A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law
Scottish Edition
30th June 2026
 
THE HOT STORY
Ministers revive early release plans for long-term prisoners
Scottish ministers have revived plans to automatically release some long-term prisoners after serving two-thirds of their sentence as part of efforts to reduce prison overcrowding. The proposal, reintroduced by Justice Secretary Neil Gray after being dropped in 2024, has prompted concerns from victim support groups, children's charities and social work bodies over potential risks to public safety and victims. Organisations including Scottish Women's Aid have called for robust safeguards, risk assessments and victim support measures to accompany any changes.

 
INDUSTRY
Debate grows over Lord Advocate's dual role
Writing for Scottish Legal News, Peter Ranscombe argues that recent controversies have renewed questions over whether Scotland should split the Lord Advocate's dual role as head of prosecutions and the Scottish Government's chief legal adviser. He highlights concerns over public understanding and confidence in the system, particularly following the Peter Murrell case, while noting some legal commentators believe the arrangement also brings benefits by ensuring legal expertise remains at the heart of government decision-making. The Scottish Government ruled out reform earlier this year following an independent review.
MSPs urged to examine impact of sex trials ruling
Holyrood's new Criminal Justice Committee is being urged to investigate the impact of a landmark Supreme Court ruling on the admissibility of evidence in sexual offence trials. The judgment found Scottish courts had interpreted "rape shield" protections too restrictively, potentially affecting convictions dating back to 2013. The Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission has already received 20 applications from convicted offenders seeking reviews. Politicians, legal bodies and victim support organisations have called for scrutiny to ensure defendants' rights are balanced with protections for complainers and survivors.
Youth violence demands urgent action
Violence among youth in Scotland reflects deeper societal issues, according to Karyn McCluskey, chief executive of Community Justice Scotland. She highlights the abandonment of families and the erosion of community support systems. McCluskey states: "Every time youth services are cut... we are transferring the cost to the NHS." She argues for proactive measures, including family support and meaningful employment, to prevent violence.

 
CRIME
Record rise in children exploited by county lines gangs
The number of children exploited by county lines drugs gangs in Scotland has reached record levels, according to Police Scotland figures obtained by the Daily Record. Cases involving children under 16 rose from six in 2020/21 to 39 in 2025/26, while victims aged 16 and 17 increased from 16 to 65. Charities warned that organised crime groups are targeting vulnerable young people through grooming, coercion and intimidation, with many victims not recognising they are being exploited. Police said tackling child criminal exploitation remains a priority.
HOLYROOD
Scottish Parliament restores sex search option for MSPs
The Scottish Parliament has reintroduced the option to search for Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) by sex on its website after a survey on sex and trans status was completed by 62 MSPs. This change follows complaints that women were "erased" from the website when the previous search function was removed after the May election. Initially, the website allowed sorting by male and female, later adding a non-binary option before its removal.
CASES
Doctors struck off over serious misconduct findings
Two Scottish doctors have been struck off by medical tribunals over sexually inappropriate behaviour. A consultant psychiatrist with NHS Fife was removed from the medical register after covertly filming schoolgirls in a coffee shop, while a GP formerly based in Perthshire was struck off for carrying out medically unnecessary intimate examinations and taking explicit photographs of himself at work. Tribunals in both cases concluded the doctors posed an ongoing risk to the public and that erasure from the register was necessary to maintain confidence in the profession.
FIRMS
Shoosmiths posts record £80m profit
Shoosmiths reported a record profit of £80m for the 2025/26 financial year, with profit per equity partner (PEP) exceeding £1m for the second year. Underlying turnover rose by 5%, while profit increased by 11%, excluding the divested serious injury business. The firm continues to invest in technology, including a Generative AI-powered contract review platform, and has acted on complex mandates across corporate and litigation sectors.
Dundee lawyers launch firm for growth
Attuned, a new law firm in Dundee, has been established by Campbell Clark and Kirk Dailly, both former partners at Blackadders. The firm focuses on supporting growth businesses in sectors like technology, life sciences, and investment. Clark stated: "We exist to give clients what they deserve: lawyers who think like founders, business owners and investors." The founders aim to enhance Dundee's professional services community to foster business success on a global scale.
Lindsays secures Bain for dispute resolution team
Daniel Bain has joined Lindsays as a partner in the dispute resolution and litigation (DRL) team in Edinburgh. Bain previously worked at Balfour and Manson and Shepherd and Wedderburn. Andrew Diamond, managing partner at Lindsays, noted Bain's experience will enhance their service offerings. Bain said he was attracted to Lindsays due to its strong reputation and positive culture.
THE LAW
Mesothelioma claims law set for reform
The Scottish Government will introduce legislation this year to give mesothelioma patients fairer access to compensation claims. The changes will clarify when the three-year time limit for legal action begins, addressing concerns that some patients could lose the right to claim before receiving a diagnosis. The reforms follow recommendations from the Scottish Law Commission on asbestos-related cases. Community care minister Alison Thewliss said the changes would help ensure patients have a fair opportunity to seek justice.
Moray Council updates pet ownership rules
Moray Council is revising its pet ownership policy for the first time in 18 years. The new draft policy aligns with the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025, which grants secure tenants the right to keep pets with landlord permission. Tenants can apply to keep up to two pets, while certain breeds, such as Pit Bull Terriers and XL Bullies, remain banned. Additionally, breeding pets and running animal-related businesses in council homes is prohibited.
SOCIAL
Scottish social workers forced to take children home
Social workers in Scotland are facing a crisis due to an acute shortage of suitable accommodation for children, which has forced staff to take children into their own homes. Chief social work officers highlighted the lack of safe options, stating that newborns remain in hospital care and older children are placed inappropriately. They issued a joint statement urging action from the Scottish Government and local leaders. The situation, exacerbated by a saturated care system, poses risks to children’s safety and places undue pressure on social workers. The Children’s Minister acknowledged these concerns and outlined efforts to improve the situation, including increased recruitment of foster carers and additional funding.
TECHNOLOGY
Drones to combat antisocial behaviour
Perth and Kinross Council is considering using drones to address antisocial behaviour. This follows the allocation of £150,000 for recruiting eight visitor rangers for the 2026-27 season. Council leader Eric Drysdale stated that the funds will also cover portable toilets, vehicles, and signage. He mentioned that the council is exploring deployable CCTV units and a case management system for antisocial behaviour. Independent councillor Grant Laing praised the drone initiative, suggesting it could enhance various services, including planning. Drysdale noted drones could improve river safety as well.
IMMIGRATION
Asylum seekers face new repayment rules
Asylum seekers in the UK will soon be required to repay accommodation and living costs, totalling around £10,000 once they start earning. Payments will begin when income reaches a threshold set by the Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, who said: "Receiving asylum support is a right, but it is also a responsibility." The reforms aim to reduce taxpayer costs, which reached £4bn last year for asylum support. The changes will also affect rejected claimants and introduce stricter asylum appeal processes. The powers needed to recover the costs will be set out by the Immigration and Asylum Bill when it is introduced to Parliament today.

 

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