A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law
Scottish Edition
26th March 2026
 
THE HOT STORY
Scottish Government apologises to Nordic Model Now!
The Scottish Government has issued an apology to Nordic Model Now! after partially upholding their complaint regarding the omission of crucial evidence in the Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill report. The bill, proposed by Ash Regan MSP, aimed to implement the Nordic model, decriminalising sex selling while criminalising buying. The committee's failure to include testimony from survivor Amanda Quick raised concerns about bias. The director of parliamentary business acknowledged a "failure" in processing evidence but maintained there was "no evidence of any bias." The investigation highlighted weaknesses in the evidence tracking system.

Digital Transformation in Conveyancing: A Roadmap for Scottish Property Law Firms

Conveyancing in Scotland is reaching a tipping point. While firms have access to more technology than ever before, many are still held back by manual processes, fragmented systems, and growing administrative pressure. The gap is no longer about awareness, it’s about execution. Leading firms are already taking a more strategic, phased approach to digital transformation, using technology to remove friction, improve compliance, and unlock capacity across their teams.

Those who act now are setting the pace for the future of property law.

Read more to see what the most forward-thinking firms are doing differently, and how your firm can keep up.

 
THE LAW
New law toughens parole for killers
Scotland has enacted Suzanne's Law, requiring parole boards to consider if convicted killers withhold information about their victims' remains. This reform follows years of campaigning by the families of murder victims Suzanne Pilley and Arlene Fraser. Justice Secretary Angela Constance stated that the law aims to ensure that the parole board accounts for any undisclosed information regarding victims' bodies. Debbie Adams, interim chief executive of Victim Support Scotland, welcomed the change, emphasising its potential to provide justice and closure for families. Liberal Democrats MSP Jamie Greene expressed hope for further reforms.
First Minister commits to conversion therapy ban
First Minister John Swinney has said at the final First Minister's Questions of the parliamentary term that if Westminster fails to introduce a UK-wide ban on conversion therapy, a re-elected SNP Government will legislate to "end this abhorrent practice" in Scotland. While Scottish ministers are "continuing to speak to Westminster", he said, he was " clear that if the UK Government are unable to bring forward a fully inclusive ban, we will publish our own Bill in year one of the next parliamentary session, should the people of Scotland re-elect my Government".


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.

 
POLICING
New tool helps shops report crime
A new online system allows shop owners in Scotland to report crime more efficiently to Police Scotland. Launched after a successful pilot in December 2025, the tool reduces report processing times from 72 hours to same-day. Hussan Lal, president of the Federation of Independent Retailers, stated: "We have lobbied long and hard for better protection for retailers." The system also links to the Digital Evidence Sharing Capability (DESC), enabling immediate upload of CCTV footage. Police Scotland's Assistant Chief Constable, Tim Mairs, emphasised the tool's role in improving retail crime reporting consistency.
LICENSING
Scottish legal system fails vape regulation
Since 2020, only 11 penalties have been issued for vape shop regulation breaches in Scotland. Most penalties were for operating unregistered businesses. Tory leader Russell Findlay described the figures as "shocking," highlighting a lack of enforcement across local councils. He stated: "The fact that only 11 spot fines were issued suggests a dangerously lax approach to enforcement." The report revealed that many vape shops, including those in Glasgow, have not updated their registration details. The Scottish Government has been approached for comment on the situation.
PRISONS
Inquiry launched into prison death
The Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) has commenced following the death of 66-year-old Dominic Glen-Devine at HMP Barlinnie. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) filed a notice to initiate the inquiry, which is mandatory due to his death in legal custody. Glen-Devine, sentenced to life in 1987 for multiple serious crimes, died on August 6, 2023. The FAI aims to determine the cause of death and assess circumstances to prevent future incidents. Lorraine Almond of COPFS stated: "The Lord Advocate considers that the death... is mandatory." A preliminary hearing is set for May 1, 2026.
FIRMS
Harper Macleod welcomes new partner
Harper Macleod has appointed Carole McAlpine-Scott as a new partner in its private client team. With over 30 years of experience, she specialises in succession, inheritance, estate planning, and trusts. Pamela Niven, head of the private client team, praised McAlpine-Scott for her clear and pragmatic approach to complex matters. McAlpine-Scott stated: "My focus will be on providing practical, thoughtful advice that supports estate planning which protects families." Her appointment is expected to enhance the firm's reputation in private client services.
Balfour and Manson expands property team
Neil Crockatt has joined Balfour and Manson as a partner in their Edinburgh property team. With over 30 years of conveyancing experience, he previously served as partner and head of legal at Coulters. Ken Robertson, head of residential property, expressed enthusiasm about Crockatt's arrival, noting his significant experience and strong reputation in the residential property market. Crockatt stated: "I am very pleased to have joined Balfour and Manson and to be working with the team to support clients across the residential property market." He looks forward to contributing to the firm's success.
TECHNOLOGY
Meta faces $375m penalty for safety failures
Meta has been ordered to pay $375m in civil penalties after a jury found the company misled consumers about the safety of its platforms, enabling harm to users, including child sexual exploitation. The lawsuit revealed that Meta ignored warnings from employees and experts about risks on its platforms. In a separate case, Instagram, which is owned by Meta, and YouTube, which is owned by Google, have been found liable for a woman's social media addiction in a landmark lawsuit. The trial is the first in a series of cases with over 1,600 plaintiffs accusing the companies of designing addictive products that have harmed young users.
UK iPhone users face over-18 age check
Apple iPhone customers in the UK will now have to confirm they are 18 or older to use all available services. Users will have to show a credit card or scan an ID. The requirement, which will be included in a software update, was welcomed by Ofcom which called it "a real win for children and families".
CRIME
Man charged with murder after Glasgow death
A man has appeared in court charged with murder following the death of Joanne Newlands, 41, at a flat in Glasgow. Brian Hughes, 49, was charged with murder and domestic abuse at Glasgow Sheriff Court. He made no plea and was remanded in custody. Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death and are appealing for information.
CORPORATE
UK eases rules for foreign firms
The UK Government plans to simplify the re-domiciliation process for foreign companies, aiming to attract investment and enhance competitiveness with global finance hubs. Currently, firms face complex and costly procedures to relocate, which the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) deems unfeasible for many. The proposed regime would allow companies to change their registration without altering their legal identity. Minister for Economic Transformation Blair McDougall said: "This is a clear signal that the UK is open for business." However, research indicates that demand may primarily come from multinationals restructuring rather than direct job creation.
ENERGY
UK ministers block £1.5bn wind turbine factory plans
The UK Government has blocked a proposed £1.5bn investment in a wind turbine factory at the Port of Ardersier by Chinese renewable energy firm Ming Yang, with trade minister Sir Chris Bryant saying the decision had been driven by the need "to make sure that all our critical national infrastructure is safe and secure". First Minister John Swinney said he was "deeply disappointed" by the decision, saying it would put "up to 1,500 Scottish jobs at risk". "At the very moment we should be building clean energy", he said, UK Government ministers are "sabotaging Scotland's industrial future".
INTERNATIONAL
Israeli leaders warn of organised violence
Former Israeli military, police, and intelligence leaders have condemned ongoing violence against Palestinians, labelling it "organised Jewish terrorism." They called for intervention from the International Criminal Court (ICC) to address the impunity surrounding these attacks. Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert stated: "If law enforcement authorities in Israel do not fulfil their duty, perhaps international legal authorities will do what is necessary." Since 2020, over 1,100 Palestinians have been killed, with less than 1% of complaints against Israeli forces resulting in indictments, according to Yesh Din.

 

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