A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law
Scottish Edition
24th June 2026
 
THE HOT STORY
Scottish government accepts trans prisoner judgment
The Scottish government has confirmed it will not appeal a court ruling requiring transgender prisoners to be housed according to their biological sex, prompting the transfer of affected inmates. The decision follows a Court of Session judgment that Scottish Prison Service guidance allowing some transgender prisoners to be held in jails matching their gender identity was unlawful. Judge Lady Ross found the policy conflicted with legal requirements for separate male and female accommodation. First Minister John Swinney said ministers accepted the ruling despite its complex legal background. Campaign group For Women Scotland welcomed the decision, while ministers said implementation would prioritise safety and welfare.

 
CASES
Murrell jailed for more than five years
Former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell has been jailed for five years and three months after admitting embezzling more than £400,000 from the party over a 12-year period. Sentencing him, Lord Young described the offences as a “calculated crime of dishonesty” and said he could find no clear motive for the wrongdoing. The judge noted it was "very difficult" to understand Murrell’s actions, particularly as many expensive items bought with party funds were never used. While accepting Murrell’s remorse and low risk of reoffending, Lord Young said there were no mitigating factors and stressed the sentence should deter senior organisational leaders from similar conduct. Murrell’s lawyer, John Scullion KC, told the court that his client "does not consider himself worthy of sympathy and acknowledges that a custodial sentence is deserved."
River City actor found guilty of rape
Former River City actor Iain Robertson has been convicted of rape, sexual assault, domestic abuse and assault offences against three women between 2004 and 2019. Jurors heard evidence describing him as violent, controlling and abusive. The 45-year-old denied the charges, claiming some encounters were consensual. Lady Drummond deferred sentencing until 23 July for background reports.

 
INDUSTRY
SLCC presses faculty on complaints reform
The Scottish Legal Complaints Commission (SLCC) has urged the Faculty of Advocates to accelerate reforms to its conduct complaints process, warning that those making complaints today are not yet benefiting from planned improvements. In its second annual progress report, the SLCC acknowledged steps taken to implement recommendations issued in 2024 but said further action is needed. The regulator welcomed the Faculty’s commitment to reform and recommendations from the Lord President, stressing that updated disciplinary rules should be introduced swiftly to ensure a process that is fair, accessible and efficient.
CRIME
Sex crimes in Scotland at 60-year high
Sex crimes in Scotland rose 10% last year to 16,430 offences, the highest level since records began over 50 years ago, according to Scottish Government data. Rape and attempted rape increased 11%, while indecent images of children rose 49% over a decade. Domestic abuse also climbed 23% year-on-year. Campaigners and ministers blamed growing online abuse, social media and emerging AI threats. Justice Secretary Neil Gray pledged £43.2m for prevention, as experts warned many cases remain unreported and the true scale is likely far higher. Overall crime also rose across Scotland.
More deliveries targeted by thieves
Parcel thefts in the UK surge in the summer months, with over 2,800 incidents reported in June, July, and August 2025. The total value of stolen parcels reached £666.5m, with the average worth £138. Security experts warn that the ongoing World Cup and Prime Day deals could attract thieves targeting high-value items.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Legal settlement helps drive £32m council underspend
City of Edinburgh Council has published its unaudited accounts for 2025/26, revealing a £32m underspend for the year, driven largely by £24.9m described as "net legal settlement income", believed to be linked to a settlement from DLA Piper over faulty legal advice relating to the Edinburgh Tram line. Of the total underspend, the council noted, £6m "was set aside to create a Homelessness Services-related risk contingency in the coming year", while general fund reserves were up £48.2m year-on-year to £349.5m.
ECONOMY
Scotland's FDI appeal hits record high
Scotland's foreign direct investment (FDI) attractiveness has reached a record high, according to EY's UK Attractiveness Survey. The country secured 108 inward investment projects in 2025, accounting for 13.8% of all UK FDI projects. Although this is a decrease from 15.8% the previous year, it remains above the 10-year average of 11.6%.
AND FINALLY...
Forres Academy pupils head to Supreme Court
Nineteen pupils from Forres Academy will travel to London this week after becoming the only Scottish school selected for the Supreme Court Debate Day. One of just 10 schools chosen across the UK, they will tour the Supreme Court, work with legal professionals and debate real cases. The trip has been funded through fundraising efforts and support from local businesses, law firms and the school's Parent Council.

 

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