A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law
Scottish Edition
10th April 2026
 
THE HOT STORY
Cole-Hamilton pushes for assisted dying reform
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton has said assisted dying legislation should be reintroduced in the next Holyrood term, arguing it would bring parliament closer to public opinion after MSPs rejected a bill last month. He suggested support for reform was growing, citing polling indicating strong backing among the public. Opponents criticised the proposal, warning it risked causing anxiety among disabled and vulnerable people and raising concerns about safeguards. The previous bill, brought forward by Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur, was defeated by 69 votes to 57 following an emotional debate, with campaigners on both sides expecting the issue to return in a future parliament.

 
THE LAW
Firms barred from speaking to lawyers before raids
The Fair Work Agency has gained significant powers under the new Employment Rights Act, allowing enforcement officers to enter business premises without delay. City AM points out that new documents show that companies cannot request legal advice to postpone inspections unless they provide a clear reason. Patrick Milnes from the British Chambers of Commerce stresses the need for collaboration with businesses, stating: "A heavy-handed approach to punishing non-compliance will only deter firms from seeking out the help they need." This was echoed by the Federation of Small Businesses' policy chair Tina McKenzie who also called for "clear guidance and open channels of communication."


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
Outdoor CPD boosts lawyer wellbeing
The Wild CPD programme offers legal professionals a unique way to earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours while enhancing their mental health. Developed by Clare Stephen, a former solicitor, this two-hour outdoor training initiative takes place in scenic locations across Scotland, such as the Pentland Hills. It aims to alleviate stress and improve wellbeing through nature-based activities. Stephen noted: "If you are a lawyer and you have to do CPD anyway, why not get away from the screen and into the outdoors?" The programme aligns with the Scottish Government's Green Health Framework and addresses mental health challenges faced by 64% of legal professionals.
CASES
Siblings sue council over carer abuse
A brother and sister abused by their foster mother have launched legal action against Perth and Kinross Council, alleging failures by social services allowed the mistreatment to continue. Jennifer Robertson, 79, was recently convicted of abusing children in her care between 1980 and 1995, while her son was found guilty of sexual offences against young girls in the same household. The siblings, who say they reported concerns as children but were ignored, claim the abuse has had lasting effects on their lives. Solicitors are now investigating potential liability on the part of the local authority, amid calls for accountability over safeguarding failures.
International manhunt ends in jail time
A 33-year-old man from Lanarkshire has been sentenced to three years in prison for his role in a £1.3m fraud scheme. The Hamilton Sheriff Court heard that Faruq Ahmad, who owned Strathmore Wholesaling Limited, was arrested in Greece after an international manhunt. He admitted to possessing £1,338,535 obtained through fraud and transferring £1,150,000 to a Dubai entity. Prosecutor Tom McMorrow said: "It has not been possible to establish how the fraud was committed or who the ultimate beneficiary was."
Edinburgh nightclub sues Scottish Water for £500k
Cabaret Voltaire, a popular Edinburgh nightclub, is suing Scottish Water for £500,000 due to severe water damage. The venue has faced multiple closures, claiming over 30 partial closures and more than six complete shutdowns since 2024. The issues began after repairs to a burst main, with ongoing leaks exacerbated by heavy rainfall. Paul Bergson, Operations Manager, remarked: "The water is finding multiple routes into Cabaret Voltaire, making it extremely difficult to contain." Scottish Water acknowledged the concerns and is undertaking rehabilitation works to address the problem.
CRIME
Fuel thefts surge amid rising prices
Fuel thefts in Britain have surged by 28% due to rising petrol prices, which have increased by 20% for petrol and 34% for diesel since the Iran war. Forecourt owners report a rise in No Means of Payment incidents, where customers fill up and leave without paying. Michelle Henchoz, director at Forecourt Eye, noted that these incidents are treated as civil matters, making them attractive to criminals. She said: "They think the police are not going to go after them."
FIRMS
Laurie & Co celebrates record turnover
Aberdeen-based Laurie & Co has reported a record turnover of £1.8m and property sales of £22m across its offices in the city, Ballater, and Aboyne. The firm, which employs 22 staff, plans to recruit two senior lawyers to meet rising client demand in employment and family law. Managing partner Linda Fyffe acknowledged challenges from rising interest rates and the cost of living but noted that Royal Deeside remains a "buoyant market."
Lindsays strengthens rural team
Lindsays has announced the addition of three key members to its rural team: Linda Tinson, Lorna McKay, and Sarah Taylor. The hires come as the firm experiences growth in its rural business sector. Managing partner Andrew Diamond stated: "These key strategic appointments support our ambitions to take that to a new level."
Scullion LAW achieves flexible workplace accreditation
Scullion LAW has been recognised among the first organisations in Scotland to achieve the Flexible Workplace Accreditation, an initiative highlighting employers embedding flexible working practices. Nicholas Scullion, Managing Director at Scullion LAW, said: "We have always believed that when you trust your people and give them the flexibility to work in a way that suits them, they will thrive."
TAX
Edinburgh Council reverses 300% second home tax
Edinburgh Council has suspended its 300% council tax premium on second homes just eight days after introducing it, citing the need for further assessment of the policy. Affected owners will instead continue to pay a 100% premium, according to council communications. The move comes as other Scottish councils, including Highland and Midlothian, have implemented significant increases on second-home taxation. Edinburgh Council said it will review the policy's impact, engage with homeowners and issue revised bills reflecting the change.
OTHER
Movie mural sparks call for planning 'loophole' closure
Glasgow Labour politician Paul Sweeney has called for tighter regulation of commercial mural advertising, warning that companies are exploiting planning loopholes to display adverts without council permission. The intervention follows the appearance of a large film promotion mural in the city, which Glasgow City Council confirmed had not received planning or advertising consent. The practice relies on a '28-day rule' allowing temporary uses of buildings, raising concerns about its misuse for commercial gain. Sweeney urged both the council and Scottish Government to introduce clearer rules to protect the city’s streetscape.

 

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