Legal Matters Scotland
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23rd September 2025

A free early morning round up of news for legal professionals across Scotland.
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INDUSTRY
Catriona Watt crowned top lawyer in Scotland
Catriona Watt, a partner at Anderson Strathern, has been named Lawyer of the Year at the Scottish Legal Awards held in Glasgow. She played a crucial role in the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry, representing the National Federation of SubPostmasters. Watt is also noted for her contributions to the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry and the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry. She leads a team of over 10 solicitors in the firm's newly established inquiries unit. Watt stated: "To be named Lawyer of the Year is a genuine honour." Fraser Geddes, chair of Anderson Strathern, praised her expertise and contributions to high-profile inquiries.

Strengthening Legal CPD in Scotland – Denovo's Partnership with RFPG

Denovo have partnered with the Royal Faculty of Procurators in Glasgow (RFPG) to support their renowned CPD Education Programme. This collaboration reflects Denovo's commitment to helping the Scottish legal community stay ahead in a profession that’s constantly evolving.
As part of the programme, Denovo will be delivering an exclusive seminar on AML & Risk Management this October, showcasing practical tools, expert insights, and the latest technology to help firms strengthen compliance and save time.

Read on to discover more about the partnership, the event, and how Denovo are working with RFPG to support legal practitioners across Scotland.

 
THE LAW
Victims' rights take centre stage
Siobhian Brown, MSP for Ayr, Troon and Prestwick, highlights the significance of Scotland’s newly passed Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill in an editorial in the Ayr Advertiser. Brown frames it as landmark legislation that finally puts victims and witnesses at the centre of justice. Key reforms include abolishing the controversial "not proven" verdict, embedding trauma-informed practice, and requiring a two-thirds jury majority for convictions. The Bill also creates a specialist Sexual Offences Court, strengthens victim notification processes, and establishes an independent Victims and Witnesses Commissioner. While praised by campaigners as historic progress, Brown criticises Labour and Conservative opposition as political obstruction to vital reform.
Victims Commissioner demands legal reform
Claire Waxman OBE, the UK's next Victims Commissioner, is urging the Government to reform stalking laws. She has endured over 20 years of harassment from Elliot Fogel, a convicted stalker who misuses court processes to continue his abuse. Waxman said: "Each time there is an appeal... victims are dragged back into contact with their abuser." She calls for the Victims and Courts Bill to prevent stalkers from exploiting the legal system.



 
HOUSING
Scotland's housing supply under scrutiny
Peter Chambers, partner and head of real estate at Burness Paull​, discusses the uncertainty surrounding proposed rent control measures in Scotland's Housing (Scotland) Bill in the Scotsman. Recent publications suggest that build-to-rent (BTR) and mid-market rent (MMR) developments may be exempt from these controls, pending legislative progress. The Scottish Government aims to boost investment in these sectors to address the housing emergency. However, the terms "in principle" and "where appropriate" raise questions about the extent of exemptions. Chambers notes that clarity on qualifying developments is essential for investor confidence. He states: "This would seem to be a tentative, but positive step towards improving Scotland's housing supply."
Housing bill sparks tenant protests
The Scottish Government is under fire from the tenants' union Living Rent for allegedly prioritising landlords in the Housing (Scotland) Bill. The Bill, set for a final vote this week, proposes rent controls but exempts mid-market and build-to-let homes. Ruth Gilbert, national campaign chair of Living Rent, stated that the proposals are “not strong enough” and warned of a two-tier system that would leave many tenants vulnerable to rent hikes. Housing Secretary Mairi McAllan defended the Bill, highlighting existing tenant rights and the need for increased housing stock.
TAX
Second home owners face possible council tax rises
The Times reports that second-home owners in Scotland could soon face uncapped council tax increases under a Green amendment to the SNP’s Housing Bill, which is expected to pass at Holyrood. Councils, which already have powers to double bills, would gain full discretion to impose higher rates on empty or holiday homes, potentially forcing sales to free up housing stock. Greens argue this will help tackle homelessness and reduce pressure on local markets in areas like Skye, Arran, and Edinburgh. The Bill also gives councils permanent powers to cap rent rises at inflation plus 1%, despite concerns from landlords and Conservatives that such controls deter investment and reduce supply.
CASES
Dubai arrests of Scots gangsters criticised as 'PR exercise'
The recent arrests of five Scots in Dubai, allegedly linked to organised crime, have sparked criticism from human rights lawyers who argue the move is more about public relations than justice. Radha Stirling of Detained in Dubai warns that the UAE’s opaque and politicised legal system lacks due process, making extraditions risky. She says such cases often reflect political bargaining rather than impartial trials, raising concerns for anyone with disputes or public profiles. Critics argue the UAE’s selective enforcement undermines transparency and fairness, casting doubt on the legitimacy of its extradition treaties with Western nations.
SOCIAL
Edinburgh plans safe drug room consultation
Councillors in Edinburgh have approved a public consultation for a safe drug consumption room. This facility would enable supervised injection of illegal drugs like heroin and cocaine. It would be the second facility of its kind in the UK, following the Thistle Centre in Glasgow. Two potential sites in the Old Town have been identified, with consultations expected to start early next year. Tim Pogson, chair of the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board, remarked: "We all recognise that Edinburgh has a problem in terms of harmful drug use." The facility aims to support health alongside existing drug and homelessness services.
FRAUD
Covid fraud team found only £7m
The National Investigation Service (Natis), set up to investigate over £1bn of suspected fraud on taxpayer-backed pandemic loans, recovered just £7.2m, far below the £38.5m it received from taxpayers. Initially claiming £23m recovered, auditors verified only the smaller sum. Natis, based at Thurrock Council, was scrapped in May following reports of governance failings and its misleading presentation as a national policing unit. The unit, staffed by council employees without police powers, secured only 14–15 convictions and had 146 ongoing cases valued at £53m.
Ex-council candidate admits embezzlement
Veronica Morrison, 57, has pleaded guilty to embezzling over £8,000 from the Tain Gala Association while organising a raffle fundraiser. Morrison once ran for the Conservative Party in the Highland Council by-election for the Tain and Easter Ross seat but was not elected.
GOVERNMENT
New runways to be 'protected' from legal challenge
The Government plans to accelerate major infrastructure projects, including new runways at Gatwick and Heathrow, by limiting legal challenges and streamlining approvals. Housing secretary Steve Reed said ministers would introduce further planning reforms if projects face delays, promising to "tear down barriers to development." He confirmed Labour is considering a second planning bill next year to push through more radical changes. The move follows approval of a second runway at Gatwick, which campaigners have vowed to contest. Reed argued reforms would cut approval times by a year, boost jobs, reduce travel costs, and stimulate economic growth.
TECHNOLOGY
Apple battles EU over user experience
Apple is challenging EU regulations that it claims threaten its unique user experience. The EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) mandates that Apple allow interoperability with third-party devices, which the company argues undermines its integrated ecosystem. Greg Joswiak, an Apple executive, warned that the rules could harm innovation and user privacy. The European Commission recently rejected Apple's appeal against these requirements, intensifying the ongoing conflict between the tech giant and EU regulators.
Poll reveals public's AI risk fears
According to a recent poll by the Tony Blair Institute (TBI), 38% of Britons view artificial intelligence (AI) as an economic risk, while only 20% see it as an opportunity. This scepticism poses a challenge to Keir Starmer's ambition for the UK to become an AI superpower. Jakob Mökander, TBI's director of science and technology policy, stated: "The UK will not become an AI superpower unless the Government builds broad public trust in the technology." The report also highlighted the need for effective regulation and public education to foster trust in AI.
AND FINALLY...
Tribe defies eviction in Scottish Borders
A self-proclaimed "African tribe" known as the Kingdom of Kubala is resisting an eviction notice from Scottish Borders Council. The group, led by Kofi Offeh, has set up camp near Jedburgh after being evicted from private land. Despite the council's legal actions, they remain on the site, singing around a campfire. Scott Hamilton, deputy leader of the council, stated: "Nobody is above the law," emphasising their commitment to the eviction process. The group claims they are reclaiming land taken from their ancestors 400 years ago.
 


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