A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law
Scottish Edition
12th March 2026
 
THE HOT STORY
Swinney raises legal concerns over assisted dying Bill
John Swinney has intervened in the debate over the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill as MSPs consider more than 300 amendments. Swinney said parts of the bill, introduced by Liam McArthur, fall outside Holyrood’s legislative powers, particularly provisions relating to medicines and employment rights for medical staff. The Scottish Government remains neutral but warned these issues must be resolved for the legislation to be legally competent. Swinney said approval from Westminster through a Section 30 order, and potentially further legislative adjustments, may be required. During debate, MSPs also backed amendments adding safeguards, including clearer definitions of coercion, mandatory in-person medical assessments and requirements to provide patients with information about palliative care. A final vote on the bill is expected later this month.

 
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GOVERNMENT
MP calls for reform of Lord Advocate’s dual role
MP John Cooper has called for the dual role of Scotland’s Lord Advocate to be abolished following controversy over briefings on the case involving Peter Murrell. Cooper argued it is inappropriate for the Lord Advocate to sit in the Scottish cabinet advising ministers while also overseeing criminal prosecutions. The criticism follows revelations that Dorothy Bain briefed John Swinney about charges against Murrell before they were publicly announced. Cooper introduced a bill at Westminster seeking to separate the roles of chief prosecutor and government legal adviser. The dual position is established under the Scotland Act 1998. The Scottish Government has said the current arrangement is appropriate and any reform would require careful consideration.


 
THE LAW
Scots fear eating disorders and assisted dying
Polling reveals significant concern among Scots regarding the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill, particularly its implications for individuals with eating disorders. Only 20% of 1,004 surveyed support allowing patients with anorexia to choose assisted dying. Fiona Mackenzie, chief executive of The Other Half think tank, highlighted potential loopholes that could endanger vulnerable patients. She stated: "The Scottish people are clear that we must not open the door to a world where women with anorexia have their lives lawfully ended by lethal drugs."
SNP plans to criminalise buying sex
The SNP Government in Scotland has announced plans to criminalise the purchase of sex, led by former Police Scotland deputy chief constable Fiona Taylor. The decision follows the rejection of a member's bill by Holyrood that aimed to criminalise buying sex while decriminalising selling it. Justice Secretary Angela Constance stated: "Prostitution is violence against women and girls, and the purchase of sex should be criminalised." The new commission will explore effective enforcement, safety measures for sex workers, and strategies to reduce demand for prostitution.
Starmer vows to review handgun laws
As the 30th anniversary of the Dunblane Primary School shooting approaches, Sir Keir Starmer has indicated a review of handgun laws. The tragic event in March 1996 resulted in the deaths of 16 pupils and their teacher. Mick North, father of victim Sophie, has urged the Government to address loopholes in legislation, particularly concerning 3D-printed guns and stricter background checks. During Prime Minister's Questions, Sir Ed Davey highlighted North's concerns, prompting Starmer to agree on the need for a review.
PRISONS
Scottish prisons near capacity despite early releases
Scotland’s prison population is close to a record high despite hundreds of inmates being released early, according to Sara Snell, His Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons for Scotland. Speaking to MSPs, she said current population levels are unsustainable, with 11 of the country’s 17 prisons now overcrowded. Around 900 more prisoners are being held than facilities were designed for, forcing many to share cells intended for single occupancy. Barlinnie Prison faces the most severe pressure, operating about 40% above capacity. The warning comes after four emergency early-release schemes introduced by the Scottish Government, which have freed more than 400 prisoners since November, with further releases planned. Inspectors also highlighted shortages of key staff, including psychologists and social workers, limiting rehabilitation programmes within prisons.
POLICING
Police Scotland fined for data breach
Police Scotland has been fined £66,000 by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) for mishandling sensitive personal data. An investigation revealed that officers extracted the entire contents of a mobile phone belonging to a crime reporter, accessing irrelevant personal information. The ICO found that Police Scotland lacked adequate safeguards and failed to report the data breach within the required 72-hour timeframe. Sally-Anne Poole, ICO Head of Investigations, stated: "This incident is a stark example of the devastating consequences of poor data protection practices."
Police Scotland faces hefty dog housing costs
Police Scotland is incurring costs of up to £40,000 annually for housing seized XL bully dogs, MSPs were informed. Craig Naylor, head of His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS), highlighted the financial burden during a session at Holyrood's criminal justice committee. He noted that the costs are significant, with previous experiences indicating up to £500 per week per dog. Nationalist MSP Jamie Hepburn questioned the feeding costs, while a Scottish Government spokesman clarified that they do not influence kennelling decisions.
CASES
Teenager settles crowd crush injury case
Jessica Gatherer, 19, has settled a legal case for a four-figure sum after suffering a severe knee injury during a crowd surge at the TRNSMT festival in 2023. While waiting to see Becky Hill, she was pinned against a fence as security attempted to control the crowd. Gatherer sustained torn ligaments and soft tissue damage, requiring crutches for five months and missing work and a family holiday. She expressed frustration over the lack of first response care and the misplaced accident report. Her lawyers argued that the venue lacked proper safety measures. David Wilson from Digby Brown stated: "Proper risk assessments... ensures risk is minimised."
Rogano's legal case heads to Supreme Court
The Rogano, a renowned Glasgow restaurant, is embroiled in a legal dispute over damages from flooding during the pandemic. The Supreme Court will hear the case in Glasgow for the first time, with hearings scheduled from May 18 to 21, including a key date on May 20. The owners, Forthwell Ltd, argue that the landlord, Pontegadea UK Ltd, should cover repair costs and lost profits. Aimee Gibbons of Thorntons Solicitors explained the complexities, noting that the tenant company, Lynnet Leisure, was responsible for trading. Sheila Webster added that the Supreme Court will decide on profit loss claims, while repair obligations will be settled in lower courts.
Adams was a key figure in the IRA, court told
Gerry Adams, the former president of Sinn Fein, faces serious allegations in a civil case regarding his involvement with the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA). Colonel Richard Kemp, a former British Army intelligence officer, testified that Adams was a key figure in the IRA and involved in orchestrating bombings from 1973 to 1996. Kemp stated it was "inconceivable" that Adams was not involved, given his position. Adams, 77, has denied all allegations, asserting he was never a member of the IRA. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Swift, is expected to conclude next week. If Mr Adams loses the civil case, it will ignite demands for him to face criminal prosecution for the attacks.
EMPLOYMENT
Young workers face hiring crisis
British companies are increasingly reluctant to hire young workers due to rising costs, including minimum wage and national insurance increases. Business leaders warn that the Employment Rights Act may further discourage hiring less experienced individuals. The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) predicts a rise in unemployment to 5.5%, disproportionately affecting young people. Kate Shoesmith, BCC's director of policy, commented: "Businesses are trying their level best to stay afloat right now." The British Retail Consortium (BRC) warns that new regulations could lead to the loss of over 160,000 part-time retail jobs, following 70,000 cuts in the past year. Meanwhile, a survey by the Federation of Small Businesses revealed that 26% of firms are employing fewer workers than before, the worst rate in over a decade.
TECHNOLOGY
Tech giants face ultimatum over phone theft
Scotland Yard's commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, has issued a deadline to tech giants Apple, Samsung, and Google to implement a kill switch for stolen phones by June. He expressed frustration over the lack of serious engagement from manufacturers after two-and-a-half years of discussions. Rowley stated: "If by the first of June, industry has not come to the table... the Met will formally write to the Home Secretary to ask that she legislates." Last year, 71,391 phones were stolen in London, highlighting the urgent need for better security measures.
FRAUD
AI fuels surge in account takeovers
Criminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) to take over mobile, banking, and online shopping accounts, according to Cifas, the UK's leading anti-fraud body. The organisation reported 444,000 fraud cases in the previous year, marking a 6% increase. Most scams involved account takeovers, particularly in mobile and online shopping. Cifas chief executive Mike Haley stated: "Online fraud will become ever more sophisticated, supercharged by AI-powered impersonation." The report highlights a rise in SIM-swap fraud and identity theft, with over 22,000 cases of money muling reported.
FIRMS
Ropes & Gray raises NQ salaries to £170k
Ropes & Gray has increased its newly qualified (NQ) solicitor salaries in London to £170,000, marking a rise of over 3% from £165,000. This adjustment, effective from 1 January 2026, positions the firm among the highest payers in the London legal market, surpassing the Magic Circle firms, which currently offer £150,000.
PROPERTY
'Further collapses' at fire-hit Glasgow building
Glasgow City Council has reported that the historic Union Street building where Sunday's vape shop fire started has been "seriously compromised", with more parts of the building collapsing yesterday as firefighters remain at the scene to oversee the site. Head of building standards Raymond Barlow said that following the "catastrophic collapse" of the building's front façade at the height of the fire, there have been further collapses, "the most recent of which was the southern gable of the remaining structure". While services have now resumed at Glasgow Central Station's Low Level, the High Level station will remain closed pending safety work and a structural assessment.
CRIME
Teen arrested for bus driver assault
A teenager, 18, was arrested in Greenock after allegedly assaulting a bus driver on March 11. Police responded to reports of the incident on West Stewart Street. The suspect was apprehended nearby on West Blackhall Street, where he was found with two offensive weapons and controlled drugs. He has been charged with assault, possession of offensive weapons, and drug offences.
WESTMINSTER
Home Secretary bans Al Quds Day march
Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary, has approved a request to ban the annual Al Quds Day march, a pro-Palestinian demonstration scheduled for Sunday, to avert serious public disorder. The Metropolitan police requested the prohibition due to the scale of the protest and planned counter-protests. This marks the first protest ban by the Met since 2012, following calls from Labour and Conservative MPs for action against the march, which has faced criticism for its ties to the Iranian regime. Mahmood did however say that, should a stationary demonstration proceed, the police will be able to apply strict conditions. "I expect to see the full force of the law applied to anyone spreading hatred and division instead of exercising their right to peaceful protest," she added. 

 

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