A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law
Scottish Edition
24th April 2026
 
THE HOT STORY
Police Scotland scales back drug-driving crackdown
Police Scotland has paused its plans to enhance drug driving enforcement due to budget constraints. Despite drug driving becoming a significant threat on Scotland's roads, the force will not expand testing among local officers this financial year. Justice Secretary Angela Constance supported a festive crackdown that saw 626 roadside tests, resulting in 398 drivers caught. Scottish Labour's Pauline McNeill and Conservative Liam Kerr expressed concern over the impact of funding cuts on public safety. David Kennedy, general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, warned that the pause could undermine public confidence and officer morale.

 
PRISONS
Scotland's prison population hits record high
Scotland’s prison population has reached a record 8,455 inmates, exceeding capacity by more than 400 despite efforts to ease overcrowding through early release schemes. The rise comes after ministers reduced the proportion of sentences offenders must serve before release, with further changes under consideration. Critics have accused the government of mismanaging the system and prioritising early releases over long-term solutions. The Scottish Government said it is taking steps to address the issue sustainably amid ongoing pressure on the prison estate.
Lawyer criticises Scottish Government's prison policy
Paul Lynch, a lawyer, has condemned the Scottish Government for housing male prisoners in women's jails, citing safety concerns. His comments follow allegations against trans prisoner Alexandria Stewart, charged with sexual assault at HMP Greenock. Lynch previously represented Jayney Sutherley, who faced court for "misgendering" a prisoner. He urged the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to comply with a UK Supreme Court ruling affirming women's sex-based rights. Lynch stated: "Any reasonable and impartial observer could foresee the events such as have been alleged occurring." Calls for policy changes are growing amid rising concerns for women's safety.

 
INDUSTRY
Legal rising stars crowned
A trainee solicitor and an early-career finance lawyer have been named the Law Society of Scotland’s 2026 In-house Rising Stars. Arün Smith of Dumfries and Galloway Council and Elise Woodbridge of NatWest were selected from 13 nominees, with Alison Howells of the City of Edinburgh Council highly commended. The awards, announced at the society's In-house Annual Conference, recognise emerging legal talent and contributions to the profession. Law Society president Patricia Thom praised the winners for their dedication, early career impact and support for diversity within the sector.
CASES
Man who threatened MSP with beheading spared jail
A man who sent an email threatening an MSP with "an ISIS-style beheading" has avoided a prison sentence after a court accepted the message was a "cry for help." Oliver Killington, 26, admitted sending the abusive communication but was instead given a community payback order requiring 140 hours of unpaid work. The court acknowledged the seriousness of the threat while noting he had no intention of carrying it out.
Woman jailed over £100,000 drugs haul
A woman found with drugs worth £113,000 and a crack cocaine recipe has been jailed for three-and-a-half years. Alisha Bain, 35, admitted involvement in drug dealing after police uncovered cocaine, heroin and cash during a raid on her Aberdeen home in December 2024. The court heard she played a lesser role in the operation, but the judge said she should have been aware of the harm caused by such drugs.
FIRMS
Freshfields and Anthropic agree tie-up
Freshfields has partnered with Anthropic to develop legal AI tools, enhancing efficiency for law firms while gaining early access to future AI models.
EMPLOYMENT
Scotland's wages flatline for 17 years
Wages in Scotland have stagnated for 17 years, with average earnings £17,000 lower than expected growth since the 2008 financial crash. A report by Future Economy Scotland reveals that real median weekly earnings increased by only 2.4% since 2008. Co-director Laurie Macfarlane said: "The squeeze on earnings over the past 17 years is extraordinary." He pointed out that if wages had followed pre-crisis trends, workers would be £320 a week better off. Political leaders are calling for urgent action to address the cost of living crisis affecting Scottish families.
ECONOMY
Scots insolvencies surge amid cost crisis
The number of personal insolvencies in Scotland rose significantly in early 2023, with 2,003 cases reported, marking a 20% increase from the previous year. Bankruptcies increased by 23.1%, totalling 730, while protected trust deeds rose by 18.1% to 1,273. Corporate insolvencies also surged, with 375 companies facing insolvency, a 27.6% rise. David Alexander, head of debt recovery at Gilson Gray, stated: "Overall, these figures underline that financial pressures have not eased. If anything, they are becoming more entrenched."
OTHER
Self-styled 'king' deported, says Home Office
The Home Office has confirmed that Kofi Offeh, the self-proclaimed king of the Kingdom of Kubala, has been deported to Ghana after being evicted from woodland in the Scottish Borders. Mr Offeh and two of his followers were evicted from private land in Jedburgh last October, subsequently moving to land owned by Scottish Borders Council before being arrested on suspicion of immigration offences.

 

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