A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law
Scottish Edition
19th June 2026
 
THE HOT STORY
Swinney pressed on maternity review
John Swinney was pressed at First Minister's Questions to guarantee safe maternity care across Scotland as ministers moved to advance a national review seven months after promising one. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar cited a Healthcare Improvement Scotland report that found some expectant mothers faced induction delays of up to 190 hours, increasing risks including sepsis, more complex births and deliveries in unsuitable settings. He also pointed to 406 adverse maternity events between 2019 and 2025, including deaths. Swinney said ministers were "very concerned", that all 26 requirements for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde were being pursued urgently, and that affected families would be meaningfully involved in the review.

 
THE LAW
Ministers review child poverty measures
The Scottish Government will review its legally binding child poverty measures after Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said current income-based targets do not fully reflect policies such as childcare expansion and meal debt reduction. The Child Poverty (Scotland) Act 2017 requires relative child poverty to fall below 10% by 2030-31, but the latest cited figure is 21%. Somerville told MSPs there remains a “credible path” to the target, while charities including the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Save the Children and CPAG said ministers had not taken enough action. The review will inform next steps for families, schools and local services.

 
COURTS
Barristers return to Crown Court duties
Criminal barristers in Northern Ireland will resume Crown Court cases after resolving a dispute over legal aid fees. The strike, which began on 5 January, halted cases requiring legal aid. The Criminal Bar Association (CBA) reported that 65% of its members voted to return to full service. Justice Minister Naomi Long has agreed to implement an 8.66% increase in legal aid fees, which have not risen in 20 years.
WORKFORCE
Concerns raised over Glasgow City Council staff absence levels
Concerns have been raised about staff absence rates at Glasgow City Council after a report showed sickness absence remains higher than expected. Councillor Jim Kavanagh described absenteeism levels as a longstanding issue, citing significant increases in some services. Council officers acknowledged the challenges posed by long-term absences but said teams were continuing to manage workloads while working with HR to support staff returning to work safely. The council said it remains committed to its attendance management and employee wellbeing policies.
TECHNOLOGY
ICO targets smart TV data practices
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) is investigating how smart TVs handle consumer data. This follows the release of new guidance on "internet of things" (IoT) products. The ICO emphasised that data collection by these devices must comply with data protection laws, including the UK's Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PERC). Malcolm Dowden, Managing Senior Practice Development Lawyer at Pinsent Masons, noted that smart TVs can gather extensive data for targeted advertising.
FIRMS
Edinburgh solicitors’ charity campaign nets £7,740
An Edinburgh law firm, Ralph Sayer Solicitors and Estate Agents, raised £7,740 during the annual Will Aid campaign. Kimberley Mackay, Partner, expressed pride in the team's contribution, stating: "We're delighted to have helped so many people put their affairs in order while raising such a substantial amount for charity." Will Aid has raised over £26m since its inception in 1988, benefiting numerous charitable causes.
TAX
Scottish councils progress visitor levy plans
Two Scottish councils are advancing plans for visitor levies following recent legislative changes. Perth and Kinross Council has approved a 12-week consultation on a proposed levy, using a £4-per-night charge as its preferred option after councillors voted to continue the process. The council estimates the charge could raise around £8m annually, although early engagement found most respondents opposed the proposal. Meanwhile, Highland Council is preparing a fresh consultation on a percentage, flat-rate or tiered levy, with any scheme unlikely to be introduced before August 2028.
HOLYROOD
Scottish Conservatives gain Aberdeen South in historic by-election win
The Scottish Conservatives secured their first Westminster by-election victory in more than 50 years after Douglas Lumsden won Aberdeen South from the SNP. Lumsden, currently an MSP, defeated SNP candidate Richard Thomson by more than 6,000 votes and will resign his Holyrood seat due to rules preventing dual mandates. Elsewhere, the SNP held Arbroath and Broughty Ferry, where Lara Bird won by more than 5,000 votes.
ECONOMY
Scotland's unemployment rate rises to 4.3%
Unemployment in Scotland has increased to 4.3%, according to the Office for National Statistics. This marks a 0.4% rise from the previous quarter, with 119,000 individuals aged 16 and over currently unemployed. The employment rate for those aged 16 to 64 has also fallen to 74.3%, down by 0.5%. Despite these figures, Scotland's unemployment rate remains lower than the UK average of 4.9%. A total of 2.663m people were employed in Scotland during this period.
AWARDS
Court employee recognised for excellence
Wendy Robertson, a key employee of the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service, was recognised at the Service Excellence Awards for her role in managing the response to the discovery of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) at Airdrie Sheriff Court. She coordinated the relocation of staff and ensured court operations continued with minimal disruption. Malcolm Graham, CEO of SCTS, praised the finalists, stating: "People are at the heart of SCTS... the awards reflect the number of fantastic people working across SCTS in support of delivering justice in Scotland."
AND FINALLY...
Nairn Academy wins national debating title
Nairn Academy's Charlie Holder and Fraser Cordiner successfully defended their title at the 2026 Donald Dewar Memorial Debate Tournament. The event, sponsored by the Law Society of Scotland, took place at Edinburgh Napier University, featuring four finalist teams from an initial 64. The Nairn team argued for the motion that "This house believes that all art should be made freely available and not subject to copyright laws." Law Society President Serena Sutherland awarded them a £1,000 prize, stating: "This competition shows that the legal profession's brightest stars can come from any part of Scotland."

 

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