A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law
Scottish Edition
28th May 2026
 
THE HOT STORY
Audit Scotland flags pressure from serious criminal cases
Audit Scotland has reported mixed progress in reducing Scotland’s court backlog, with outstanding trials falling to 13,268 by the end of 2025-26, around a third of the 2022 peak. However, the number of outstanding High Court trials rose to 1,002, almost three times pre-pandemic levels, reflecting growing pressure from serious and complex criminal cases. Auditor General Stephen Boyle said resource-intensive cases were placing strain on the wider justice system and warned planned modernisation efforts would require stronger delivery arrangements and clearer resourcing. The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service said pressures on High Court and sheriff and jury business are expected to increase further over coming years.

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INDUSTRY
Law firms' green pledges under scrutiny
A report from Law Students for Climate Accountability has flagged a significant gap between UK law firms' sustainability pledges and their ongoing involvement in fossil fuel transactions. It was found that over five years, 20 major firms facilitated nearly £524bn in fossil fuel deals. Linklaters, the report says, led the way, having facilitated £110bn in fossil fuel transactions, while A&O Shearman placed second on £82bn, followed by Clifford Chance with £77.7bn. The report urges clients to scrutinise the interests represented by their legal firms, saying: "Many firms continue to conduct immense amounts of fossil fuels work despite the ongoing climate catastrophe." 
Law Society launches retention guide for smaller firms
The Law Society of Scotland has launched a new guide to help smaller law firms improve staff retention and tackle recruitment challenges. The resource outlines the financial and operational impact of losing employees and offers practical advice on areas including career development, workplace culture, leadership, learning opportunities and work-life balance. President Patricia Thom said smaller firms should better promote their strengths when attracting and retaining talent.

 
THE LAW
Experts warn UK laws lag behind humanoid robots
Scottish AI and robotics experts have warned UK safeguarding and liability laws are failing to keep pace with the rapid development of humanoid robots. Carl Strathearn said there were no specific regulations governing robots’ use around children, in public spaces or potentially dangerous environments, despite some devices already being commercially available. Experts raised concerns over liability, surveillance, data privacy and responsibility if harm is caused, while calling for stronger regulation and clearer governance frameworks as AI-powered robots become more common in workplaces, schools and homes.
CASES
Calls grow for inquiry into Murrell embezzlement case
Fresh legal and political questions have emerged following former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell pleading guilty to embezzling more than £400,000 from party funds over a 12-year period. Aamer Anwar, representing former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, rejected claims linking her to the criminal conduct, stating there was "no evidence of criminality" against her and noting she had not been charged. The debate has prompted calls from opposition politicians and former SNP figures for an independent inquiry into party governance and financial oversight, although First Minister John Swinney said existing police investigations and court proceedings made a further Holyrood inquiry unnecessary. 
Life sentence for serial sex offender
Police Scotland has welcomed the life sentence handed to convicted rapist Paul Patrick, 61, who carried out a series of sexual offences against children and two women between 2008 and 2023. Patrick was sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh and must serve a minimum of eight-and-a-half years before becoming eligible for parole.
FIRMS
Four lawyers ascend to partner at Digby Brown
Catherine Hammond, Lee Murray, David McGowan, and Caitlyn Maccabe have been appointed partners at Digby Brown Solicitors, effective from 1 July 2026. In addition to the new partners, 10 other legal promotions were announced across the firm.
DWF announces 15 promotions in Scotland
DWF has promoted 15 staff members across its Edinburgh and Glasgow offices, including Michael Higgins and Aileen Shearer to director roles. Other promotions include Max Roper, Nicole McQuilken, and Michaela Dougan to senior associate, along with Kirsty Anderson and Hayley Swanson in dispute resolution. Gary Macdonald and Lynne Macfarlane have advanced within the partnership structure. The global promotions round saw 263 staff promoted, including 22 new partners.
FRAUD
Council worker admits to embezzlement
Nadine McAleney, a former business improvement assistant at East Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership, has pleaded guilty to embezzling £27,000 over 19 months. She manipulated a client money spreadsheet and cashed cheques intended for clients under the authority's care. Discrepancies were discovered in May 2024, leading to her arrest.
EMPLOYMENT
One in six young people could be NEET by 2031
A review led by Alan Milburn, the Government's work tsar, has warned that one in six young people could be out of education, employment or training by 2031 unless the Government delivers reforms to the education, health and welfare systems. While there were 957,000 16 to 24-year-olds not in education, employment or training between October and December 2025, the report suggests the figure could hit to 1.25m in the next five years.

 

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