A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law

A senior Scottish advocate has been cleared of professional misconduct after successfully challenging disciplinary findings linked to a long-running legal battle over two dating apps. Andrew Smith KC overturned a ruling by the Faculty of Advocates' disciplinary tribunal, which had upheld complaints that he became improperly involved in his clients' business affairs during litigation over the Bender and Brenda apps. The complaint was brought by entrepreneur Steven Elliott, who accused Smith of breaching professional rules during a dispute with former business partners Steven Worley and Kevin Farrell. Although disciplinary bodies had concluded Smith failed to maintain the independence expected of advocates, Lord Colbeck ruled the findings could not stand because adequate reasons were not given for rejecting earlier conclusions that Smith had acted solely as counsel. The Court of Session therefore quashed the misconduct ruling.

 

BBC News

The Times

Denovo in Scotland: Why So Many Law Firms Use This Legal Case Management Software  

As regulatory demands increase and client expectations continue to evolve, Scottish law firms are under growing pressure to balance efficiency, compliance, and service quality. Technology is playing an increasingly important role in helping firms streamline operations, reduce administrative burden, and create more connected ways of working. In this article, we explore the key capabilities modern practice management platforms provide and why integrated legal technology is becoming a strategic priority for firms across Scotland.  

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Thomas Kerr, deputy leader of Reform UK in Scotland, has called for a transparent discussion regarding the rising costs of legal aid for asylum seekers north of the Border. Recent figures reveal that the annual bill reached £929,597 in 2025, a 460% increase over the past decade. The Scottish Legal Aid Board reported 694 grants of legal aid for asylum seekers in 2024/25.

 

Daily Express

 

A Glasgow mother who urged her son to attack a neighbour during a violent street assault has been jailed for eight years for attempted murder. Carolyn Martin, 55, threw liquid at James Duncan and shouted “Go Stephen” before her son repeatedly stabbed him. Duncan suffered life-threatening injuries, permanent disfigurement and sight loss.

 

BBC News

David Stroud has become the first person convicted under the new sex-based harassment law after he made inappropriate comments to a woman on a train. Mr Stroud, who had a prior stalking conviction, received a 12-month community order, 150 hours of unpaid work, and a five-year restraining order.

 

BBC News

Daily Mail

The Independent

Pressure is mounting on First Minister John Swinney to support an inquiry into the Peter Murrell embezzlement scandal after Labour warned Westminster could intervene if Holyrood rejects a probe. Swinney has declined to commit to co-operating with any Westminster investigation, despite concerns that public funds may have been affected. While the SNP and Greens oppose a Holyrood inquiry, Westminster committees could use powers to compel witnesses, including senior SNP figures, to give evidence.

 

The Times

Morton Fraser MacRoberts has announced 14 promotions across various practice areas, including construction & projects, corporate & commercial, litigation, and real estate. The newly promoted lawyers include Lauren McLaughlin and Tay Montgomery as senior solicitors in construction & projects, and Meghan Jenkins as a legal director in litigation.

 

Scottish Legal News

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has warned that ongoing legal challenges to a compensation scheme linked to the motor finance scandal could delay payouts and impose an additional £6bn burden on lenders. FCA deputy chief executive Sarah Pritchard said that payouts, initially expected to start this summer, may now be delayed until 2027.

 

City AM

The Guardian

Scotland's residential property sales reached a record £24.3bn in the last year, according to the Registers of Scotland (RoS). The median property price rose by 4% to £198,000, significantly above the average salary of £39,039. The total market value of new build residential sales increased by 9%, driven by an 8% rise in sales volume. Aberdeen was the only city to see a price drop, with a 29% decrease in median prices.

 

BBC News

Protests linked to unrest in Belfast erupted across Scotland yesterday evening, with demonstrations in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Ayr. Hundreds gathered, some carrying Union flags and wearing face coverings, while police deployed significant resources and closed roads and bridges in Glasgow. The protests followed a knife attack in Belfast that sparked disorder. Police reported antisocial behaviour and at least one arrest, while anti-racism campaigners condemned the demonstrations.

 

BBC News