Legal Matters Scotland
Sign UpOnline Version
11th July 2025

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

THE LAW
Labour peer paid £100k for abandoned misogyny law
The Scottish Government paid over £100,000 to Labour peer Baroness Kennedy of The Shaws KC to lead a review on criminalising misogyny, despite exceeding public-sector pay guidelines. Baroness Kennedy was paid £1,000 per day - more than double the recommended rate - for her work leading a group that proposed new legislation to tackle misogynistic behaviour, a project initially expected to cost £36,000 but ultimately totalling £143,668. Although her recommendations were published in 2022, the SNP Government announced in May it would not pursue the proposed legislation, instead opting to extend existing hate crime laws. The Government defended the appointment, citing Baroness Kennedy's expertise, while acknowledging the legislative time constraints and complexity of the issue.
Experts question NDA plan
The Government's recent amendments to the Employment Rights Bill, aimed at banning non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in harassment and discrimination cases, have sparked a heated debate among legal experts. While Laura Bolam from Rights of Women praised the ban as a "significant step towards transparency and accountability," others, like Karen Jackson from Didlaw, warn that it could deprive victims of essential protections. Ms Jackson expressed concern that the removal of NDAs might lead to unintended consequences, saying: "There is a high risk that the removal of NDAs will deprive victims of a method of resolving an issue."
Shotgun pellets and bullets containing lead to be banned
UK ministers have announced that shotgun pellets and bullets containing lead will be banned for almost all uses, starting in 2026. The ban will be phased out over three years, rather than the five set out in a report last year. Wildlife groups welcome the ban, considering it a significant pollutant and a particular risk to waterbirds. The ban will apply in England, Scotland, and Wales, following recommendations from the Health and Safety Executive.


 
POLICING
Police well equipped for Trump visit, says chief
Police Scotland says it has the necessary resources to manage the upcoming visit of former US President Donald Trump to his Aberdeenshire golf resort, despite concerns raised by the Scottish Police Federation. Deputy Chief Constable Alan Speirs confirmed planning is underway and that additional support from other UK forces may be requested for specialist skills, with efforts to recover policing costs from the Government. However, the Scottish Police Federation warned the deployment could strain resources during a busy period, potentially limiting officers’ ability to respond to some calls, though it does not expect public safety to be compromised. The visit is also expected to involve significant public expense, with estimates exceeding £5m.



 
CASES
Health board incurs £220k legal bill in transgender row tribunal
NHS Fife has spent over £220,000 defending itself in an ongoing employment tribunal brought by nurse Sandie Peggie, following her suspension after raising concerns about sharing a changing room with a transgender colleague. The cost, revealed after Scotland’s Information Commissioner intervened over freedom of information compliance, includes legal fees and counsel costs. Peggie alleges harassment under the Equality Act 2010, citing protected beliefs, while NHS Fife stated that most costs will be reclaimed through the national indemnity scheme, limiting its liability to £25,000. The case has drawn wider attention following the UK Supreme Court ruling on the definition of sex in the Equality Act and has been publicly supported by gender-critical advocacy group Sex Matters.
Arrests made over cyber-attacks
Four people have been arrested by police investigating the cyber-attacks that targeted M&S, Co-op and Harrods. The National Crime Agency (NCA) said a 20-year-old woman and three men aged between 17 and 19 were apprehended on suspicion of Computer Misuse Act offences, blackmail, money laundering and participating in the activities of an organised crime group. Paul Foster, head of the NCA's National Cyber Crime Unit, said that while the arrests were a "significant step" in its investigation, "our work continues, alongside partners in the UK and overseas, to ensure those responsible are identified and brought to justice."
Woman 'unfit for trial' for air rifle slaying of partner
A woman accused of killing her partner with an air rifle may be unfit to stand trial, a court has heard. Simone Ramage, 40, is charged with the culpable homicide of Brian Kowbel, who died after being shot at a property in Galashiels in February 2023. She also faces allegations of attempting to pervert the course of justice by hiding the weapon and misleading emergency services. At the High Court in Glasgow, her defence counsel stated that a psychologist had deemed her unfit for trial due to PTSD, criticising the lack of mental health support she has received.
FIRMS
Simpson & Marwick rejoins ESPC
Simpson & Marwick has re-established its solicitor credentials and rejoined the Edinburgh Solicitors’ Property Centre (ESPC), allowing it to offer legal services to clients across Scotland. The move re-establishes the firm's solicitor credentials and unlocks full market visibility for clients selling homes in Edinburgh and the Lothians. The firm's reintroduction comes amid renewed ambition, including its re-entry to the Aberdeen market and the opening of a prime Union Street office.
SOCIAL
More football clubs granted permission to sell alcohol
Seven Scottish football clubs have been granted permission to sell alcohol to supporters at an SPFL match as part of a trial scheme. Stirling Albion fans will be able to buy alcoholic drinks prior to their Premier Sports Cup game against Hamilton Accies this weekend, under certain restrictions. Partick Thistle has permission from Glasgow City Council to sell alcohol ahead of their games against Stranraer and Queen of the South. The initiative aims to gather insight into how a carefully managed approach to alcohol sales can support a positive and safe matchday experience for supporters as part of wider work across Scottish football to improve fan engagement and enhance the overall stadium environment. Four more clubs, as yet unnamed, will also take part in the pilot scheme.
REGULATION
FCA cracks down on rogue websites
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) suspended or banned over 1,600 websites for promoting financial services without the necessary permissions last year.  In 2024, the regulator intervened to ensure almost 20,000 non-compliant financial promotions were amended or withdrawn by authorised firms, compared with under 600 in 2021. The City watchdog also worked with technology platforms to remove 50 apps from Google Play and the App Store. FCA chief executive Nikhil Rathi said: "We have embraced data to crack down on harm."
 


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