A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law
Scottish Edition
25th February 2026
 
THE HOT STORY
Row deepens over disclosure of Murrell charge to first minister
Newly released documents show Scotland’s Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain KC informed First Minister John Swinney about charges against former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell in March 2025, ten months before details became public. Murrell faces allegations of embezzling almost £460,000 from the party between 2010 and 2023. The disclosure has prompted political criticism and questions about whether sharing non-public prosecutorial information with the head of government and SNP leader was appropriate, given the sensitivity of the case. Bain has denied providing any political advantage and said communications were intended to keep government appropriately informed. Opposition parties are calling for further parliamentary scrutiny, while the Crown Office maintains prosecutors act independently. Murrell’s preliminary High Court hearing has been postponed until May.

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INDUSTRY
Fraser: Lord Advocate role must be separated to protect legal independence
Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser argues in the Scotsman the dual role of Scotland’s Lord Advocate—as both head of prosecutions and a government minister—should be split to protect the integrity of the legal system. He cites controversy over information shared with First Minister John Swinney about charges against former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell as evidence of potential conflicts of interest. Fraser says separating the roles would strengthen independence, reduce perceived bias and improve public trust.


 
CRIME
Sexual offences rise as overall crime increases in Scotland
Recorded sexual crimes in Scotland rose by 10% in the year to December 2025, according to official statistics, contributing to a 3% overall increase in crime to 308,532 offences. Rape and attempted rape increased by 12%, while domestic abuse crimes rose by 25%. Shoplifting was also up by 15%. Non-sexual violent crime increased by 5%, although murder and culpable homicide fell by 4% and serious assault declined slightly. The figures have intensified political debate over justice policy and policing, with opposition parties criticising government approaches to law and order.
THE LAW
Senedd backs assisted dying bill
Members of Wales' Senedd have voted 28–23 to back implementing the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill in Wales, supporting NHS provision and avoiding a scenario where terminally ill people would need to travel to England or seek private care. The legislative consent vote was taken before the Bill completes its passage through the House of Lords.
POLICING
Lanarkshire police to roll out body cameras
Police Scotland will deploy body-worn video cameras to around 1,100 officers in Lanarkshire. The initiative aims to enhance public trust, improve officer safety, and support the criminal justice system. Since their introduction in Tayside in March 2025, the cameras have recorded over 500,000 clips, contributing to better evidence quality in court. Chief Superintendent Vicky Watson stated: “The national rollout of body-worn video cameras is a key priority for us... to deliver faster justice for victims.” The footage will be securely uploaded and shared with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS).
PLANNING
Ministers reject Loch Lomond holiday park plans
Scottish Government ministers have refused planning permission for theme park operator Flamingo Land's plans for a holiday park on the shores of Loch Lomond, doing so against the recommendation of their reporter. The Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority refused permission for the £40m development in September 2024, with that decisions subsequently appealed to a Scottish Government reporter before being called in by ministers. While recognising the factors cited by the reporter, ministers cited a number "significant concerns" around issues including flood risk and woodland loss. Scottish Green co-leader Ross Greer, who has campaigned against the development, welcomed the decision as a "huge victory for the local community".
IMMIGRATION
Reform defends deportation plans
Reform UK's home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf has announced plans for a new Deportation Command aimed at removing up to 288,000 illegal migrants annually. Yusuf dismissed comparisons to the US ICE programme, saying that the UK has different policing dynamics. Critics, including Liberal Democrat spokesman Max Wilkinson and Amnesty International UK, warned that such measures could lead to discrimination. Yusuf also called for the UK to leave the European Convention on Human Rights to facilitate these deportations.
FIRMS
Pinsent Masons teams up with Legora
Pinsent Masons has partnered with the legal AI platform Legora after a successful pilot programme in its corporate, commercial, and property groups. Legora aims to enhance efficiency in research, drafting, and review processes. The firm plans to implement Legora globally across all practice areas. The structured pilot helped identify effective use cases, ensuring a swift and impactful rollout across the firm.
TAX
Scotland faces tough tax choices
Experts warn that Scottish ministers must either raise taxes or implement "harmful" spending cuts due to increasing financial pressures. A report by Future Economy Scotland (FES) suggests reforms to generate an additional £2.3bn annually. It highlights that current tax revenues are insufficient to maintain existing services. Senior economist Hanna Wheatley stated: "Most Scots will need to pay a little more tax." The report recommends increasing income tax rates and replacing inefficient taxes with a progressive property tax to ensure a fair transition to a greener economy.
TECHNOLOGY
Streaming services to be monitored by Ofcom
Major streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ will face enhanced regulation from Ofcom under new legislation that will align video-on-demand (VoD) services with over 500,000 UK users with traditional broadcasters. The legislation aims to ensure accurate news reporting and protect viewers from harmful content. Ofcom will have the power to accept and investigate complaints about content on streaming platforms. The watchdog will also be able to impose fines of up to £250,000, or 5% of revenue generated in the UK, for any breaches. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said that by bringing VoD services under enhanced Ofcom regulation, officials are "strengthening protections for audiences, creating a level playing field for industry and supporting our vibrant media sector."
Reddit hit with record £14.5m fine
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has fined Reddit £14.5m for unlawfully processing data of children under 13, exposing them to harmful content. This is the largest fine for a children's privacy breach in the UK. The ICO found that Reddit's age verification measures were inadequate, allowing many children to bypass age checks. John Edwards, the Information Commissioner, said Children "had their personal information collected and used in ways they could not understand." Reddit plans to appeal, arguing that the ICO's demands contradict their commitment to user privacy.
CASES
Mandelson's arrest sparks controversy
Lord Peter Mandelson was arrested for misconduct in public office due to "baseless" claims he intended to leave the UK, according to his lawyers from Mishcon de Reya. He was accused of sharing sensitive information with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein during his tenure as business secretary. Mandelson's lawyers stated: "There is absolutely no truth whatsoever in any such suggestion." Meanwhile, the UK Government is releasing files related to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's appointment as trade envoy, amid accusations of his own misconduct. The first documents regarding Mandelson are expected in early March.
Legal battle saves dog from destruction
Shannon Kane, 42, has won a legal battle to save her XL Bully dog, Zeus, from destruction. Initially ordered to be put down by Sheriff Neil Wilson for lacking an exemption certificate, Kane's appeal was heard by Sheriff Christopher Shead. He ruled that Zeus posed no danger to public safety, stating: “The dog has no history of aggressive behaviour.” Kane now has two months to apply for the necessary exemption certificate. The court noted that the original ruling lacked an expert report on Zeus's temperament, which influenced the decision to grant a contingent destruction order instead.
BREXIT
UK fails to diverge from EU rules
The UK has not significantly diverged from EU regulations since Brexit, according to a report by UK in a Changing Europe (UKICE). The report highlights that the UK has maintained alignment with EU standards on environmental, product, and labour issues. UKICE has attributed the lack of divergence to a desire to avoid imposing extra administrative costs on businesses, while also noting that there has only been limited political support for scrapping regulations on employment or environmental law.
OTHER
M&A insights at Aberdeen breakfast
The Aberdeen CHERRIEs Business Breakfast will focus on M&A strategies for HR teams. Andrew Knight, a partner at Shepherd and Wedderburn, will discuss key employment law issues during mergers and acquisitions. He stated: "We're delighted to once again be the associate sponsor and be speaking at another CHERRIEs Business Breakfast." The event aims to help businesses manage risks and retain talent during transitions. Tricia Walker, also from Shepherd and Wedderburn, will lead a panel discussion. The breakfast takes place on March 24 at the Marcliffe in Aberdeen.

 

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