A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law

The number of community payback orders (CPOs) in Scotland rose 9% in 2024-25, with 16,500 issued compared to 15,114 the previous year, and the total CPOs in existence reaching 18,300, the highest in a decade. Average hours of unpaid work attached to CPOs also increased to 137, marking the highest level in ten years, with 69% of orders including unpaid work and 67% including supervision. The successful completion rate remained steady at 71%, and since their introduction, CPOs have delivered more than 12.5m hours of unpaid work across Scottish communities. Community Justice Scotland highlighted the role of CPOs in holding offenders accountable while connecting them to support services, contributing to a shift towards community-focused justice.

 

STV News

 

Police Scotland Chief Constable Jo Farrell has been unable to secure additional funding for 850 extra officers and 348 civilian staff, with the Scottish government allocating £1,729m - short of the £33.7m requested to maintain current policing levels. Farrell cited rising online harm, gang violence, and public protests as key pressures, while noting the force will continue to prioritise frontline services despite the shortfall. Other justice bodies, including the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Scottish Prison Service, also received less than requested.

 

BBC News

 

The Law Society of Scotland has criticised the 2026-27 Budget for providing only a 3% increase to the Legal Aid Fund, saying it fails to address the ongoing crisis in access to justice. President Patricia Thom described the rise as a "bitter blow" that does not even match inflation, despite widespread cross-party support for a substantial uplift in legal aid fees. The Society is seeking urgent clarification from the Scottish Government and will continue to engage with political parties and the Independent Fee Review Mechanism Group to push for meaningful reform.

 

Press Release

The Law Society of Scotland has launched the Lawscot Social Mobility Forum to tackle socio-economic barriers preventing prospective and current lawyers from accessing opportunities. The forum, part of the Society's WIDEN initiative, will bring together legal and education experts to share best practice and develop initiatives supporting greater access to the profession. Law Society President Patricia Thom highlighted the forum's role in complementing the Lawscot Foundation's work and promoting a more inclusive legal sector.

 

Press Release

A 34-year-old army veteran has been jailed after throwing petrol bombs at Livingston police station in West Lothian, targeting officers following the exposure of his history of domestic abuse. CCTV showed Jamie Taylor launching three homemade explosives, one of which exploded near PC Kirsty Forsyth. Taylor, who suffers from complex PTSD linked to his service in Afghanistan, admitted causing explosions likely to endanger life, and was described by the judge as "dangerous and criminally stupid."

 

The Times

Rose Docherty, 75, has appeared in Glasgow Sheriff Court for a second time facing two charges under the Abortion Services (Safe Access) Scotland Act for allegedly displaying placards in a buffer zone near Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. The offences are said to have occurred on multiple occasions between September 2024 and February 2025, with the intent of influencing access to abortion services. No plea was entered, and the case was continued to allow review of outstanding CCTV evidence, with the next hearing scheduled for next month.

 

STV

Glasgow Evening Times

The Scotsman

Sir Kenny Dalglish, the former Scotland international, has been fined £1,000 for exceeding a 20mph speed limit in Crosby last September. The 74-year-old pleaded guilty to the speeding charge, receiving three penalty points on his licence, along with a £120 cost and a £400 victim surcharge. He was also charged with failing to identify himself as the driver but pleaded not guilty, claiming he did not receive the initial notice. The police later dropped this charge.

 

STV	The Daily Record

The Scottish Government has unveiled a series of tax and spending measures aimed at supporting lower earners while raising funds from wealthier households as part of its Budget for 2026-27. Finance Secretary Shona Robison announced that the basic and intermediate income tax thresholds will rise, helping over 55% of Scots pay less than they would elsewhere in the UK, while other bands remain frozen until 2028‑29. In addition, two new council tax bands will be introduced from April 2028 for homes valued at more than £1m. The government also flagged plans to increase the Scottish Child Payment to £40 a week for families with babies under one from 2027‑28 and provide 15% non-domestic rates relief for retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors in 2026‑27. Additional spending priorities include the expansion of breakfast and after-school clubs in every primary school by August 2027 and £22.5bn for health and social care, including funding to begin the national rollout of walk-in GP clinics.

 

BBC News

The Herald

The Scotsman

Daily Mail

The Daily Record

An employment tribunal has ruled that telling an employee they are having a breakdown constitutes harassment under UK law. Georgina Sowden, a former recruitment manager, received £87,000 in compensation after being dismissed for hanging up on her boss during a distressing conversation. Employment Judge Rebecca Eeley stated that such comments are not supportive and violate an employee's dignity.

 

Daily Mail

Yvette Cooper, the Foreign Secretary, has summoned the Iranian ambassador amid escalating violence against protesters in Iran. She also announced new sanctions targeting Iran's oil, energy, nuclear, and financial sectors, saying: "The UK condemns in the strongest of terms the horrendous and brutal killing of Iranian protesters." Reports suggest thousands have died or been arrested during the protests. Ms Cooper expressed concern that current reports may underestimate the situation's severity, highlighting the need for international action against the Iranian regime's brutality. Further measures will be coordinated with the EU and other partners.

 

The Standard

The Guardian

The Thistle, the UK's first drug consumption room in Glasgow, has made over 600 referrals in its first year. Opened last year, it has recorded 11,348 visits from 575 registered users, with 7,827 using the injection facility. Staff managed 93 medical emergencies, highlighting its role in harm reduction. Scottish drugs minister Maree Todd stated the facility has had a "profound impact," saving lives through quick overdose responses.

 

Glasgow Evening Times

BBC News

The Scotsman

Scotland is considering its first by-law to ban the feeding of gulls in Eyemouth due to rising attacks on residents. Community leaders, including Berwickshire councillor James Anderson, are advocating for the measure after consultations with NatureScot. Anderson stated: "This is a proportionate, lawful, and evidence-based step." Although herring gull numbers have declined by over 40% in two decades, attacks have increased. The proposed by-law aims to reduce food availability for gulls, addressing a long-standing issue in the area.

 

BBC News