A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law

For Women Scotland (FWS) is challenging the Scottish Government's prison guidance regarding transgender individuals. A hearing at the Court of Session is set for February 3. The Government argues that a blanket ban on placing transgender women in female prisons would violate human rights under the European Convention. But Susan Smith, an FWS director, said: “We note the overwhelming concern of the Scottish Government for the human rights of men in women’s prison, a concern which is not mirrored by an equivalent anxiety for the Article 3 rights of the women accommodated with them, who we know have suffered degradation and mental or physical abuse. The Government claims FWS's position contains "fundamental errors" and that the current guidance allows for individual assessments.

 

The Daily Telegraph

The Scotsman

 

Health Secretary Neil Gray has announced that employment protections for medics who object to assisted dying must be removed from the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill. He stated these provisions exceed Holyrood's powers. The bill, which allows terminally ill adults to seek medical assistance to end their lives, is under scrutiny after passing a vote on its general principles. Gray noted that protections could be added later if the UK Government issues a section 104 order. He stressed the need for legislative competence to avoid potential Supreme Court challenges.

 

BBC News

Daily Mail (Scot)

The Daily Record

 

NHS Scotland recorded 34,220 formal complaints in the 2024-25 financial year, a 3% increase from the previous year, according to the Annual Report on NHS Complaints by Public Health Scotland. Complaints to NHS territorial and special boards also rose by 3%. A&E services faced significant pressure, with only 59.2% of patients seen within the four-hour target during the week ending 11 January. Alex Cole-Hamilton, Scottish Liberal Democrat health spokesperson, stated: "Despite all the spin from the SNP, we are still seeing some of the worst waiting times at A&E of all time." Delayed discharges were cited as a contributing factor to overcrowding.

 

The Herald

The Press and Journal

The Scotsman

Labour plans to implement an Interest on Lawyers' Client Account Scheme (ILCA), which would redirect 50% of interest earned on client accounts to the Government. Secretary of State for Justice David Lammy said the initiative aims to strengthen the justice system. However, law firms, particularly mid-tier ones, warn that this could harm their finances, leading to reduced investments and potential closures. Nick Leale from CM Murray cautioned that the loss of income may force firms to raise fees. Adrian Jaggard, chief executive of Taylor Rose, said: "The Ministry of Justice’s proposed reforms amount to a tax grab that will accelerate consolidation and deepen the strain on the market." Mark Evans, president of the Law Society, echoed concerns about the negative impact on clients and the sector.

 

The Daily Telegraph

City AM

Police Scotland will deploy body-worn video cameras to around 250 officers in Dumfries and Galloway. This initiative, which started yesterday, is part of a national rollout aimed at enhancing public trust and officer safety. Chief Superintendent Steven Meikle stated: "The national rollout of body-worn video cameras is a key priority for us." The cameras will be used during police interactions, including arrests and searches, and aim to improve evidence quality in court, leading to faster justice for victims. The footage will support transparency but will not replace existing evidence-gathering procedures.

 

STV

Scotland's unemployment rate decreased to 3.7% in the latest figures, down by 0.2%. The employment rate rose to 74.7%, an increase of 0.4%. However, economic inactivity fell by 0.3% to 22.3%. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that Scotland's unemployment rate remains lower than the UK average of 5.1%. Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes stated: "It is encouraging that Scotland's unemployment rate remains lower than the UK as a whole despite challenging economic conditions." The Scottish Government's analysis indicated 2.45m payrolled employees in December 2025, a decrease of 0.4% from the previous year.

 

The Press and Journal

The UK Government plans to accommodate 300 male asylum seekers at Cameron Barracks near Inverness to end hotel use, but the Highland Council reports no confirmed arrival date. Concerns over community cohesion in the small area have been raised. A multi-agency team is formed to manage the initiative, which faced delays due to £1.3m refurbishment works, including asbestos removal and heating upgrades, expected to be completed by April 2026. Highland Council leaders have expressed deep concerns and sought meetings with Home Office officials, but have received no responses. The Home Office reiterated its commitment to relocate asylum seekers while ensuring safety and operational readiness.

 

STV

Dastan Ibrahimi, an Iranian asylum seeker, has lost his legal challenge against Glasgow City Council regarding his age. The council assessed him as over 18 based on his appearance and demeanour, despite his claim of being born on 13 January 2006. Mr Ibrahimi argued that he initially provided a different birth date to avoid foster care. The Court of Session found his appeal was not academic but rejected his claims. The ruling affects his asylum claim.

 

Glasgow Evening Times

The Herald

A serving Police Scotland officer, Gary Forbes, 31, will not face court for allegedly raping a 34-year-old woman in Aberdeen. The charge claimed that Forbes engaged in sexual intercourse that was initially consensual but later had consent withdrawn. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service confirmed that legal proceedings against him have ceased.

 

STV	The Press and Journal

The UK Government has defended a deal to give the Chagos Islands to Mauritius and lease back the key military base of Diego Garcia after US President Donald Trump described the deal as an "act of great stupidity". In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said: "There is no doubt that China and Russia have noticed this act of total weakness" adding that the giveaway was "another in a very long line of National Security reasons why Greenland has to be acquired." A Labour spokesman said the deal "secures the operations of the joint US-UK base for generations." But critics say it was prompted by a non-binding judgement from the ICJ whose vice-president at the time was Chinese. Objectors also point out that Sir Keir Starmer asserts that Greenlanders should determine the future of their country, but gave no such opportunity for Chagossians. The agreement, which experts say could cost over £30bn, is facing opposition from the House of Lords.

 

Financial Times

The Daily Telegraph

The Daily Telegraph

The Guardian

South Ayrshire Council has no intention of banning gull feeding, despite discussions in other regions like Scottish Borders Council. The latter is considering a by-law to prohibit feeding gulls due to increasing attacks in coastal areas. A spokesperson for South Ayrshire Council stated: "South Ayrshire Council advises members of the public not to feed gulls. There are no plans at present to enforce fines." Instead, the council promotes responsible waste management to deter gulls without implementing strict regulations.

 

The Herald