A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law
Scottish Edition
15th June 2026
 
THE HOT STORY
Politicians still face 'brazen' threats
Current and former MSPs talk to the Herald about the ongoing harassment and abuse aimed at politicians - particularly women and those from ethnic minority backgrounds. Scottish Liberal Democrat Yi-Pei Chou Turvey says the number of people "in disbelief that someone like me could be able to represent them makes me sad and worried", while Scottish Green Maggie Chapman says she receives "brazen death threats and rape threats while simply doing the job I was elected to do". Elsewhere in the paper, Dundee City Council member Cllr Nadia El-Nakla says threats against her, her husband, former First Minister Humza Yousaf, and her children almost pushed the family out of politics - including harassment by a man with a previous conviction for shooting a man in the head with a hunting rifle.

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.  

Read more

 
THE LAW
Swinney urged to clarify stance on gender ruling
First Minister John Swinney has faced calls to clarify how the Scottish Government will implement new Equality and Human Rights Commission guidance following the Supreme Court ruling that the definition of a woman under the Equality Act is based on biological sex. Scottish Conservative MSP Meghan Gallacher said references to a Scottish "domestic approach" risk creating uncertainty and sought assurances that the guidance would be fully applied. The debate comes amid wider political disagreement over the ruling, transgender rights, and the role of government-funded equality organisations in responding to the updated guidance.
Assisted dying bill set for fresh parliamentary push
A new attempt to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales is set to be introduced after Labour MP Lauren Edwards secured a high place in the ballot for Private Members' Bills. The proposed legislation would allow terminally ill adults with less than six months to live to seek an assisted death, subject to safeguards. Supporters argue the previous bill was delayed by House of Lords procedures despite Commons backing, while opponents maintain it remains flawed and raises significant concerns. The debate is likely to reignite discussion across the UK, including Scotland, where separate assisted dying proposals have also been under consideration.
Councillors endorse Forces Children's Rights Charter
Inverclyde Council members have voted to endorse the Forces Children's Rights Charter, developed by the charity Forces Children Scotland, with the aim of ensure that the rights of children and young people from military families are respected. Cllr Graeme Brooks, the council's Armed Forces Champion, said it is "important to highlight that children from Armed Forces families can experience unique challenges arising from high mobility, parental deployment, separation, and transitions between schools and communities", and thanked councillors "for unanimously endorsing the charter and once again making sure Inverclyde is leading the way in our support for our Armed Forces and their families".

 
TECHNOLOGY
UK to ban under-16s from social media
Sir Keir Starmer is set to announce a ban on under-16s accessing social media platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram, with other applications also facing restrictions. The Prime Minister will announce the ban today following pressure to protect teenagers from harmful content. Children will be prevented from livestreaming themselves, making contact with adult strangers and using AI chatbots designed for romantic or sexual purposes. There could also be curfews for 16 and 17-year-olds to prevent them going on line at night. The new restrictions are likely to be enforced by facial scans to verify age.
Scottish minister calls for Westminster action on 'online harm'
Siobhian Brown, Scotland's minister for children and young people, has urged UK ministers to do "more to protect children and young people from online harm" ahead of a meeting with Kanishka Narayan, the UK minister for AI and online safety. Ms Brown said the Scottish Government has "consistently pushing the UK Government to act, given the powers to control online safety are reserved to Westminster", adding: "We know there are steps that the UK Government could be taking now - from banning the use of social media for children and using Ofcom’s powers to force social media firms to act." 
Scotland urged to embrace skills and AI
Shoosmiths partner Andrew Foyle argues that Scotland's long-term economic success depends on building a more adaptable workforce and accelerating adoption of digital technology and AI. Writing after the Scotland 2050 conference, he highlights the need for greater investment in education, flexible career pathways and talent retention initiatives. Foyle says businesses must embrace digital transformation to boost productivity, citing Shoosmiths' own use of AI-driven legal tools. He adds that skills development and regional strategies will be essential to ensure the benefits of technological change are shared across Scotland's economy.
WORKFORCE
Whistleblowing disclosures soar in Edinburgh
Whistleblowing disclosures by Edinburgh council employees rose by 40% in 2025, reaching 66 reports, according to the Governance, Risk and Best Value Committee. Since 2021, a total of 288 disclosures have been recorded, with 25 classified as major. The report noted that 33 investigations were completed last year, maintaining consistency with previous years. Councillor Jo Mowat highlighted concerns over leaked sensitive documents, stating: "If those papers are leaked, it undermines a key area of work for this committee and it is unacceptable." The council plans to tighten access to sensitive papers.
More attacks reported in Inverclyde public buildings
A meeting of Inverclyde Council's police and fire scrutiny panel has heard that a total of 71 acts of public utility violence, or incidents at locations including hospitals, council buildings and courts, were recorded between April 2025 and March 2026 - up from 30 the previous year. Chief Superintendent Rhona Fraser told councillors the "highest proportion" of attacks take place on police officers in hospitals, while "violence within police stations has seen the sharpest rise".
FIRMS
Shepherd and Wedderburn promotes seven lawyers
Shepherd and Wedderburn has promoted five lawyers to Partner and two to Legal Director across various practices, including Commercial Real Estate and Corporate. The new Partners are Matt Lamberton, Gillian Wood, Cath Macrae, Katie McNab, and Laura McMillan. Siobhan Dunphy and Joseph Fitzgibbon have been appointed as Legal Directors. Additionally, Pinsent Masons appointed Stuart Murdoch as Partner, enhancing its financial services litigation team.
MJC LAW shortlisted for two Scottish Legal Awards
Paisley-based MJC LAW has been named a finalist in two categories at the Scottish Legal Awards 2026: Excellence in Community Care & Social Responsibility and Firm of the Year (Up to 250 Employees). The family-run firm, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary, said the recognition reflects the dedication of its team and its commitment to supporting local communities.
BGF exits well technology firm
BGF has sold Aberdeen-based well technology firm isol8 to Norwegian energy group Archer. BGF initially invested £3.5m in isol8 in 2021, with further investments in 2023 and 2025 to support the development of its Fusion technology. This alloy-based solution offers a more sustainable alternative to cement for well abandonment, potentially saving £1.5m to £7m per well, translating to £2bn to £5bn in North Sea decommissioning.
CASES
SNP faces potential HMRC bill over Murrell case
The SNP could face a repayment demand and possible penalties from HMRC over VAT claims linked to funds embezzled by former chief executive Peter Murrell, according to tax expert Dan Neidle. Following Murrell's guilty plea, John Swinney confirmed the party is in discussions with HMRC about potential tax implications. Critics argue the SNP should have addressed the issue earlier, while the party is seeking to recover the embezzled funds through criminal and civil action.
AND FINALLY...
Historic Parliament Hall fires extinguished
Coal fires that have heated Edinburgh's Parliament Hall since 1639 will no longer be routinely lit, ending a centuries-old tradition. The move follows environmental concerns over emissions and the hall's exemption from smokeless zone rules. With no modern heating system in the historic space, the change is expected to limit winter use of the venue, including events hosted by the Faculty of Advocates.

 

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