A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law
Scottish Edition
13th March 2026
 
THE HOT STORY
Dunblane tragedy still resonates today
Ellie Crozier, sister of Dunblane victim Emma, has emphasised the importance of remembering the tragedy 30 years later. She warned that UK gun laws are "at risk" due to societal changes and loopholes, particularly with the rise of 3D-printed firearms. Crozier stated: "Whenever we allow easier access to guns, we create loopholes that allow these dangerous weapons to fall into the wrong hands." She, along with other campaigners, continues to advocate for stricter gun control, highlighting the need for awareness among younger generations about the significance of the laws established after the Dunblane massacre.

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THE LAW
MSPs clash over assisted dying timetable
Holyrood will reconvene today to continue discussions on the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill amid significant controversy. MSPs expressed frustration over the chaotic scheduling, which they argue undermines inclusivity, particularly for those with caring responsibilities. Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay described the process as "shambolic and dangerous." MSP Jeremy Balfour warned that the Friday sitting would exclude some members from participating. First Minister John Swinney noted legislative competence issues surrounding the bill, emphasising the need for a section 30 order from Westminster if passed.


 
HOLYROOD
Glasgow fire prompts urgent support talks
Scotland's First Minister John Swinney has announced that financial support for businesses affected by the fire on Union Corner in Glasgow will be revealed soon. The Scottish Government is in discussions with Glasgow City Council to assess the impact on local firms. Swinney remarked: "The Government is in active discussion with Glasgow City Council, who are gathering information from the affected businesses." According to Raymond Barlow, the head of building standards at Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Central Station may take "weeks" to fully reopen following the fire.
TAX
Edinburgh International Festival faces funding crisis
The Edinburgh International Festival (EIF) is set to incur a £50,000 increase in accommodation costs due to the upcoming tourist tax, according to Chief Executive Francesca Hegyi. She stated that the EIF will be "worse off" after the levy is introduced this summer. Hegyi highlighted that the council's spending plans do not adequately support the EIF or other festivals. She noted: "Ultimately, I think having a visitor levy in Edinburgh is a good thing... But the only thing I am certain about at the moment is that this festival will be losing money because of the visitor levy."
REGULATION
CMA cracks down on fuel price hikes
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is increasing its oversight of fuel prices amid concerns of profiteering due to rising wholesale costs linked to the US-Iran conflict. The CMA has warned fuel retailers to provide revenue, costs, and sales data as part of its review of industry margins. Rachel Reeves stated that the Government will not tolerate companies exploiting the crisis for excessive profits.
CASES
Adams accused of leading IRA
Gerry Adams faces allegations of leading the Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA) during a civil trial. Two former Royal Ulster Constabulary officers testified that Adams was the PIRA's leader throughout the Troubles. Tim Hanley stated: "There is no question in my mind that Adams was the leader of the PIRA." Adams denies these claims, asserting he was never a member. Witness B corroborated Hanley's statement, claiming that intelligence indicated Adams was a senior member of the IRA army council. The trial will continue on Monday.
Hammer-wielding tourist vanishes abroad
Arnaud Hercules Harixcalde Logan, an Australian tourist, is accused of damaging the Stone of Destiny's casing with a hammer. He was due to appear at Perth Sheriff Court but has since fled the UK, failing to surrender his passport or report to police as required. Sheriff Alison McKay refused to issue an arrest warrant due to police errors in serving the indictment. The case continues.

 
STV
HEALTH
NHS Scotland chief to step down
Caroline Lamb will step down as head of NHS Scotland in August 2026 after increasing scrutiny of her leadership. Her tenure drew criticism from some health figures and politicians, including concerns about limited visibility in hospitals and broader governance challenges within the service. The Scottish Government confirmed the retirement and said a formal recruitment process will begin to appoint a successor. The change comes amid wider debate about oversight, leadership accountability and operational issues within Scotland’s health system, including infrastructure problems at some hospitals.
Inquiry launched into teacher's death
The death of 24-year-old teacher Hannah McInally, following complications from an ectopic pregnancy, will be investigated by a sheriff. The Lord Advocate, Dorothy Bain, KC, has ordered a fatal accident inquiry due to serious public concern. Ectopic pregnancies, which occur in about 1 in 90 pregnancies in the UK, can be fatal if untreated. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for next month. McInally's family and friends have raised over £35,000 for the Ectopic Pregnancy Trust in her memory.
TECHNOLOGY
Tech firms face scrutiny over child safety
Following a failed Conservative-led attempt to ban under-16s from social media, regulators are demanding stronger protections for children online. The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and Ofcom have contacted major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, urging them to enhance age checks and prevent online grooming. Ofcom's chief executive, Dame Melanie Dawes, said: "Without the right protections, children have been routinely exposed to risks." The regulators will assess the platforms' responses by May and are prepared to take enforcement action if necessary.
FRAUD
Savers urged to tighten pension security
The Pensions Regulator has issued a warning to pension savers about rising impersonation fraud. Criminals are using stolen personal information to access pension accounts, diverting funds to fake accounts. Over £500,000 has already been lost, with £2.5m at risk from 2021 to 2025. Gaucho Rasmussen, director of enforcement at the regulator, stated: "Fraudsters will stop at nothing to get their hands on savers' pension pots."
EDUCATION
Strong support for phone restrictions in Edinburgh schools
Parents and school staff have overwhelmingly backed restrictions on pupils’ mobile phone use in Edinburgh secondary schools, following a citywide consultation. Of nearly 14,000 responses, 97% of staff and 94% of parents supported limiting access to phones during the school day. The City of Edinburgh Council trialled the use of lockable "Yondr" pouches at two schools, requiring most pupils to seal their phones until the end of classes. While a majority of pupils supported some restrictions, many favoured access during breaks. The council said the consultation results will inform a final policy decision later this year, with potential rollout across all secondary schools.

 

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