A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law
Scottish Edition
17th February 2026
 
THE HOT STORY
Police demand guns in vehicles for safety
Frontline police officers in Scotland are calling for a significant reform that includes allowing access to guns which are securely stored in their vehicles. The Scottish Police Federation argues the change is essential for officer safety and cites the need for more personnel trained in firearms. The proposal aligns with their manifesto for police reform, which also calls for all officers to carry tasers and an increase of 3,000 officers to enhance local policing. The manifesto critiques the current criminal justice system's approach and highlights the necessity of better psychological support for officers to improve welfare and retention. The Federation's demands come in light of recent violent incidents involving police.

 
THE LAW
Scotland 'falling behind' on FOI laws
Labour MSP Katy Clark has warned that Scotland is "falling behind" on freedom of information, citing the refusal to release the Salmond papers as evidence of a growing culture of "Secret Scotland." She is urging MSPs to back her proposed reforms, which would strengthen transparency by introducing a proactive duty to publish information and curbing the First Minister's veto, while also enhancing the powers of the Information Commissioner. Clark argues the legislation, unchanged for nearly 25 years, is overdue for reform. Scottish Government ministers, however, maintain that the existing FOI framework is robust and say improvements can be delivered without new legislation. They also point to an ongoing consultation on extending FOI coverage to private and third-sector care providers as proof of their commitment to transparency.
New employment rights may hinder hiring
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) reports that new employment rights may deter hiring. Over 37% of businesses plan to reduce permanent staff due to these measures. The CIPD's quarterly labour market outlook surveyed over 2,000 employers, revealing that 74% expect increased employment costs and 55% foresee more workplace conflict. Ben Willmott, head of public policy at CIPD, said: "There is a real risk that the Employment Rights Act measures will act as a further handbrake on job creation." The Act will introduce changes in January, including a reduced qualifying period for unfair dismissal rights.


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.

 
CASES
Rangers police scandal inquiry yet to begin
A promised judge-led inquiry into the botched prosecution of figures linked to the takeover of Rangers FC has yet to begin, more than a decade after arrests later branded an "abuse of state power" and despite £60m in taxpayer-funded settlements and legal costs. David Grier, David Whitehouse and Paul Clark were cleared of fraud allegations following the club's 2012 collapse, prompting the Scottish Government in 2021 to commit to an independent investigation into malicious prosecutions. Ministers insist progress will follow the conclusion of related proceedings, but Russell Findlay, the Scottish Conservative leader, has accused the SNP of presiding over a "cover-up", noting repeated delays and limited updates.
Defence requested delay to Murrell court hearing
The Times reports that a key court hearing at which former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell was due to enter a plea on embezzlement charges was postponed at the request of the defence. Murrell, who is accused of misappropriating about £460,000 of party funds, sought more time to prepare, delaying proceedings until after the Holyrood elections, despite prosecutors indicating they are ready for trial.
Woman defrauded aunt to fund gym build
Margaret Cassidy, 51, has been convicted of defrauding her 89-year-old aunt, Elizabeth Murphy, of more than £317,000 to fund the creation of a gym in a converted Glasgow church. Glasgow Sheriff Court heard that Cassidy used the bulk of the money to transform the former St Kenneth's Church into the Sanctuary Gym, while also spending thousands on personal items and fraudulently obtaining £90,000 worth of equipment through a bogus email scam. Granting bail ahead of sentencing next month, Sheriff Andrew McIntyre warned that a prison term is “seriously under consideration” given the scale and gravity of the offence.
PRISONS
Prison guard charged over relationship scandal
Police Scotland has arrested a 33-year-old woman, a prison guard at HMP Barlinnie, on charges of "wilful neglect of duty." The allegations involve an inappropriate relationship with a prisoner at the facility. A spokesperson for Police Scotland confirmed her upcoming court appearance. The Scottish Prison Service stated: "As this matter is subject to proceedings, it would be inappropriate to comment further." HMP Barlinnie, known as The Big Hoose, is set to be replaced by HMP Glasgow, with the £1bn development expected to open in 2028.
FIRMS
Pinsent Masons expands into Poland
Pinsent Masons plans to open a new office in Warsaw, Poland, by mid-2026, enhancing its European presence. This will be the firm's ninth office in continental Europe, complementing existing locations in France, Germany, and more. The Warsaw office aims to support cross-border work and will feature a senior team with expertise in real estate, corporate law, and finance. Barry McCaig, Partner and Head of Corporate in Scotland, stated: "Poland adds a valuable component" to their strategy of entering growth markets. The firm continues to expand globally, with recent openings in Saudi Arabia and China.
INTERNATIONAL
Ireland probes X over AI abuse claims
Ireland's Data Protection Commission (DPC) has initiated a large-scale inquiry into X regarding the publication of alleged child sexual abuse material. This investigation follows reports that the Grok AI tool generated and disseminated such content. The DPC will assess whether X has adhered to GDPR obligations concerning the processing of personal data, particularly involving children. Deputy Commissioner Graham Doyle stated: "The DPC has been engaging with XIUC since media reports first emerged... concerning the alleged ability of X users to prompt the @Grok account on X to generate sexualised images of real people, including children."
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Islands Forum scrapped by UK Government
The UK Government has discontinued the Islands Forum, which was established in 2022 to address shared challenges among island communities. The forum included representatives from Shetland, Orkney, and the Western Isles, as well as councils from England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Orkney Islands Council depute leader Sandy Cowie said he was disappointed the forum would not be meeting again as it had provided a positive opportunity to exchange strategies to confront challenges. Paul Steele, leader of Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar, agreed the forum had provided a "much needed and useful platform" for collaboration.

 

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