Legal Matters Scotland
Sign UpOnline Version
7th January 2025

A free early morning round up of news for legal professionals across Scotland.
Sign up here for your free daily edition

COURTS
Seagulls and pests hinder court proceedings
New figures reveal that seagulls, pigeons, and other pests are causing significant disruptions at court buildings across northern Scotland. Staff have reported a total of 110 pest-related incidents since 2019, with seagulls being the primary offenders, prompting 29 requests for pest control assistance. One notable incident involved a pigeon which had to be put down after causing disturbances at Aberdeen High Court. Mice and rats sparked 10 calls for assistance, but the figures show that smaller animals can also provide a challenge. Flies caused nine staff complaints, millipedes four, wasps three and ants two. Despite the challenges, the number of complaints has decreased, indicating that pest control measures are becoming more effective.


The Future of Legal Accounting Software: Emerging Trends and Challenges

Managing finances efficiently is essential for any legal firm, but in 2025 it doesn’t have to be a time-consuming task. Accounting software tailored for lawyers simplifies billing, invoicing, payroll and financial reporting - freeing up your time to focus on what you do best. Plus, with enhanced cybersecurity features, your sensitive data stays protected.
So, what does the future hold? In 2025, legal accounting software is set to evolve even further with cutting-edge innovations in platforms like Denovo’s Whole Practice Management Software platform, CaseLoad. Utilising built in accounting software with your existing legal case management software is one of the biggest advantages in accounting software for lawyers. 

Read the full article here

 
INDUSTRY
Barristers in Northern Ireland begin four-week strike over legal aid
Criminal barristers in Northern Ireland have withdrawn from legally-aided Crown Court cases for a four-week period in a dispute over legal aid. The action, which was announced by the Criminal Bar Association (CBA) last month, is taking place between 6 and 31 January. Justice minister Naomi Long said she was disappointed by the industrial action which would "impact most acutely on the victims and witnesses who are waiting to give evidence and receive justice," adding: "The uncertainty caused by the withdrawal of services will only add further to the stress and anxiety they may already be experiencing." Donal Lunny KC, chair of the Bar Council, said while the withdrawal of services was regrettable, the department's review of the legal aid system had made it inevitable. "Fees for legally-aided criminal work have not been increased since 2005 and are worth just 50% of their original value," he said. "Additionally, barristers are subject to crippling payment delays, under a policy imposed by the DoJ on the basis of balancing its budget."
Dundee's divorce searches soar
Recent data indicates a significant rise in divorce-related searches in Dundee, with a 70% increase in queries about how to obtain a divorce in the UK. Dundee ranks as the second most popular city for such searches, with 61 searches per 100,000 people. Antony Ball, a Partner at Weightmans, explained: "In our practice, we see a wide range of reasons and situations leading to divorce."


 
THE LAW
New law to tackle child abuse
Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, has announced plans to introduce mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse claims in England and Wales. The initiative, stemming from recommendations by Prof Alexis Jay's inquiry, will be included in the upcoming Crime and Policing Bill. Cooper said: “We will make it mandatory to report abuse,” stressing the need for professional and criminal sanctions against those who fail to act. The Government also aims to establish a victims and survivors panel, make grooming an aggravating factor in sentencing, and create a core dataset for child abuse. The move comes amid widespread anger over the failure of successive governments to stamp out Muslim rape gangs.
New law targets intimate image abuse
The UK Government is set to introduce a new law making it a crime to take intimate images without consent, with offenders facing up to two years in prison. The legislation, announced by the Ministry of Justice, aims to combat the rising issue of non-consensual intimate imagery and deepfakes, which have been described as causing "devastating harm to victims, particularly women and girls." The new offence will be included in a forthcoming Crime and Policing Bill.
CASES
Footballer wins tribunal battle
Scottish footballer Rico Quitongo, 25, has won an appeal against Airdrieonians FC in his legal battle over racial abuse and victimisation. Quitongo, whose mother is Scottish and father Angolan, initially filed a complaint in 2021 after being racially abused by a fan during a match. He later accused the club of mishandling his complaint and sought legal redress. Although a Glasgow employment tribunal dismissed his claims of race harassment and victimisation in November 2022, the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT), led by Lord Fairley, has now ruled that the tribunal erred in its judgment. The EAT found that Quitongo was "victimised" by Airdrieonians following his complaint and has ordered the club to compensate him.
Violent husband tried to kill wife by driving over her
A man has admitted to attempting to murder his estranged wife with his car last April in Edinburgh. William Budge, 62, drove his car into Sandra on Muirhouse Parkway, then turned the vehicle around and ran over her again as she lay injured on the ground. The assault, motivated by his claim that she had "embarrassed" him by leaving, caused Sandra multiple broken bones and internal organ damage, though she survived. Budge also pleaded guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh to historical abuse and assault charges spanning several years. His sentencing is pending.
FIRMS
Anderson Strathern achieves record-breaking results
Anderson Strathern has reported record results in 2024, with its corporate team involved in over 100 deals valued at nearly £1bn. The firm’s mergers and acquisitions team excelled across various sectors, including renewable energy and technology. Partner Simon Brown remarked: “The market is buoyant, driven by increased activity of private equity firms and improved investor confidence.” The firm also achieved significant success in private equity, highlighted by an £11m Series A investment in Aveni, a leading Scottish fintech. Euan Tripp, another partner, remarked on the growing interest from investors, particularly in AI and energy transition sectors, indicating a promising outlook for 2025.
HOLYROOD
First Minister says Budget vital for countering populism
First Minister John Swinney has warned opposition MSPs that failing to support his Budget could play into the hands of Elon Musk and other populists. The SNP leader emphasised the importance of addressing relevant issues and providing solutions to improve the lives of people in Scotland. Swinney warned against "political posturing" and intransigence, stating that passing the Budget could act as an "antidote" to populism. The Scottish Greens have criticised Swinney's "overblown" language and called for other parties to carefully scrutinise the SNP's draft Budget and push for inclusion of their priorities.
AND FINALLY...
Failed politician sent to the cells after mocking sheriff's wig
Christopher Rennie, a former Liberal Democrat election candidate, was sent to the cells during his court appearance in Dundee after mocking a sheriff’s wig and behaving disruptively. Rennie, facing a police assault case, entered the courtroom wearing dark glasses and headphones, which he later removed. Ignoring instructions, he initially sat at a legal table rather than the dock and refused to stand when addressing the sheriff. When questioned about his conduct, Rennie responded dismissively, stating, “I behave the way I do,” and then mocked the sheriff’s wig, giggling as he made the remark. The sheriff, visibly irritated, ordered court staff to remove Rennie, who weighs 20 stone, to the cells to determine further action, citing his lack of respect for the court.
 


Legal Matters Scotland is designed to help you stay ahead, spark ideas and support innovation, learning and development in your organisation.

The links under articles indicate original news sources. Some links lead directly to the source material. Others lead to paywalls where you may need a subscription. A third category are restricted by copyright rules.

For reaction and insights on any stories covered in Legal Matters Scotland, join the discussion by becoming a member of our LinkedIn Group or Business Page, or follow us on Twitter.

 

Follow us on FacebookFollow us on XFollow us on Linkedin

This e-mail has been sent to [[EMAIL_TO]]

Click hereto unsubscribe