A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law
Scottish Edition
17th April 2026
 
THE HOT STORY
15,000 drivers win class action rights
Lord Sandison has permitted around 15,000 drivers to pursue a class action against Arnold Clark following a data breach. The Court of Session in Scotland will hear the case, as most claimants reside in Scotland and have contractual ties to the company. Arnold Clark's lawyer, Roddy Dunlop, argued for the case to be heard in London, but Lord Sandison stated: "The forum with the most substantial connection to the dispute is this court." Legal firms Thompsons and Jones Whyte have reported over 6,000 inquiries from affected customers seeking compensation.

 
INDUSTRY
Legal sector hits £60bn valuation
The legal profession in the UK has reached a £60bn valuation, with significant growth reported in 2025. According to the Law Society's latest report, average earnings for law firms increased by over 11%, up from 6.1% in 2024. Notably, 85% of firms experienced fee growth, with many reporting double-digit increases. The median chargeable hours per fee earner rose to 807, up from 756 in 2024. In the 2024/2025 financial year, the average profit per equity partner at firms including Linklaters, A&O Shearman, Herbert Smith Freehills, and Macfarlanes ranged from £1.5m to more than £3m, while partners at some US firms in London are seeing average take-home pay in the region of £5m-£6m. Newly qualified lawyers are also seeing six-figure salaries, with Latham & Watkins offering £184,600 as Magic Circle firms are offering base salaries of around £150,000 for NQs.


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.

 
TAX
SNP signals possible tax rises amid concerns over funding plans
The SNP has indicated the possibility of future income tax hikes if inflation rises, despite pledging not to increase tax bands or rates in their manifesto if re-elected. The party aims to simplify the tax system but retains the need for flexibility in response to economic volatility. Critics, including the Independent Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), have questioned the financial feasibility of the SNP's proposals, suggesting they could necessitate further tax increases or deeper spending cuts. The manifesto outlines significant commitments without a clear funding plan, potentially leading to a financial shortfall, while high tax rates in Scotland remain a concern for businesses and citizens alike.
FIRMS
Gilson Gray expands with new office
Glen Gilson, chairman and managing partner at Gilson Gray, announced the opening of a new office at 14 Rutland Square in Edinburgh. This expansion adds to their existing locations in the city centre. The firm reported a turnover increase from £32m in FY2023-24 to £40m in FY2024-25, with projections exceeding £50m for FY2025-26. Gilson stated: "Opening a fourth office in Edinburgh felt like a natural step as we continue to grow and meet increased demand from clients in the capital."
BTO LLP shines at international meeting
BTO LLP will represent Scotland at Mackrell International's annual general meeting in Munich. The network includes 93 firms and over 4,500 lawyers across 60 countries. BTO has been a member for over 20 years, leveraging this platform for client support. Keith Heddle, MD of Mackrell International, stated: "Our sustained Band 1 ranking reflects the trust across our network." Caroline Carr, chair of BTO, emphasised the importance of MI for global legal needs, while Laura Salmond highlighted the value of collaboration and insights for clients.
POLICY
SNP vows to ban smartphones in classrooms
The SNP plans to implement a national ban on smartphones in classrooms if it wins the upcoming Holyrood election. First Minister John Swinney stated that smartphones distract from learning and pledged to legislate for a full ban across Scotland. Currently, head teachers can ban phones, and some councils have already done so. Swinney emphasised the importance of supporting schools, saying: "We will take every step necessary to ensure teaching in our classrooms is done without distraction." He believes the ban will help maintain the record levels of literacy and numeracy in Scottish schools.
TECHNOLOGY
PM meets social media bosses over online safety
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has met with executives from Meta, TikTok, Google, and X to discuss internet safety, warning: "Things can't go on like this, they must change because right now social media is putting our children at risk." The Government is considering implementing strict age limits and restrictions on app features. Pressure is mounting for a ban on under-16s, with over 60 Labour MPs supporting this move. The Government has urged Ofcom to act, with the communications regulator charged with implementing the Online Safety Act. Technology Secretary, Liz Kendall has warned the watchdog that is at risk of losing public trust if it fails to use its powers to tackle online harms.
HEALTH
Scotland's accidental death rates soar
Scotland reported the highest rate of accidental deaths in the UK, according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA). In 2023, over 23,000 people died from accidents, marking an 8% increase from the previous year. Falls were the leading cause, accounting for 48% of deaths, while poisoning contributed to 27%. Hospital admissions also rose by 3%, with 59% linked to falls. RoSPA noted: "The figures highlight a concerning trend in safety." Deaths from dog bites increased significantly, from six in 2022 to 20 in 2023.
WORKFORCE
School staff demand action against violence
School staff in Glasgow report daily violence, including being kicked and spat on, prompting calls for the council to enhance safety measures and provide adequate resources. Unison has launched a petition demanding better staffing and training to manage pupils' complex needs. Staff members describe feeling powerless, with incidents leading to significant injuries and psychological stress. Unison's education convenor stated that chronic understaffing exacerbates violence, while the council emphasises its commitment to employee safety and ongoing initiatives to address the issue.
CASES
Iain Wares heckled by abuse survivors
Iain Wares, a former rugby coach, faced protests from abuse survivors after his extradition hearing in Cape Town was postponed due to the judge's absence. Survivors shouted remarks like: "Cheerio Mr Wares," as he left the court. Wares is accused of abusing boys at prestigious Scottish schools from 1968 to 1979. Nicky Campbell, one of his alleged victims, stated: "If Iain Wares is put on trial, we believe he will emerge as the most prolific paedophile in British criminal history." Over 100 victims have come forward with allegations against him.
IMMIGRATION
Migrants exploit domestic abuse rules
Migrants are reportedly misusing the Migrant Victims of Domestic Abuse Concession to secure residency in the UK, according to a BBC investigation. The number of applications based on domestic abuse claims has surged to over 5,500 annually, a 50% increase in three years. Some migrants, encouraged by unregulated advisers, fabricate abuse allegations against their British partners. Jess Phillips, the Safeguarding Minister, condemned the "unacceptable abuse of this route, which protects genuine victims from the devastation of domestic abuse," describing it as "utterly shameful."
INTERNATIONAL
Kenya court greenlights BP lawsuit
The High Court in Kenya has permitted a class action lawsuit against BP, filed by 299 petitioners. The lawsuit alleges that BP's improper disposal of toxic waste has contaminated drinking water in northern Kenya, harming residents and livestock. The case, which claims serious environmental pollution, is set to resume in May. In a separate case, South African opposition leader Julius Malema was sentenced to five years in prison for firearm violations, while Turkey's school shooting death toll has risen to 10 after a second incident.

 

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