A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law
Scottish Edition
25th May 2026
 
THE HOT STORY
Police Scotland spends £2m on SNP finance probe
Police Scotland has spent more than £2.17m on Operation Branchform, the long-running investigation into the SNP's finances, according to figures released under freedom of information laws. The inquiry, launched in 2021, has involved several high-profile arrests, including former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, who has been charged with allegedly embezzling nearly £460,000 from the party. He is due to appear in court today. Scottish Labour said the scale of spending raised concerns over financial pressures on Police Scotland, arguing taxpayers should not bear the cost of investigating senior SNP figures. The Scottish Government said it had allocated record policing funding of more than £1.7bn for 2026-27.

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INDUSTRY
Legal action grows for jab victims
The number of women in Scotland seeking compensation for health issues linked to the Depo-Provera contraceptive jab has reached 40, according to Thompsons Scotland. Victims report severe side effects, including sight loss and brain tumours, after using the injection. Patrick McGuire, senior partner at Thompsons, said: "It is one of the fastest growing legal actions I have ever experienced." A study in the British Medical Journal found prolonged use of Depo-Provera significantly increases the risk of meningioma brain tumours. Victims are encouraged to come forward to join the class action against Pfizer.

 
CASES
Ex-lawyer convicted of sending abusive messages
A former New York lawyer has been convicted of sending threatening and Islamophobic messages to Dundee depute lord provost Nadia El-Nakla and Scotland’s Lord Advocate, Dorothy Bain. Matthew Sylvestre, 61, who previously served time for shooting a man in the head, was found guilty of religiously aggravated communications and assaulting a police officer during his arrest. Prosecutors said Sylvestre sent menacing emails to Ms El-Nakla, wife of former First Minister Humza Yousaf, and letters to Bain suggesting harm could come to her family. He will be sentenced at Glasgow High Court next month.
THE LAW
Transport experts call for new laws for young motorists
Transport safety officials in Scotland are calling for stricter rules for newly qualified drivers after data showed motorists aged 16 to 22 face casualty rates twice the national average. Proposals include compulsory 'P' plates, night-time curfews, passenger limits and zero-alcohol requirements under a graduated licensing system. The Scottish Government is seeking powers from Westminster to introduce the measures. Separately, the UK Government is considering mandatory vehicle safety technologies, including automatic emergency braking and speed-limiting systems, as part of a wider road safety strategy.
Parents face prosecution over e-scooter injuries
Police Scotland has warned that parents and retailers could face prosecution due to a rise in injuries from electric scooter crashes. The UK Government stated that retailers must clearly inform customers that privately owned e-scooters cannot be used on public roads. Willie Rennie, Scottish Liberal Democrats spokesman, noted that many are unaware of the dangers and legalities surrounding e-scooter use.
EMPLOYMENT
Redundancy warnings hit record levels
The UK faced its highest number of redundancy warnings since 2020 last year, with 315,605 jobs flagged and payouts exceeding £477m. Data from the Liquidation Centre revealed over 2m redundancy warnings were issued from 2020 to 2025, marking a 45% increase since 2021. Early 2026 shows a further increase, with 736 employers filing for redundancies, risking 56,396 jobs. Lawyers say the Employment Rights Act has prompted employers to let more staff go and businesses are expected to pre-empt other changes coming into force in 2027 with more layoffs.
CRIME
Highlands appoints official to co-ordinate grooming gangs evidence
A Highlands official has been appointed to co-ordinate evidence for two national investigations into group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation in Scotland. Donna Munro will help gather information from Highland Council, NHS Highland and Police Scotland for both a government review and a statutory public inquiry chaired by Professor Alexis Jay.
FIRMS
Addleshaw Goddard expands Edinburgh office
Addleshaw Goddard has relocated to a newly refurbished office in Edinburgh, occupying nearly 30,000 sq ft at 24 St Andrew Square. This move marks a 60% increase in space from the firm's previous location at Exchange Tower on Canning Street.
Burges Salmon's Edinburgh team tops £1.5bn in deals
Burges Salmon's Scottish team advised on more than £1.5bn in transactions over the past 12 months, spanning jurisdictions including the USA, Germany, Norway and Zambia.
HOLYROOD
MSPs urged to back referendum powers vote
Newly-appointed Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth has urged MSPs to "unite behind Scotland's right to decide" as she prepares to formally request that the Westminster Government transfer powers to Holyrood to hold a second independence referendum. Ms Gilruth said the new Scottish Government is "hitting the ground running to deliver what we promised to the people of Scotland".
OTHER
SPS challenges A-listed status for Barlinnie
The Scottish Prison Service is appealing Historic Environment Scotland’s decision to grant A-listed status to HMP Barlinnie, arguing the designation could obstruct wider regeneration plans for the area. The SPS, backed by Glasgow City Council, wants parts of the prison excluded from the listing, claiming some buildings lack sufficient historical significance. A public consultation found 76% support for preserving the prison.

 

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