A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law
Scottish Edition
7th May 2026
 
THE HOT STORY
Former council leader jailed over sexual assaults
Former North Lanarkshire Council leader Jordan Linden has been sentenced to a total of 18 months in prison after being convicted on ten counts, including five sexual assaults, in a trial at Falkirk Sheriff Court. The offences, against a number of teenagers and young men, took place between 2011 and 2021. Party leader John Swinney has urged the former SNP councillor to issue a full apology to his victims, saying this would be "necessary, appropriate and essential" given the "severity of the offences". Scottish Labour have criticised the SNP's handling of the case, with deputy leader Jackie Baillie saying that despite "being warned repeatedly about Linden's reprehensible behaviour, they ignored it and sought to cover it up", while Mr Swinney has "pushed back an independent review of the party's complaints process until after the election".

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THE LAW
Offenders who commit antisemitic attacks face 14 years in prison
The UK Government plans to introduce legislation imposing up to 14 years in prison for antisemitic attacks linked to Iranian proxies. The initiative, set to be included in the King's Speech next week, will empower the Home Secretary to designate certain groups as foreign intelligence services. Those carrying out activities on behalf of that group will face a maximum punishment of 14 years in jail even if they are unaware of who they are working for. Meanwhile, the chief prosecutor for England and Wales has issued fresh guidance in an effort to fast-track antisemitic hate crime prosecutions. Stephen Parkinson said it will allow charges to be brought more quickly, even if some supporting evidence is gathered later.  
New law targets ticketless football fans
The Unauthorised Entry to Football Matches Act 2026, introduced by Labour MP Linsey Farnsworth, aims to deter ticketless entry to stadiums in England and Wales. The law, which allows for £1,000 fines and five-year Football Banning Orders, was enacted following crowd disorder at the Euro 2020 final. Farnsworth stated: "The scenes of disorder... were a turning point for football in England." The act has prompted discussions in Scotland about similar legislation to enhance fan safety, especially with Euro 2028 approaching.

 
PRISONS
Probe launched after prison death
A Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) will investigate the death of Brian John Gourlay Emans, 42, at HMP Shotts on August 14, 2023. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) confirmed the inquiry is mandatory under Scottish law, as Emans was in legal custody at the time. Andy Shanks, procurator fiscal, stated: "The Lord Advocate considers that the death of Brian Emans occurred whilst he was in legal custody and, as such, a Fatal Accident Inquiry is mandatory." A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 8, 2026, at Hamilton Sheriff Court.
CASES
Watson's brain injury claim gains momentum
Dave Watson's legal team has welcomed a significant ruling in his fight for recognition of his brain condition as football-related. Doctors suspect Watson has probable Alzheimer's and chronic traumatic encephalopathy due to repeated head trauma. The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Pat McFadden, will not appeal an Upper Tribunal decision that allows Watson's claim for industrial injuries benefits to be reheard. Ryan Bradshaw, a solicitor from Leigh Day, stated: "This ruling is an important step toward securing proper recognition of the impact that repeated head injuries in professional sport can have on players' long-term health." The case will return to the First Tier Tribunal for reconsideration.
Smyth's court hearing postponed in Edinburgh
Colin Smyth, former Labour and South Scotland MSP, has had his court date for alleged drunk and dangerous driving postponed. The hearing was set for Edinburgh Sheriff Court but will now occur at a later date. Prosecutors claim Smyth drove dangerously on November 2, 2025, hitting a parked vehicle and narrowly missing a pedestrian. He was also allegedly driving at double the legal alcohol limit. Smyth is already facing separate charges related to possession of indecent images and voyeurism. A Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed his arrest following a one-vehicle crash.
FIRMS
Norton Rose Fulbright boosts NQ salaries to £140k
Norton Rose Fulbright has increased its newly qualified (NQ) solicitor salaries in London to £140,000, marking a nearly 4% rise from the previous £135,000. This adjustment aligns NQ salaries with those at Ashurst Hogan Lovells and Macfarlanes, as reported in the Legal Cheek Firms Most List 2026. Trainee salaries remain unchanged, with first-year trainees earning £56,000 and second-year trainees earning £61,000. The firm confirmed that the new salary structure took effect on 1 April 2026.
FAMILY
Divorce fears haunt couples in 50s
Many couples in their 50s are contemplating divorce, with a survey revealing that half are considering separation. The research, conducted by Moneyfarm, surveyed 2,000 couples and found that 34% cite financial costs, which can reach £30,000, as a significant barrier. Additionally, 22% worry about securing a fair settlement, while 30% fear financial ruin. Carina Chambers from Moneyfarm stated: "Divorce can be one of the most financially and emotionally stressful moments in life." The findings highlight the financial anxiety faced by many older married women in the UK.
Divorce costs push couples into debt
Divorce in the UK imposes significant financial burdens beyond legal fees, according to a report by Amicable. The survey of 2,000 adults revealed that nearly 40% of respondents faced debt due to their separation. Key financial pressures include loss of household income, new home costs, and diminished personal savings. Molly Pile, a chartered financial adviser at Octopus Money, noted that divorce costs can consume 15% to a third of annual income. The report also highlighted the impact of an overburdened court system on rising costs, prompting couples to seek alternative dispute resolution methods.
PROPERTY
Court backs council over religious rates exemption exploit
An investigation by Angus Council has resulted in the Court of Session ruling that the former owners of the Abbeygate Shopping Centre in Arbroath exploited a non-domestic rates exemption for religious organisations to avoid paying rates on the centre's former Brighthouse unit. The council argued that Heptagon Portfolio Arbroath's decision to lease the unit for a nominal £1 a year to an organisation called Room For Faith Ltd was an "artificial non-domestic rates avoidance arrangement", a conclusion that has now been upheld by Lord Alistair Clark, saying there was "no information as to how the premises could be booked for worship, nor did their contents suggest any such use".
REGULATION
FCA investigates payments giants for competition breaches
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is investigating Mastercard, Paypal, and Visa for potential anti-competitive conduct under the Competition Act 1998. The probe focuses on the "funding and usage" of Paypal's digital wallet, which facilitates various payment methods. All three companies face scrutiny under Chapter I of the act, while Mastercard and Visa are also under investigation for possible abuse of market dominance under Chapter II. This follows previous regulatory challenges faced by Mastercard and Visa regarding card fees for overseas transactions.
BREXIT
UK risks pariah status over ECHR exit
Alain Berset, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, has warned that the UK would risk becoming a pariah state if it leaves the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). He stated that such a move would align the UK with countries like Russia and Belarus, which are not part of the ECHR. The UK Government has expressed a desire to reform the ECHR rather than exit, aiming to facilitate deportations and address migration issues. Berset noted that reforming the ECHR would not fully resolve the UK's migration challenges, saying: "It will never be able to solve the internal discussion on migration."
ENERGY
All-energy 2026: Scotland's clean energy summit
All-Energy 2026 will take place in Glasgow on 13-14 May, featuring keynotes from Michael Shanks MP and Chris Stark CBE. The event aims to foster collaboration in the UK's clean energy sector, with a new Strategic Summit committee guiding its programme. The conference will cover topics like investment, workforce development, and hydrogen, while also introducing new features like the Solar and Storage theatre and Innovators Hub. Clare Foster, Head of Clean Energy from Shepherd and Wedderburn, is among the high-profile leaders set to appear at the event.
WESTMINSTER
Labour's voter ID plans spark controversy
Labour's proposed changes to voter ID laws have drawn criticism for potentially increasing electoral fraud. The Representation of the People Bill would allow pre-paid bank cards as valid ID, despite concerns over their lack of full names and photographs. Critics, including Shadow Communities Secretary Sir James Cleverly, argue this could lead to widespread abuse. The Electoral Commission's chief executive, Vijay Rangarajan, also expressed worries about the proposal, urging adherence to existing security standards. Democracy Minister Samantha Dixon confirmed that pre-paid cards without full names would be accepted at polling stations.

 

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