Legal Matters Scotland

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POLICING
Public confidence in police declines
A new Survation poll reveals that over a third of Scots believe crime has increased in their local area, while nearly two-thirds lack confidence that police have sufficient resources to prevent it. Although many still trust the police to solve crimes after they occur, concerns persist over visible policing and preventative work, with officers often diverted to health-related duties. Justice Secretary Angela Constance acknowledged public concern but insisted Scotland remains safe, pointing to a long-term decline in reported crime since 1991. However, opposition parties accused the SNP of neglecting frontline policing and contributing to an "epidemic of serious violence." Both Scottish Labour and the Conservatives called for urgent investment to restore public confidence and ensure police are adequately equipped to protect communities. David Threadgold, chair of the Scottish Police Federation, said: "If the government is genuinely concerned about policing and the electorate's perception of crime, then it should take heed of this poll."
Largest illegal cannabis farm found in former college campus
Police have uncovered Scotland’s largest illegal cannabis farm inside a disused former college building in Kirkcaldy. Around 5,000 plants, weighing nearly a tonne and worth an estimated £12m, were seized from the Nairn Building, previously part of Fife College. Detective Inspector Samantha Davidson called it the most significant cannabis cultivation ever seen in the country, describing it as a highly organised operation. The investigation is ongoing, and police pledged to continue targeting drug production networks.


 
EMPLOYMENT
Some workers' rights reforms pushed back
The Government has set a new timeline for the Employment Rights Bill, pushing back several reforms by a year. Day-one protection against unfair dismissal, which was due to come into force next year, has been delayed until 2027, as has guaranteed flexible working and a ban on "exploitative" zero-hours contracts. Ministers say the roadmap will give businesses the "clarity and certainty they need to plan, invest and grow." Other measures set out in the Bill include removing the current limits on statutory sick pay, day-one paternity leave and unpaid parental leave rights, with these expected to come into force in early 2026. New whistleblowing protections are also due early next year, while October 2026 will see a ban on fire and rehire practices alongside rules to ensure that tips are allocated more fairly. TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said the changes were "long overdue," adding that the new rights needed to be put in place "as soon as possible."
Union to lodge formal grievance over council plans
The Unison trade union has said it has "no alternative" but to lodge a formal grievance/dispute with Stirling Council after councillors approved changes to workers' terms and conditions, including around the handling of redundancies, and including plans to require employees approved for voluntary redundancy to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). While SNP and Scottish Conservative councillors voted the changes through, Scottish Green and Scottish Labour councillors opposed them. Unison branch secretary Lorraine Thomson said the council's "approach is an insult to its dedicated workforce", and that the council is "pushing drastic changes that make it easier to cut jobs and force loyal employees out, all while refusing basic information".



 
INDUSTRY
Murrell granted legal aid
Peter Murrell, the former SNP chief executive and husband of Nicola Sturgeon, has been granted legal aid after being charged with embezzlement. Murrell, 60, was charged earlier this year following a long-running police investigation into the party's finances. The Scottish Legal Aid Board confirmed that his solicitors' application for solemn legal aid was approved in April, stating that he met the financial criteria set out in law. Murrell’s exact salary at the time of his resignation remains unclear, though his successor began on £95,000. Labour’s Jackie Baillie condemned the move, saying the public would be baffled as to why someone in Murrell’s position should receive taxpayer-funded legal support.


 
THE LAW
New laws to block Adams' payout
The Government will introduce new legislation to prevent Gerry Adams from receiving compensation for his internment without trial in the 1970s. This follows a 2020 Supreme Court ruling that declared Adams's detention unlawful because the interim custody order (ICO) used had not been personally signed by the Northern Ireland Secretary, violating legal protocol. Although the previous government attempted to validate such orders retroactively through the Legacy Act, a 2023 High Court ruling found this incompatible with human rights law. The new legislation, announced by Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn, will seek a lawful method to uphold the principle behind the ICOs and block compensation claims like Adams'.
Trans group demands EHRC investigation
TransLucent, a leading trans campaign group, has formally requested an investigation into the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) following the Supreme Court ruling that trans women are not legally recognised as women under the Equalities Act. They allege that the EHRC's conduct is "unlawful" and fails to adhere to the Paris Principles, which require pluralism, independence, and effectiveness. Baroness Falkner, chairwoman of the EHRC, has been accused of forming a "settled view" on the ruling, undermining the consultation process.
CASES
Sentence increased for man who ran over wife
A 62-year-old man has had his prison sentence increased to ten years and ten months for trying to murder his wife in a car attack in April 2024. William Budge was initially sentenced to seven years and four months, but the High Court in Edinburgh deemed the original punishment "unduly lenient." Scotland's Lord Advocate, Dorothy Bain KC, stated: "The CCTV footage puts it beyond doubt that this is a particularly serious example of attempted murder." Budge deliberately drove his car at his wife Sanra twice, causing severe injuries, including liver and lung damage.
Couple sue insurer for refusing fire payout
Charles and Biborka Bellhouse are suing Zurich Insurance after the company refused to pay for the rebuilding of their £2m home and the replacement of a £300,000 watch collection destroyed in a fire. Although Zurich paid £155,000 for temporary accommodation and safety measures, it declined to cover the full rebuilding costs, citing a policy breach due to the couple not disclosing construction work. The High Court is now considering the case.
OTHER
Russia mocks Police Scotland transgender policy
The Kremlin has mocked Police Scotland's new guidelines allowing transgender detainees to request separate searches of their top and bottom halves by officers of different sexes. Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova likened the policy to believing in "transgender centaurs." It comes after critics in the UK, including gender-critical group Sex Matters, condemned the policy as a "botched compromise," though there is no indication they welcome support from Russia. Pro-Kremlin media inaccurately claimed detainees could "demand" such searches, when in fact they can only request them, and police can refuse.
 


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