A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law
Scottish Edition
5th February 2026
 
THE HOT STORY
Trans prison policy faces legal challenge
A legal challenge at Scotland’s Court of Session has raised concerns about the Scottish Government’s policy on housing transgender prisoners. The Equality and Human Rights Commission argued that guidance allowing trans inmates to be placed in prisons matching their gender identity could undermine single-sex protections under equality law. Its counsel suggested the policy could lead to male prisoners requesting transfers to women’s prisons for non-safety reasons. The challenge, brought by For Women Scotland, claims the guidance breaches the rights of female inmates and follows an earlier Supreme Court ruling that defined sex as biological under equality law. The Scottish Human Rights Commission said there is no legal obligation to place trans prisoners in either estate. The case, heard by Lady Ross, is ongoing.

 
REGULATION
Regulators warn firms over motor finance claim fees
The Financial Conduct Authority and the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) have warned claims management companies (CMCs) and law firms over excessive fees in motor finance commission claims. The regulators emphasised that firms must ensure consumers do not have multiple representatives and must charge reasonable termination fees. Sarah Rapson, chief executive of the SRA, said: "With potentially millions of claims in this area, protecting consumers is our priority. We expect firms we regulate to abide by the SRA's clear standards and regulations." Consumers have also been reminded that they do not need to use a CMC or law firm to claim compensation.
PSR will not be abolished before 2027
David Geale, managing director of the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR), has said that he does not expect the regulator to be officially abolished any earlier than the opening quarter of 2027. Mr Geale, who noted that he has not seen the Treasury's consultation results regarding the PSR's future, told MPs on the Treasury Committee that there has not been much change at the PSR since plans to consolidate the regulator into the Financial Conduct Authority were announced in 2025.
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CRIME
Moray crime rates surge in 2025
Crime in Moray increased significantly last year, according to a police performance review. Drug dealing rose by 320%, with incidents jumping from 10 to 42. The report views this rise positively, attributing it to improved policing efforts. Speeding offences also increased from 22 to 62, although they remain below the five-year average. Fire-raising incidents rose by 59%, while common assaults on emergency workers increased from 46 to 64. Despite these rises, drug possession offences fell by 22%, and car theft dropped by 60%.
WORKFORCE
Firefighters face cuts as budget disappoints
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has reported that the recent budget increase is insufficient. MSPs were informed that an additional £31m in resource funding and £61m in capital funding is necessary to maintain firefighter numbers and repair stations. Colin Brown from the Fire Brigades Union stated the increase of £23.8m to £436m is "woefully short" of what was needed. Chief officer Stuart Stevens expressed disappointment, noting that budget constraints have led to over 1,200 firefighter job losses since 2013. He warned that further cuts could occur in the coming years.
Nike faces probe over discrimination claims
Nike is under investigation by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for allegedly discriminating against white employees through its diversity policies. The inquiry follows a subpoena for workforce data and information on mentoring programs. The commission aims to determine if Nike's actions, including layoffs, violate anti-discrimination laws.
CORPORATE
Liquidators appointed for EcoJet Airlines
EcoJet Airlines, launched in 2023 by entrepreneur Dale Vince, has entered liquidation after failing to secure £20m in funding. The airline, touted as the world's first electric airline, was majority-owned by Vince's green energy firm, Ecotricity. Vince stated: "We remain committed to electrifying all forms of transport - aviation is the last frontier and the hardest." Provisional liquidators Paul Dounis and Mark Harper from Opus Restructuring have been appointed. EcoJet aimed to retrofit conventional planes with hydrogen-electric powertrains to achieve net-zero emissions.
TRANSPORT
Parking fee hike backfires for Edinburgh Council
Edinburgh's recent parking fee increase has resulted in lower-than-expected revenue, according to a committee report. Finance convener Mandy Watt noted that while income from parking was down, it was positive that more residents are opting for sustainable transport. The 10% rise in pay-and-display rates only generated a 4% revenue increase, falling short of the anticipated 7%. Opposition councillor Iain Whyte warned that the hike could harm local businesses. Watt said: "We recognise that fees and charges are real concerns for our residents in terms of living costs."
PLANNING
Edinburgh council blocks AI data centre
The City of Edinburgh Council has rejected a planning application for a 210 megawatt AI data centre at the former Royal Bank of Scotland site in South Gyle. The council cited concerns over greenhouse gas emissions and the project's failure to align with local climate policies. Dr Kat Jones, director of Action to Protect Rural Scotland, praised the decision, remarking: "This is an absolutely momentous decision." She highlighted the need for a clear definition of a 'green data centre' to prevent future greenwashing. The council's refusal reflects growing scrutiny of data centres' environmental impacts.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Glasgow's lighting columns need urgent care
Glasgow City Council has been fined £86,000 after a man suffered severe injuries from a fallen lamppost. Over 37,000 street light poles in the city have exceeded their expected service life, raising safety concerns. Councillor Stephen Docherty accused the council of neglecting the issue, warning: "Nobody knows how long these ageing structures will last." The council has replaced 7,000 columns and plans to replace an additional 9,548. A spokesman confirmed improvements in inspection and maintenance, with £7.5m allocated for replacements over the next three years.

 
STV
CASES
Court selfie leads to jail time
Two men, Christopher Branley and Scott Ross, have been sentenced to jail for contempt of court after taking a selfie in the dock at Inverness Sheriff Court. Sheriff Gary Aitken expressed his anger over the incident, describing it as "a gross disrespect of court." Branley received a 12-month sentence, while Ross was sentenced to six months. Their co-accused, Kelsey McLeod, will have her case heard next month. The trio admitted to contempt after posting the image on Snapchat, which included disrespectful gestures.
ECONOMY
Economy shows signs of growth
The UK economy began 2026 positively, with the S&P Global composite purchasing managers' index (PMI) rising to 53.7 in January from 51.4 in December. This increase was driven by a surge in the services sector, as businesses and households increased spending following the November budget. Tim Moore, economics director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, said: "The latest survey revealed an encouraging start to 2026 for the UK service sector." Despite a rise in redundancies - which has been linked to increased National Insurance contributions for employers - confidence in the private sector has reached its highest level since September 2024.

 

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