A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law
Scottish Edition
5th June 2026
 
THE HOT STORY
SNP could face VAT fraud probe over Murrell scandal
The SNP is in discussions with HMRC regarding potential VAT fraud linked to Peter Murrell's embezzlement of over £400,000. Murrell, the party's former CEO, admitted to falsifying invoices for personal purchases, which may have led to illegal VAT claims. SNP leader John Swinney confirmed the talks, stating: "The issues on the implications of Peter Murrell's admission of guilt about the embezzlement... do have potential implications in relation to the payment of taxation." Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has called for a full investigation into the matter. Swinney confirmed the SNP plans to take legal action against Murrell to recover the embezzled party funds. The party will seek compensation under the Proceeds of Crime Act and pursue a civil claim, following unanimous backing from its governing body.

 
CASES
Council's school toilet policy deemed unlawful
A Court of Session judge has ruled that West Lothian Council acted unlawfully by failing to provide single-sex toilet facilities at a newly built primary school. The case was brought by the parents of a female pupil who said their daughter experienced distress and avoided using the toilets, leading to health concerns. The council argued that floor-to-ceiling lockable cubicles within shared toilet areas complied with legal requirements. However, Lady Poole found that the arrangements breached school regulations and amounted to indirect sex discrimination under the Equality Act 2010. The ruling follows updated guidance requiring Scottish schools to provide separate toilets for boys and girls, and leaves the council to determine how it will comply with the law.
Teenager jailed for life over fatal knife attack
A 17-year-old boy has been sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 17 years, for the murder of 22-year-old John McNab in Edinburgh in September 2025. The teenager, who cannot be named due to his age, was on bail after a previous knife attack.

 
POLICING
Police Scotland rules out referendum fund investigation
Police Scotland has ruled out a fresh investigation into the SNP’s £667,000 independence fund, stating the matter was already examined as part of Operation Branchform. The decision follows a complaint from independence campaigner Sean Clerkin, who alleged donations raised for a future referendum campaign were instead used for general party activities. The fund became a focal point of scrutiny over SNP finances and prompted questions about transparency within the party. First Minister John Swinney recently confirmed the money had supported the SNP's ongoing independence-related work. Police said no further action will be taken unless new evidence emerges.
Jewish groups question Police response to social media image
Police Scotland has faced criticism after ruling that a social media image depicting actress Dame Maureen Lipman with devil horns and a trident did not amount to a hate crime. The image, shared by the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign during efforts to block her appearance in Aberdeen, was instead recorded as a non-crime hate incident. Jewish community leaders condemned the decision, arguing the imagery drew on longstanding antisemitic tropes and contributed to feelings of insecurity among Scottish Jews.
THE LAW
Tech bosses face prison time over child safety
The UK Government plans to impose criminal sanctions on technology companies like Google and Apple if they fail to prevent children from accessing nude images on their devices. Ministers aim to enforce changes that would block all nudity, including pornography and explicit film scenes. Sources told the Times that penalties could mirror those in the Online Safety Act, with potential prison sentences of up to five years.
FRAUD
Fraud investigations recover £175,000 for South Ayrshire Council
South Ayrshire Council's corporate fraud team identified or recovered more than £175,000 during 2025/26, according to a report presented to councillors. The team received 227 referrals and uncovered £71,541 through investigations, with a further £103,982 identified through the National Fraud Initiative's data-matching programme. Most savings came from council tax, business rates and welfare-related cases.
INTERNATIONAL
Scottish crime boss appears in Dutch court
Alleged Scottish crime boss Steven Lyons has appeared in a Dutch court as Spain seeks his extradition on drug trafficking and money laundering charges. The 45-year-old was deported from Indonesia in April after his arrest in Bali. Spanish authorities say a major international operation dismantled the Lyons Clan, with a ruling on extradition due on June 18.

 
STV
ECONOMY
Scottish businesses brace for tough times
Scottish businesses are preparing for another difficult year, according to the latest View business sentiment tracker by law firm MFMac. The survey of 104 senior decision makers revealed that 51% are already affected by rising fuel prices. Additionally, 47% identified a weak economy as their biggest challenge, up from 36% last year. Chris Harte, chief executive of MFMac, commented: "The figures suggest many businesses are settling in for another challenging year rather than expecting a significant improvement in trading conditions." Most firms are prioritising stability over expansion, with 66% not planning to increase headcount in the next six months.
OTHER
FIFA slaps signing ban on Hamilton Academical
Hamilton Academical has received a FIFA signing ban amid ongoing fraud allegations. The League One club is prohibited from registering new players while FIFA investigates claims of forged documents. This ban, effective from May 27, 2026, coincides with a previous SPFL transfer embargo due to multiple rule breaches. A forensic handwriting report has been submitted to FIFA and Police Scotland, following a 2023 fraud report.

 

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