Legal Matters Scotland
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4th November 2025

A free early morning round up of news for legal professionals across Scotland.
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INDUSTRY
One in three solicitors flout money laundering rules
Nearly 30% of solicitors' firms in England and Wales have violated anti-money laundering regulations, according to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). The SRA's annual report revealed that 270 out of 833 inspected firms were non-compliant, while 451 were only partially compliant. This means 86% of inspected firms failed to meet regulations. The Money Laundering Regulations 2017 require firms to conduct due diligence to prevent money laundering. The figures come two weeks after ministers moved to transfer of monitoring responsibilities from the SRA to the Financial Conduct Authority. Paul Philip, SRA chief executive, expressed disappointment over the change, stating the SRA had made "significant progress" in compliance.

 
THE LAW
Scots MSP aims to strengthen Assisted Dying Bill
Liam McArthur, the Liberal Democrat MSP, is working to enhance the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill. As the Health Committee prepares to review nearly 300 proposed amendments, McArthur aims to incorporate expert feedback to improve the legislation. He stated: "Each amendment I have submitted underpins the Bill's driving principles of safety, compassion and choice." Opponents, including Dr Gordon Macdonald from the Care Not Killing campaign, argue that the Bill remains fundamentally flawed and poses risks to vulnerable individuals. They urge MSPs to reject the proposed changes.
MSPs clash over Magdalene order
MSPs are defending the inclusion of the Religious Sisters of Charity in the Cross Party Group on Commercial Sexual Exploitation, despite backlash from Helen Holland, an OBE recipient. Holland expressed her disgust, stating: "I am shocked and disgusted that this order has been allowed to join a cross party group." The group aims to reform Scotland's prostitution laws, focusing on the Nordic model, which penalises the purchase of sexual services. Sister Patricia Byrne represents the order, which claims to work on anti-trafficking missions. Critics argue that legislative approaches should be evidence-based, not influenced by religious beliefs.
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PRISONS
Prison overcrowding crisis revealed
The inspection report by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland (HMIPS) on HMP Glenochil reveals severe overcrowding and staff shortages. The report states: "Conditions continue to breach minimum standards of human dignity." HM Chief Inspector Sara Snell highlighted the unacceptable conditions and the need for improved staff support. The report also noted that 19 prisoners required emergency hospitalisation in December 2024 due to substance-related issues.
Inquiry to probe prison drug issues
A Fatal Accident Inquiry will investigate the 2020 death of prisoner Paul Thomas McAdam, 36, at HMP Addiewell. The inquiry will examine prison welfare procedures, record keeping, and communication between NHS staff and the Scottish Prison Service, focusing on controls over non-prescribed drugs. Preliminary hearings begin on November 25th, with the full inquiry set for March 2026 in Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

 
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CRIME
Retail sector grapples with rising abuse
Nearly half of UK shop workers face abuse or attacks every week, according to a Retail Trust survey exposing the scale of retail crime. Forty-three percent reported regular verbal abuse, and one in four had been physically assaulted in the past year. Over 75% said they experienced intimidation, with many feeling anxious or considering quitting retail altogether. Despite retailers investing in surveillance, body cameras, and security tech, incidents are rising. The Government plans to make assaulting shop workers a standalone offence and scrap lenient theft laws. However, Retail Trust chief Chris Brook-Carter warned that legislation alone won’t stop the growing culture of rudeness and hostility faced by shop staff daily.
LICENSING
Glasgow and Edinburgh crack down on fireworks
John Swinney has urged compliance with firework laws on Bonfire Night, following the establishment of firework control zones (FCZ) in Glasgow and Edinburgh. In these zones, it is illegal to set off fireworks until November 10, with violators facing severe penalties. The First Minister, who is monitoring incident data, emphasised the importance of public adherence to the law amid concerns about public safety and previous disorder. Recent criticism of the Government's approach has emerged, including the postponement of a fireworks licensing scheme due to cost issues. Meanwhile, Police Scotland is ramping up enforcement efforts as Bonfire Night approaches, with specialised teams set to address firework-related offences.
FINANCE
FCA faces backlash over car loan scheme
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Fair Banking has condemned the Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) proposed compensation scheme for car loan victims. The APPG claims the FCA prioritises lenders' profits over consumer redress, suggesting victims could be owed £15.6bn instead of the FCA's estimated £8.2bn-£9.7bn. APPG member Siobhain McDonagh said: "The FCA has patently been influenced by the profit margins of the lenders." The FCA maintains its scheme aims to provide fair compensation but acknowledges differing opinions on the proposal.
CASES
Investigation launched into harassment claims
A complaint involving sexual harassment allegations from a former member of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYP) is under investigation by Brodies LLP and other independent investigators. The allegations include inappropriate comments and a non-consensual photograph taken by a council employee. The former MSYP also claims senior staff made discriminatory remarks regarding their religion. An Inverclyde Council spokesperson confirmed the appointment of an external investigator, stating: "The investigatory process remains ongoing."
EDUCATION
SNP under fire over school violence
School violence in Scotland has surged by 20%, prompting calls for action from Lib Dem MSP Willie Rennie. He urged Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth to address the issue in Parliament, warning: "This dramatic increase in school violence is a deep concern." The GMB Scotland trade union reported alarming statistics, including a 30% rise in Glasgow and an 81% increase in Shetland. Keir Greenaway from GMB highlighted the need for more support staff, warning that the current situation is "the tip of the iceberg." The crisis has been exacerbated by inadequate support for children with additional support needs.
TRANSPORT
Aberdeenshire cracks down on pavement parking
From today, drivers in Aberdeenshire will face £100 fines for parking on pavements, double parking, or blocking dropped kerbs. This enforcement follows a nationwide pavement parking ban introduced by the Scottish Government in December 2023. Aberdeenshire Council has issued over 1,845 warnings previously, but persistent violations have led to stricter measures. Cllr Alan Turner said: "Pavement parking creates serious risks, especially for vulnerable pedestrians." Residents are urged to comply with the new rules to avoid penalties as enforcement teams target problem areas.

 
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