A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law
Scottish Edition
2nd July 2026
 
THE HOT STORY
Greens face questions over prison abolition stance
The Times reports that senior members of the Scottish Green Party privately backed calls by MSP Kate Nevens to abolish prisons, according to leaked internal messages, despite public statements distancing the party from her comments. Nevens later moderated her position, saying violent offenders would still need to be removed from society for public safety. The Scottish Greens co-leader Ross Greer had previously said the views did not represent party policy, while Rachael Hamilton, of the Scottish Conservatives, called on the Greens to clarify their official position on prison abolition.

 
INDUSTRY
Law Society urges consultation on Lord Advocate reform
The Law Society of Scotland has called on the Scottish Government to launch a public consultation on reforming the dual role of the Lord Advocate as both the Government's senior legal adviser and head of Scotland's prosecution service. President Serena Sutherland said the issue raised important constitutional questions and deserved careful public consideration. She stressed that any decision should be based on evidence and constitutional principle rather than political considerations, given the complexity of any potential reforms.

 
HOLYROOD
MPs seek joint Murrell inquiry
A Westminster committee wants to work with Holyrood committees on a joint inquiry into Peter Murrell's embezzlement of SNP funds after he was jailed for five years for stealing more than £400,000. Committee papers show the SNP received more than £10m in public money between 2010 and 2022, including £2,248,353 in policy development grants and £8.2m in short money. The move follows Murrell's conviction and concerns about whether any taxpayer-backed funding was affected.
CASES
Covid loan cash forfeited in fraud case
More than £106,000 linked to suspected Covid-era fraud and money laundering has been forfeited following action by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service's Civil Recovery Unit. The cash was surrendered by businessman Akintayo Adedipe after investigators found it was connected to fraudulent bounce back loan applications made in 2020 involving two Glasgow companies. The forfeiture was approved by Glasgow Sheriff Court under proceeds of crime legislation in April.
TAX
Perth and Kinross Council's empty homes tax rises
Perth and Kinross Council has introduced a 300% council tax charge on long-term empty homes from 1 July, affecting about 920 properties across the area. The surcharge, increased from 200%, is expected to raise about £600,000 in 2026/27 and £800,000 a year thereafter, while second homes will remain on a 200% charge. Councillors also voted to extend discretionary relief from 18 months to two years, giving owners more time before the higher charge applies.
FIRMS
Freeths strengthens Scottish practice
Freeths has appointed Alastair Frood as a partner in its Glasgow office, enhancing its commercial dispute resolution practice. Frood, previously head of litigation at Eversheds Sutherland, brings over 30 years of experience in complex commercial litigation and regulatory disputes.
Peebles law firm raises funds for charity
Blackwood & Smith Solicitors in Peebles raised £3,760 for charity through the Will Aid campaign. The initiative allows solicitors to waive fees in November, encouraging clients to donate instead. Since joining in 1996, the firm has contributed £47,541 to various charities, including Age UK and the British Red Cross.
IMMIGRATION
Home Office expands deportation rules
Labour’s new Immigration and Asylum Bill will see foreign offenders eligible for deportation regardless of the seriousness of their offence. However, a deportation could be refused if it were considered to have a "disproportionate" effect on the offender’s private and family life. Currently, only foreign criminals handed a sentence of a year or more are usually considered for deportation. Meanwhile, Andy Burnham is urging the Home Office and the Foreign Office to explore all options to ensure the ringleader of a notorious Rochdale grooming gang is deported. Shabir Ahmed is due to be released early from jail this week.
Over 300 arrested in crackdown on immigration crime
More than 300 people have been arrested across the UK, including 57 migrants who had crossed the Channel by boat, as part of a police crackdown on illegal trade and organised immigration crime. The operation centred on tackling crime at premises that included barber shops, vape shops, car washes, food production and nail salons.

 

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