays in implementing Alternative Business Structures (or Licensed Legal Service Providers) in Scotland.

By 2025, there had already been a 15-year delay in implementation following on from the Legal Services (Scotland) Act 2010. There was hope that the Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Act 2025 would speed the process up. However, instead, the Law Society of Scotland announced a freeze of at least another two years on doing anything at all on ABS.

The main objective of the Group is to encourage and facilitate the introduction of ABS to Scotland.

You can join the ABS Scotland Group by completing the membership application form.

 
INDUSTRY
EOTs could transform law firms
Douglas Roberts, a corporate partner at TLT, argues that Scotland’s legal sector is missing out on the benefits of employee ownership through Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs). While EOTs are growing across the UK and helping address succession issues, Scottish law firms are effectively blocked from using them due to regulatory barriers. Roberts says this is particularly damaging given the high number of sole practitioners and looming succession challenges. He contends that EOTs could preserve firm culture, support gradual exits for partners, and improve staff retention and motivation. He urges the Law Society of Scotland to allow greater flexibility on Alternative Business Structures so firms can adopt employee ownership where it suits their long-term sustainability.
POLICING
Police Scotland faces mass exodus
More than 500 officers have left Police Scotland within five years, with over 200 resigning after less than a year. Scottish Labour attributed this to the SNP's mismanagement, claiming officers are under increasing pressure. Katy Clark, Labour's community safety spokeswoman, stated: "Hardworking officers have been pushed to breaking point." Deputy Chief Constable Alan Speirs acknowledged the natural turnover but noted the operational pressures on the workforce. The Scottish Government highlighted record funding and a strong recruitment pipeline, asserting that crime rates have significantly decreased since 1991.
Police Scotland's costly training flop
Police Scotland spent £1.37m on the "Your Leadership Matters" programme from EY, but over a third of participants did not complete it. A total of 3,785 officers and 825 staff attended at least one event, yet only 2,385 officers and 653 staff completed all three sessions. Scottish Labour justice spokesperson Pauline McNeill MSP expressed disappointment, saying: "It is important that police officers and staff have the resources they need." Deputy Chief Constable Alan Speirs defended the investment, highlighting positive feedback and the aim to enhance leadership skills within the force.
HOUSING
Scots face danger in tower blocks
Tower Blocks UK has condemned the findings of a Sunday Mail investigation, which revealed that hundreds of Scots may live in unsafe Large Panel System (LPS) buildings. Danielle Gregory, a campaigner at Tower Blocks UK, said: "It is unconscionable that any of these buildings still have a piped gas supply." The investigation found that many LPS blocks, constructed in the 1960s and 70s, remain connected to gas, despite the dangers highlighted by the 1968 Ronan Point disaster. The Scottish Government is urged to take immediate action to address these safety concerns.
CASES
Trust scandal leaves homeowners stranded
Thousands of families are struggling to sell their homes due to a trust scandal involving the Scottish law firm WW&J McClure Limited. The firm mis-sold family protection trusts, falsely claiming they would protect clients' homes from local authorities. After McClure went into administration in 2021, many clients were unaware their files had been transferred to Jones Whyte solicitors. Dissolving these trusts has resulted in significant costs for the victims. Digital marketing manager Lee Jackson, who was among the victims, predicted 'the next Post Office scandal' from family protection trusts.
TRANSPORT
Speeding causes one in five deaths
Transport Scotland's latest data shows that speed is a factor in 20% of road fatalities in Scotland each year. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for drivers to reduce their speed. Matthew Young reported on the findings, urging the public to take responsibility for road safety. "Speed contributes to one in five deaths," he noted, emphasising awareness and caution while driving. The data serves as a critical reminder for all drivers to prioritise safety on the roads.
TRADING STANDARDS
Illicit vapes seized in North Ayrshire
Police Scotland and North Ayrshire Trading Standards seized numerous illicit vape products during a recent operation across North Ayrshire. The initiative aimed to address community concerns about the accessibility of age-restricted items for young people. A Police Scotland spokesperson stated: "The local community continue to highlight concerns with vape products - particularly the apparent ease our young people have in acquiring these age-restricted items." Residents are encouraged to report any retailers selling illegal products or to underage individuals by contacting Police Scotland or Crimestoppers Scotland.

 

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