A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law
Scottish Edition
8th January 2026

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
Warrants surge prompts urgent reform call
Court warrants in Scotland have risen sharply, placing growing strain on policing and the justice system. Police Scotland recorded a 22% increase in warrants between 2023 and 2025, with more than 10,000 still outstanding. The Scottish Police Federation warned this is diverting officers from community policing, prevention and visibility, as time is increasingly absorbed by tracing suspects, making arrests and repeated court attendance. Senior officers have also cautioned that court delays linked to warrants risk weakening evidence, particularly witness testimony. With police numbers lower than a decade ago, the Federation said rising warrant volumes without extra capacity are unsustainable and called for system-wide reform and realistic workforce planning. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said warrants are sought only where necessary and in the interests of justice.

 
THE LAW
House of Lords seeks more time on assisted dying bill
The House of Lords will request additional time to debate the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. Lord Charlie Falconer, who is guiding the bill, aims to ensure it passes through the Lords and returns to the Commons before the parliamentary session ends in spring. Falconer stated: "Further time should be provided for consideration of the bill." Baroness Elizabeth Butler-Sloss, who opposes the bill, supports the motion, warning of potential harm to the Lords' reputation if the legislation is delayed.
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.

 
WORKFORCE
Hundreds of SFRS staff injured since 2022
Newly-released figures have revealed that the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has reported more than 500 on-duty injuries since 2022 - although annual injury figures have fallen from 207 in 2023/24 to 166 last year. Adam Taylor, national officer for the Fire Brigades Union, said that too often "firefighters are not being provided with the basic equipment and training they need to keep themselves and the public safe". There is an urgent need for more investment, he said, along with "national standards on equipment and training, as well as response times and crewing levels".
EMPLOYMENT
Workers’ rights reforms will cost businesses an extra £1bn a year
The estimated cost to business of Labour’s flagship workers’ rights reforms has been cut from about £5bn to £1bn. The Employment Rights Act provides a range of tougher employment rights on issues such as sick pay, paternity leave and the end of zero hours contracts, but plans to allow employees to sue for unfair dismissal on day one of their employment were scrapped in favour of a six month threshold following a backlash from businesses. Officials admitted, however, that the revised estimate related mainly to the administrative costs of implementing the new rules, not the impact of the changes on business models and the economy. With the unemployment rate now at 5.1%, employers remain concerned about those issues in the Bill yet to be finalised.  
TAX
Visitor levy amendment to provide 'even more flexibility'
The Scottish Government has published its draft amendment to provide "even more flexibility" to local authorities introducing local visitor levies, providing the option of a flat-rate levy, rather than one based on a percentage of accommodation costs, along with options to vary levies by area, by time of year, and by category of accommodation. Public finance minister Ivan McKee said the proposed amendment "will give councils even more flexibility and provide clarity to businesses", adding: "We want to ensure visitor levies are an effective option for councils who choose to introduce them to boost investment in local economies and services."
TECHNOLOGY
Half of UK porn users bypass age checks
Research from the Lucy Faithfull Foundation shows that nearly 50% of UK porn users have accessed unregulated websites since the Online Safety Act's age verification rules were implemented last summer. The charity warns that these sites may expose users to harmful content, increasing the risk of encountering child sexual abuse material. While 47% of users have reduced their consumption and 55% have reflected on their habits, VPN usage has surged to bypass restrictions. The Foundation identifies young men aged 18-24 as particularly at risk, with 51% expressing concern about their pornography use.
HOUSING
Inverness short-term let control area plans progress
Councillors on Inverness Council's City of Inverness area committee have agreed to progress plans to consider introducing short-term let control areas covering both the city itself and wider rural areas. Council research has suggested that the growth of short-term lets has contributed to a rise in the number of local people unable to afford housing, although some councillors called for plans to be paused until evidence on the impact of similar controls in Highland Council's Badenoch and Strathspey ward is available. As the proposal moves forward, residents and businesses will be consulted, with the final decision to be made by the environment, development and infrastructure committee.
PLANNING
Planners oppose new hotel over mine safety fears
Planners at West Dunbartonshire Council have raised concerns over the safety of plans to build a new five-storey shipyard-inspired hotel on a riverside site at Queens Quay. With councillors set to consider the proposals next week, the Coal Authority has also submitted a formal objection, saying the site lies in a high-risk mining and outcrop area, while planners note that a required Coal Mining Risk Assessment has not been submitted. As such, a report to councillors concludes that the applicant "has not demonstrated that the land is, or can be, made safe and suitable for the proposed use as a Class 7 hotel with associated infrastructure".
HEALTH
Women sue Pfizer over birth control risks
Thousands of women are suing Pfizer, claiming its birth control injection, Depo-Provera, caused life-altering brain tumours. Over 2,100 lawsuits have been filed in the US, with a trial set for December 7, 2026. Recent studies indicate a 500% increased risk of developing meningiomas, benign tumours linked to the injection. The number of plaintiffs has surged five-fold since May, with more expected to join the litigation.
CORPORATE
CalMac faces court over severance secrecy
CalMac, the state-owned ferry operator, is under scrutiny for unlawfully withholding details of former chief executive Robbie Drummond's severance package. Scotland's Information Commissioner ruled that CalMac breached the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 by not disclosing the payout, which includes legal fees and compensation for loss of employment. The commissioner stated: "The legitimate interests served by disclosure... would not be outweighed by any unwarranted prejudice." CalMac must comply by January 26, or face potential court action for contempt.
FIRMS
Blackadders profits soar with stellar growth
Blackadders has reported a 46% increase in profits, reaching £6.76m for the year ending March 31, 2025. This growth followed a 19% rise in turnover, hitting £20.2m. Joint managing partner Ryan McKay stated: "This has been an excellent performance and comes after a period of significant investment and strategic change." The firm aims to be recognised among Scotland's top five law firms, with its '5 by 25' strategy nearing completion. Blackadders has also strengthened its private client and business services teams, enhancing overall performance.
Lawyer of the Week: Margaret Gribbon
The Times' Lawyer of the Week is Margaret Gribbon, a solicitor with McGrade & Co in Glasgow who acted for Sandie Peggie. The nurse successfully claimed unlawful harassment against NHS Fife after being required to share a changing room with Beth Upton, a doctor who identifies as a woman. Gribbon highlighted various challenges, including NHS Fife's attempts to control the hearing's language.
DWF strengthens real estate team
Gary Georgeson has been appointed as a director in DWF's real estate team in Edinburgh, enhancing the firm's growth in Scotland. With 20 years of experience, he has advised on various real estate matters, focusing on development and investment. Georgeson stated: "I'm thrilled to be joining DWF at a time of real momentum for the business in Scotland." Caroline Colliston, managing partner at DWF in Scotland, expressed delight at Georgeson's addition, noting his expertise will support the firm's strategic growth ambitions and enhance client services across the real estate lifecycle.
New partner boosts energy legal team
MFMac has appointed Shaz Khalid as a partner in its corporate and commercial division, enhancing its energy and renewables practice. Khalid previously led the legal team at SSE Renewables, focusing on mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures. Chris Harte, chief executive of MFMac, expressed enthusiasm for Khalid's ability to bridge legal and commercial needs, stating: "His ability to speak the language of both legal and commercial stakeholders will add significant value to our clients."
TRADE
Brexit's quiet win: A new deal with Switzerland
The Berne Financial Services Agreement came into effect on 1 January, enhancing cooperation between UK and Swiss financial firms. The deal allows firms to trust each other's regulations, reducing costs and fostering innovation. Tim Focas, head of capital markets at Aspectus Group, says that outside the EU, Britain is able to operate on the principle of free market competition - the EU failed after years of trying to secure a deal with Switzerland "precisely because [Brussels] prioritises control over trust." This agreement signifies a shift from regulatory empire building to mutual recognition and should be seen as "a quiet Brexit win that actually matters."
INTERNATIONAL
UK urged to sanction Hong Kong officials
Sir Iain Duncan Smith is urging the UK to impose sanctions on the Hong Kong officials responsible for Jimmy Lai's conviction for "foreign collusion" and "sedition." Lai, a British citizen, faces a potential life sentence. Sir Iain, the MP for Chingford & Woodford Green, will lead a Commons debate on the effectiveness of Magnitsky-style sanctions. He argues that the judges responsible for Lai's verdict should be immediate targets, pointing to the erosion of legal integrity in Hong Kong.

 

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