A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law
Scottish Edition
10th July 2026
 
THE HOT STORY
Courts given stronger powers against fan disorder
Scottish courts are set to receive stronger powers to impose football banning orders, with new legislation aimed at tackling offences including pyrotechnic use, pitch invasions and missile throwing. The Scottish government said the changes follow a consultation involving more than 900 responses, with Police Scotland and football bodies backing wider use of the measures. The move comes after a series of incidents, including a pitch invasion following Celtic’s Premiership title win and clashes between Rangers and Celtic supporters. Community safety minister Kirsten Oswald said a small minority of fans were compromising safety at matches. Supporters groups, however, questioned claims that disorder was worsening and expressed concerns over expanding restrictions.

 
INDUSTRY
Lawyer says SNP may owe referendum donors
Roddy Dunlop KC, dean of the Faculty of Advocates, has said the SNP could be liable to repay hundreds of thousands of pounds to donors who contributed to funds intended for a future independence referendum campaign. Dunlop, instructed by blogger Stuart Campbell in a potential civil action, argued the party may have breached a trust by using more than £660,000 of ring-fenced donations for other purposes. Meanwhile, campaigners have requested an investigation into the former auditors of the SNP after £400,000 was embezzled from the party. Jim Orr, an internal audit specialist, has co-ordinated a complaint to the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland which alleges that Johnston Carmichael failed to identify suspicious activities and did not escalate concerns to senior party officials.

 
THE LAW
Corporate crime rules enter new era
Tom Stocker, specialist in corporate criminal defence at Pinsent Masons, argues that the expansion of UK corporate criminal liability marks a major shift in how organisations could be held accountable for wrongdoing. He says companies can now face criminal liability for offences committed by senior managers acting within their roles, without prosecutors needing to prove involvement by the organisation's "directing mind and will". Stocker highlights the need for stronger compliance frameworks, risk assessments and governance procedures, noting that while effective controls cannot provide a complete defence, they may help prevent offences, discourage prosecution and reduce penalties.
FIRMS
Firms top £1m average partner pay
Addleshaw Goddard and Simmons & Simmons have reported significant revenue growth, with both firms surpassing £1m in average partner pay. Addleshaw Goddard's revenue rose 17% to £644m, while profit also increased by 17% to £262m. Simmons & Simmons achieved a 12% revenue increase to £690m and a 14% profit rise to £245m. Average partner pay at Simmons & Simmons reached £1.25m, up 11%. Addleshaw Goddard expanded its partnership to 479 lawyers and opened a new office in Amsterdam.
CASES
Judges quash hate crime conviction
An appeal court has overturned a hate crime conviction against Michael Napier, who was accused of abusing Samuel Stein, chairman of the Glasgow Friends of Israel. The judges found insufficient evidence to support claims of prejudice based on Stein's Jewish faith. Napier, 78, had previously been convicted of threatening behaviour, which remains intact, resulting in a £600 fine. During the incident, Stein recorded Napier's comments at a pro-Palestinian protest, where he was subjected to derogatory remarks. The judges noted errors in the original trial regarding the assessment of prejudice.

 
STV
Gamer spared jail for filming schoolgirls
A 23-year-old man has avoided jail after being caught filming schoolgirls and distributing the footage on Telegram. Kyle Burden's lawyer, Anna MacKay, stated that Burden "wanted to get caught" and highlighted his struggles with social interactions stemming from gaming. Burden pleaded guilty to taking indecent images and was sentenced to three years of supervision, placed on the sex offenders register for five years, and required to complete 300 hours of unpaid work.
CRIME
Youngsters exploited as foreign proxies
Counter Terrorism Police have revealed that children as young as 15 are being recruited by foreign states like China, Russia, and Iran as proxies. National Coordinator Vicki Evans warned that young people acting as proxies face severe legal consequences, with recent cases resulting in over 50 years of prison time. The National Security (State Threats) Bill has granted the Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, enhanced powers to combat this issue and protect communities from hostile activities.
EMPLOYMENT
Employers urged to rethink probation periods
Employers have been advised to reassess probation periods following changes brought in via the Employment Rights Act. New employees now gain unfair dismissal rights after just six months instead of two years. Louise Thawley from Mishcon de Reya said: "Given the removal of the unfair dismissal compensation cap, this becomes particularly acute for high earners." 
TAX
HMRC secures 260 convictions over serious tax evasion
HMRC's Fraud Investigation Service (FIS) secured 260 convictions against serious tax evaders in the 2025/26 tax year. The FIS, which sees some of the tax office's most experienced investigators conducting criminal and civil investigations, launched 494 investigations, marking a 10.8% increase from the previous year. Tax collected through these investigations rose by 39% to £2.1bn. The agency, it is noted, is set to see its powers enhanced, enabling officials to recover lower value debts directly from bank accounts.
OTHER
Restore Britain's Lowe criticised for Dunblane comment
Restore Britain leader Rupert Lowe has faced calls to apologise after describing the Dunblane school shooting as "one murder" while discussing the UK's handgun ban on the Joe Rogan podcast. The 1996 attack killed 16 children and teacher Gwen Mayor, prompting major firearms law changes. Victims’ families and politicians criticised Lowe’s comments as insensitive and disrespectful, while a party spokesperson said he was referring to the incident rather than the number of victims.

 

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