A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law
Scottish Edition
9th April 2026
 
THE HOT STORY
Lib Dem leader calls for new assisted dying bill
Alex Cole-Hamilton has called for new assisted dying legislation to be introduced in the next Scottish Parliament term, despite a recent bill being rejected by MSPs. He argued that reform would align parliament with public opinion, citing polling suggesting strong support, and said the issue remains unresolved for those seeking end-of-life choice. Supporters, including Liam McArthur, believe opposition may soften over time. However, critics warn the proposals could put vulnerable people at risk and cause anxiety, highlighting concerns around coercion and safeguards. The debate follows a narrow Holyrood vote against assisted dying, with divisions likely to continue in future legislative discussions.

 
TAX
Sarwar calls for rethink of North Sea windfall tax
A windfall tax on North Sea oil and gas profits should be reconsidered by the UK Government if energy prices decline following a ceasefire in Iran, according to Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar. He noted that plans to reform the energy profits levy (EPL) were initially in motion before the Middle Eastern conflict caused a spike in prices. Sarwar emphasised the need for stability in energy markets, particularly across the Strait of Hormuz, to justify a reassessment of the EPL. Meanwhile, polls suggest Labour's support has dwindled, complicating Sarwar's bid for the first minister position. Energy policy is pivotal in the upcoming Holyrood elections, with debates also centred around nuclear power and fracking in Scotland, amidst warnings of potential energy shortages from other political figures.


Inksters are supporting the ABS Scotland Group as founding members and with Brian Inkster being a member of the committee.

The Group was born out of frustration with the Law Society of Scotland’s delays in implementing Alternative Business Structures (or Licensed Legal Service Providers) in Scotland.

By 2025, there had already been a 15-year delay in implementation following on from the Legal Services (Scotland) Act 2010. There was hope that the Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Act 2025 would speed the process up. However, instead, the Law Society of Scotland announced a freeze of at least another two years on doing anything at all on ABS.

The main objective of the Group is to encourage and facilitate the introduction of ABS to Scotland.

You can join the ABS Scotland Group by completing the membership application form.

 
CASES
TUI faces legal storm over illnesses
Over 1,700 individuals have joined a legal action against TUI after suffering illnesses during holidays in Cape Verde. Lawyers from Irwin Mitchell reported that some clients fell ill as recently as two weeks ago. At least eight British tourists have died following trips to the islands. Jatinder Paul from Irwin Mitchell stated: "In all my years of doing this work, I have not seen a case this large." The UK Health Security Agency has linked 112 cases of Shigella and 43 of Salmonella to travel to Cape Verde since October 2025. TUI has taken over one million holidaymakers to the region since 2022.
Allianz sues protesters for £300,000
Allianz is suing six individuals for nearly £300,000 due to protests at its UK offices. The protests, linked to Palestine Action, involved activists daubing red paint on Allianz's buildings in Guildford and London. The defendants, charged with criminal offences, are seeking to delay the civil case until after their criminal trials. Seren John-Wood, a community worker among the defendants, stated: "This is an unprecedented and unusual extra step that is being conducted parallel to criminal proceedings." Allianz maintains it will take legal action to recover damages.
HOUSING
Scotland's housing market shows resilience
House prices in Scotland have risen by 4.4% annually, reaching an average of £222,716 in March, according to Halifax. This growth contrasts with a 0.5% decline in UK house prices. Amanda Bryden, head of mortgages at Halifax, noted that many households are shielded from recent mortgage rate increases. However, demand has softened, with fewer new buyer enquiries and agreed sales. Ian Morton of Bradburne & Co highlighted a general lack of confidence among buyers and sellers due to economic uncertainties. Newbuild starts have also decreased, indicating ongoing challenges in the housing market.
FIRMS
Lindsays strengthens rural team with major hires
Lindsays has announced the addition of three key members to its rural team: Linda Tinson, Lorna McKay, and Sarah Taylor. Tinson joins as a consultant, McKay as a partner, and Taylor as a director. Managing partner Andrew Diamond stated: "These key strategic appointments support our ambitions to take that to a new level." The firm aims to enhance its service to rural clients amid growing demand. Tinson, a former vice-president of the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, emphasised the importance of supporting clients through changes in the rural landscape.
£4,110 raised for asbestos charities
Digby Brown's industrial disease team completed a 20-mile charity walk from Stirling Castle to The Kelpies on April 1, coinciding with Global Asbestos Awareness Week. Despite challenging weather, the 12-member team finished the trek in eight hours, raising £4,110, which will be matched by the firm. Over the past decade, their fundraising efforts have exceeded £50,000 for the Clydebank Asbestos Group and Asbestos Action. Euan Love, partner and head of the team, expressed pride in their achievement, stating: "We see first-hand the difference these funds make to... families living with asbestos-related disease."
PLANNING
Pylon plans face local opposition
Plans for new 400kV overhead lines by SSEN have ignited strong opposition in Aberdeenshire and the Highlands. Local resident Tracey Smith, who founded the Save Our Mearns campaign, expressed her horror at the proposed pylons, which could reach heights of 57 metres. She stated: "We don't feel democracy's in play here." The Scottish Tories have proposed giving communities a "veto" over such projects. SSEN argues that the pylons are necessary for energy security and have conducted extensive consultations, but many residents feel unheard and concerned about the impact on their homes and landscapes.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Council's recordkeeping under scrutiny
The Scottish Information Commissioner has mandated Perth and Kinross Council to enhance its recordkeeping practices following an investigation into its management restructuring. This marks the first freedom of information (FOI) practice recommendation issued to a Scottish public authority for inadequate record-keeping. The investigation began after a 2024 appeal revealed the council had no documentation regarding the removal of a director-level position. David Hamilton, the Scottish Information Commissioner, stated: "It did so without a single record being kept, preventing scrutiny of that decision under freedom of information laws." Chief executive Thomas Glen confirmed the council is reviewing its processes.
REGULATION
ICAS launches fast-track pathway for foreign accountants
UK companies may soon be audited by foreign accountants with professional qualifications after just two years of training. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) introduced a "fast-track pathway" approved by the Financial Reporting Council. This new option allows foreign accountants to complete only the UK-specific parts of the qualification process, significantly reducing the number of assessments required. ICAS stated that this initiative aims to streamline the process for established professionals seeking to become auditors in the UK.
TRANSPORT
Islanders criticise ferry failures
Scottish islanders have expressed frustration over ongoing ferry issues, particularly with the Glen Sannox, which has faced multiple breakdowns. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar criticised First Minister John Swinney's proposed £10m compensation fund as inadequate, arguing that islanders simply want the ferries fixed. Swinney announced plans to involve local residents in ferry management and claimed to be addressing community disruptions caused by service cancellations. However, critics from the Scottish Conservatives and Liberal Democrats condemned the SNP’s efforts as too little or a last-minute election tactic, emphasising the need for substantive solutions to the ferry service crisis.
MIGRATION
Home Office defends migrant contract award
The Home Office has rejected claims of a "conflict of interest" regarding a £462.6m contract awarded to MTC Definitive for managing migrant processing sites. Mitie Care and Custody, which is suing the Home Office, argues that MTC's head of development, Dave Butler, previously held a position at Manston. The Home Office's defence states the claims are unfounded, asserting that Butler did not influence procurement decisions. Mitie seeks to have the contract awarded to them or the tendering process rerun, citing errors in the decision-making process. Azeem Suterwalla KC said: "There was no 'serious risk' of a conflict of interest."

 

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