A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law
Scottish Edition
18th February 2026
 
THE HOT STORY
Government not involved in delay to Murrell court appearance
The Scottish Government has denied claims that it discussed postponing former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell’s next court appearance, which has been moved from February 20 in Glasgow to May 25 in Edinburgh. Douglas Ross, Conservative MSP, criticised the timing, arguing it raises transparency concerns since the hearing now falls after the Holyrood election. Business Minister Graeme Dey insisted that trial scheduling is entirely the responsibility of the independent judiciary and the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service. Murrell, charged with embezzling SNP funds between 2010 and 2023, was first arrested in April 2023, with prosecutors emphasising that adjournments are routine procedural matters and not indicative of the case’s substance.

 
POLICING
Dozens of hate crimes reported daily
A first annual report on hate crimes recorded under the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021 shows that Police Scotland logged 8,538 offences in 2024-25, an average of almost 24 a day, with the highest incidence in Glasgow and Edinburgh. The data, which cannot be directly compared with earlier years due to changes in law and recording practices, indicate that racially aggravated incidents accounted for over 60% of recorded hate crimes, followed by those motivated by sexual orientation and disability. Threatening or abusive behaviour, racially aggravated conduct and common assault together made up more than four-fifths of offences, and a substantial proportion of victims of race-related crimes were from visible minority ethnic backgrounds. 
Plans for permanent police drone teams
Plans are being developed to establish permanent police drone teams in Edinburgh and Glasgow, with 10 pilots trained across both cities. The drones would be purchased and operated by British Transport Police, with a business case currently being prepared ahead of a Scottish Police Authority board meeting. Deployment plans are still under development, with coordination ongoing between BTP and Police Scotland. Police Scotland already operates a small number of drones, which have previously been used in Edinburgh to tackle off-road biking and youth-related offences.


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
LawCare report reveals rising support needs
The latest LawCare Impact Report reveals that the charity supported 753 individuals in the legal sector last year, surpassing 2020 pandemic levels. Trainee solicitors accounted for 13% of those seeking help, while 42% were solicitors in private practice. The primary issues included stress (41%), career concerns (39%), and anxiety (34%). Online chat usage increased by 13%, indicating a preference for digital support. Chief executive Elizabeth Rimmer noted that geopolitical uncertainty and economic pressures have heightened the need for accessible support, stating: "The need for trusted, accessible and sector-specific support has never been greater."
CASES
Police probe Epstein 'trafficking' flights
Police have said they are investigating Jeffrey Epstein’s private flights into and out of Stansted airport after former PM Gordon Brown urged police to re-examine claims that women or girls were trafficked to the UK aboard these flights. Mr Brown claimed that "at least one" of these flights was linked to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Meanwhile, MPs are considering whether to call on Mr Mountbatten-Windsor to give evidence over claims in the Epstein files that the former prince passed sensitive information to Epstein whilst he was trade envoy for the UK.
Judges overturn wind farm approval
The Inner House of the Court of Session has overturned the Scottish Government's approval for the Wull Muir wind farm project, which had faced three rejections. The court found that the reporter failed to properly evaluate the project's environmental impact, particularly regarding the necessary grid connection. Lady Wise said: "We consider that the reporter erred in failing to conduct the necessary fact specific evaluation of the proposal." The decision has been remitted for reconsideration by a different reporter, requiring a fresh assessment of the project's Environmental Impact Assessment.
EMPLOYMENT
AI used as excuse for job cuts
Experts are raising concerns that companies are using artificial intelligence (AI) as a justification for redundancies. In 2026, over 25,000 jobs were lost in the tech sector, reversing pandemic hiring trends. Andy Jassy, CEO of Amazon, noted AI's potential to reduce workforce numbers. Fabian Stephany from the Oxford Internet Institute stated that firms may be using AI as a "smokescreen" for previous over-hiring. Philippe Aghion, a Nobel Prize-winning economist, echoed this sentiment, suggesting that job cuts attributed to AI are often exaggerated. Joanne Thomas from Usdaw called for regulations to support workers amid these changes.
FIRMS
Appointments
Dawn MacPherson has joined Anderson Strathern's English commercial property team, based in Edinburgh. With over 15 years of experience, she specialises in commercial leasing and high-value transactions. Elsewhere, Inksters Solicitors has strengthened its commercial law practice with Rory Brown joining the firm as a consultant solicitor in Edinburgh.
TAX
HMRC recovers £246m in inheritance tax
HMRC recovered £246m in unpaid inheritance tax (IHT) last year after conducting around 4,000 compliance investigations, according to figures examined by TWM Solicitors. The tax office identified underpayments by cross-referencing data with government bodies and external sources. Inheritance tax applies to assets exceeding £325,000, with a 40% levy on the excess. More than 6,000 estates received refunds totalling over £300m last year.
TRADE
UK quietly shelves frictionless post-Brexit trade border project
The UK Government has suspended its single trade window (STW) project, which aimed to streamline post-Brexit trade processes. After spending £110m on the initiative with Deloitte and IBM, no funds have been allocated since January last year. The Treasury confirmed the programme's early closure amid concerns over costs. Mike Lewis, director of TaxWatch, commented: "For all intents and purposes the single trade window has been cancelled without HMRC or Deloitte and IBM having delivered anything. But neither HMRC nor ministers appear to wish to admit this." While policy development continues, there is no set timeline for the project's future.

 

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