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10th April 2025

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INDUSTRY
New ruling empowers sexual abuse survivors
Survivors of sexual abuse in Scotland are encouraged to review their cases following significant changes to corroboration rules. Emma Bryson, Suzy Angus, and Shirley Ross from the Speak Out Survivors group have campaigned for these reforms since 2018. Previously, cases were dismissed due to the requirement for two independent sources of evidence. The new ruling allows for evidence of a victim's distress or statements made shortly after the incident to serve as corroboration. Bryson stated: "It would have made a significant difference in my case," highlighting the impact of the changes. The Lord Advocate, Dorothy Bain KC, noted that these decisions aim to create a more humane justice system, improving access to justice for victims of sexual offences. Survivors are now more hopeful about having their cases heard, with the potential for a transformative effect on the prosecution of sexual crimes.

 
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THE LAW
Ofcom probes suicide forum under new laws
Ofcom is investigating a suicide forum, marking the first probe under the Online Safety Act. The regulator is examining whether the service provider failed to implement "appropriate safety measures" to protect users from illegal content. The forum, linked to at least 50 deaths in the UK, reportedly has tens of thousands of members discussing suicide methods. Ofcom stated: "Failure to comply with the new online safety duties or adequately respond to our information requests may result in enforcement action." Service providers had until March 16 to assess risks related to illegal content. Ofcom can impose fines of up to £18m or 10% of worldwide revenue for compliance failures.


 
PROPERTY
A third of tenants find it difficult to pay their rent
Research by the SafeDeposits Scotland Charitable Trust has found that around a third of private tenants in Scotland find it difficult to pay their rent every month, with 8% saying they find it very difficult to do so. It was also found that almost half (49%) of people have regularly had to cut back on household items in order to pay their rent. Head of policy Dr Jennifer Harris said that while affordable homes "should be a cornerstone of the sector across Scotland", improving affordability "will require a comprehensive strategy for the sector", which must "include ensuring there are enough homes to rent to meet demand, alongside measures to support tenants' incomes".
Scotland's property prices keep climbing
House prices in Scotland have seen a significant increase over the past year, with the average price rising by £11,458 to reach £187,434, marking a 6.5% annual growth. David Alexander, chief executive of DJ Alexander, said: "The Scottish housing market continues to be buoyant... at a time when interest rates have remained stubbornly high." Notably, East Renfrewshire and Edinburgh recorded the highest increases, while areas like Argyll and Bute experienced slight declines. The disparity in prices is concerning, with a nearly £200,000 difference between the most and least expensive areas. Despite some regions struggling, the overall market remains robust, outpacing growth in England and Wales.
FIRMS
Jen Paton joins BTO
BTO has appointed Jen Paton as Partner in its Edinburgh Corporate team, strengthening its advisory and transactional capabilities. Recognised as 2024’s 'Corporate Rising Star' by The Legal 500, Jen brings extensive deal experience across sectors and is praised for her strategic insight. She aims to support BTO’s growth and deliver outstanding results for diverse corporate clients.
EMPLOYMENT
One in five firms add to workforce in Q1
UK employers scaled back hiring in Q1, with British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) analysis showing that just 20% of firms increased their workforce in the first quarter. This is the lowest level since the first three months of 2021. The poll of more than 5,000 businesses also found that 17% reduced headcount in Q1. Jane Gratton, the BCC's deputy director of public policy, said: "Firms are struggling under the weight of skills shortages, recruitment difficulties and spiralling employment costs." This comes with the rate of employer National Insurance contributions climbing from 13.8% to 15% and the earnings threshold being reduced from £9,100 to £5,000. Firms are also contending with a rise in the minimum wage. Business leaders are also concerned that the Government’s proposed Employment Rights Bill will make it harder to recruit and retain staff.
COMPENSATION
Inquiry to address infected blood compensation concerns
The Infected Blood Inquiry is set to hold hearings on 7 and 8 May to address ongoing concerns regarding compensation for victims. Cabinet Office Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds and officials from the Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA) will provide evidence, alongside representatives from affected groups. Over 30,000 individuals in the UK were infected with HIV and hepatitis C due to contaminated blood products between the 1970s and early 1990s, resulting in approximately 3,000 deaths. Chancellor Rachel Reeves allocated £11.8bn for compensation, but campaigners have raised issues about the implementation and delays.
CASES
Graeme Dott suspended amid court case
Former world champion Graeme Dott has been suspended by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) due to his involvement in a High Court case in Glasgow. The 47-year-old was set to begin his qualifying matches for the Crucible, aiming to return for the first time since 2019. However, his participation is now uncertain following the suspension. A WPBSA statement confirmed: "Graeme Dott has been suspended by the WPBSA due to a case which is scheduled to be heard before the High Court in Scotland." Dott has the option to appeal his ban, but further details are yet to be disclosed.
Indecent communication charge
Bradlee Anthony, 31, has been granted bail after appearing at Ayr Sheriff Court on a charge of sending indecent communications to a teenager. The allegations suggest that he communicated indecently to obtain sexual gratification or to distress the complainer. Anthony, whose address is in East Ayrshire, did not enter a plea during the private petition hearing.
WILLS
Court rules against farmer's estate claim
Louise Wylee Davies claimed that the late William Cassie promised her the majority of his estate, which is valued at over £2.6m, including a farm in Huntly. However, a recent ruling from the Court of Session determined that she is not entitled to inherit most of his estate. The court found that the evidence presented did not meet the legal standard for a binding promise. Judge Lord Colbeck stated: "There are no clear words constituting a promissory obligation," and concluded that Ms Davies' claims lacked clarity and specificity.
EDUCATION
University of Dundee finances under scrutiny
Auditors from EY posed 13 critical questions to the University of Dundee's leadership regarding its finances just two months before a £35m deficit was disclosed. Despite the university's claims of having "adequate financial resources," then principal Iain Gillespie later announced inevitable job losses due to the financial shortfall. An independent investigation is now underway to determine if senior leaders attempted to conceal the extent of the fiscal issues. Principal Shane O'Neill acknowledged the possibility of criminality, stating that misleading information about the university's financial state only became apparent in November.
INTERNATIONAL
First prosecution over sanctions breach
Dmitrii Ovsiannikov, a former Russian politician appointed by Vladimir Putin, has been found guilty of breaching UK sanctions, marking a significant legal precedent. The jury convicted him on six out of seven counts of circumventing sanctions, which included receiving over £75,000 from his wife and a Mercedes Benz SUV from his brother. The Crown Prosecution Service says the case is the first prosecution under the Russia Sanctions Regulations.
ECONOMY
Tariffs could destabilise financial system – BoE
The Bank of England has warned that a trade war stemming from President Donald Trump’s tariffs for imports into the US could destabilise the UK’s financial system and depress growth. The Bank's Financial Policy Committee said: "As the UK is an open economy with a large financial sector, global risks are particularly relevant to UK financial stability." Officials noted, however, that the UK banking system has "the capacity to support households and businesses, even if economic and financial conditions were to be substantially worse than expected," highlighting that banks have "high levels of liquidity."
Reeves: It is 'imperative' to improve UK-EU trading relations
Rachel Reeves says it is "imperative" for the UK to improve its trading relationship with the EU. This comes as new US import tariffs have prompted concern over a global trade war. The Chancellor said that while it has been harder for British firms to export around Europe since Brexit, with many feeling "shut out" of European markets, "I feel that in the current environment, there is a greater willingness from countries around the world to look at both tariff and non-tariff barriers that are holding back trade." Ms Reeves said the UK-EU summit in May will be a chance "to refresh our relationship and make it easier for businesses to trade."
AWARDS
Inksters collects Internet Advertising Competition Award
Inksters Solicitors have won the 2025 Internet Advertising Competition Award for Best Legal Email Campaign, recognising their innovative Legal Matters Scotland initiative. The campaign promotes Inksters’ "plug and play" law model, offering freelance consultants advanced tech and back-office support. Developed in-house and visually enhanced by Glasgow agency Need Thinking, the campaign uses an online questionnaire to assess candidate suitability. Since launching in December 2024, it has attracted 87 solicitors, showcasing the model’s appeal and the campaign’s creative effectiveness.
 


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