Legal Matters Scotland
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6th November 2025

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POLICING
Police numbers will 'shrink' without extra funding
Scotland's chief constable, Jo Farrell, has warned that Police Scotland may have to reduce officer numbers unless Holyrood provides nearly £105m in additional funding for 2026-27. She highlighted a surge in complex demands on the force, including a doubling of child online abuse cases to nearly 1,500 in a year, an increase in protests from 1,000 to over 2,000 annually, and heightened monitoring of serious and organised crime and terrorist threats. Farrell cautioned that a "flat-cash" budget would force recruitment to stop and could see officer numbers fall below 15,500 by March 2027, affecting visible policing, prevention work, and response times. Police Scotland is also seeking a further £33m to address emerging threats, with Farrell stressing that the force is at a "crossroads."

 
THE LAW
MSPs approve land reforms
The Scottish Parliament has approved new land reform legislation aimed at tackling the concentration of rural land ownership, where about half of Scotland's land is held by just 420 people. The Land Reform (Scotland) Bill will require owners of large estates - defined as holdings over 1,000 hectares - to seek ministerial approval before selling or transferring land, and to notify community groups that may wish to buy it. The legislation also compels landowners to publish management plans and introduces fines of up to £40,000 for non-compliance, alongside the creation of a Land and Communities Commissioner to oversee its implementation. Mairi Gougeon, Scotland's Rural Affairs Secretary, hailed the Bill as a "watershed moment." However, Scottish Land and Estates labelled it "junk law," warning that many provisions may never be implemented. 
Call for checks on new powers rejected
Several MPs have urged the Government to expand the role of an independent reviewer to oversee new powers allowing ministers to access bank account details for fraud detection. The Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Accountability) Bill has passed both Houses and is awaiting finalisation. Concerns were raised about potential mass fishing of benefit claimants' data, but the plea was rejected in a vote. Minister Andrew Western said nobody should be "de-banked as a result" of the new rules.
Scotland mandates sprinklers in hotels after tragedy
The Scottish Government plans to make sprinklers mandatory in converted hotels, following a fatal accident inquiry into the Cameron House fire that killed Simon Midgley and Richard Dyson in 2017. Housing Secretary Mairi McAllan announced that the new legislation, named 'Simon and Richard's Law', aims to improve public safety and will take effect from April 6 next year, pending approval from Holyrood. The inquiry suggested that installed sprinklers could have allowed the victims to escape. Additional safety measures include banning combustible external wall cladding systems.
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PRISONS
Scotland's prison population hits record high
Scotland's prison population has reached a record high of 8,431, prompting new regulations for early release of offenders. Justice Secretary Angela Constance stated that these measures are "essential right now" to alleviate overcrowding. The phased release will begin on November 11, targeting convicts serving less than four years and nearing their release dates. However, those convicted of sexual offences or domestic abuse are excluded. Critics, including Tory justice spokesperson Liam Kerr, argue that early release is a "knee-jerk response" that fails to address underlying issues and risks public safety.
EMPLOYMENT
Offshore workers face weight limit dismissal
Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) will enforce a new weight limit for offshore workers starting November 2026. Workers exceeding 19.5 stone (124kg), including workwear, will be ineligible for medical certification. Andrew Knight, an employment partner at Shepherd and Wedderburn, stated that dismissal may be inevitable for those who do not comply. The new guidelines aim to address safety concerns, particularly regarding helicopter rescues.
CASES
SNP secures review over trans women in female prisons
SNP ministers are preparing to defend in court the right of biologically male prisoners who identify as women to serve sentences in female jails. The legal challenge by campaign group For Women Scotland argues that current policies breach a previous ruling affirming that sex is based on biology, following the Isla Bryson case. While controversial schools guidance allowing trans girls in female facilities has been withdrawn, the government intends to maintain its prisons policy. The case will proceed under a more complex legal route, potentially increasing costs for taxpayers, with the government already facing a bill exceeding £600,000 from earlier related defeats.
Embezzler misleads court, faces justice
A former Highland Council candidate, Veronica Morrison, has admitted embezzling over £8,000 from the Tain Gala Association, misleading both the community group and the court about her ability to repay the funds. Appearing at Tain Sheriff Court, Morrison claimed all the money was in her account and could be returned immediately, but was later found to have only £1,000 available. The court heard she had transferred money from the group's bank and PayPal accounts to her own, giving various excuses to stall repayment. Her solicitor subsequently withdrew from the case after Morrison failed to provide accurate account details, with Sheriff Neil Wilson highlighting her attempts to mislead the court and stressing that repayment, not promises, was required.
FIRMS
Brunton Miller Solicitors abruptly closes
Brunton Miller Solicitors, a firm with offices in Glasgow and Helensburgh, has ceased operations, the Law Society of Scotland has confirmed. Judicial factor Fiona Watson has been appointed by the Court of Session to oversee the situation. The firm, which specialised in conveyancing, family, and estate law, closed unexpectedly, prompting concerns about client funds and records. Watson stated: "We are working on site at the Brunton Miller offices... to secure client files and money."

 
STV
PROPERTY
Glasgow could roll out rent caps from 2027
Glasgow could see rent caps introduced from late 2027 under a new housing law, which would limit annual rent increases in the private sector to 1% above inflation or a maximum of 6% in exceptional circumstances. Once the legislation is enacted, the council will submit recommendations for designated rent control areas to the Scottish Government, followed by an eight-week public consultation before formal regulations are implemented. SNP councillor Ruairi Kelly said council officers are working closely with the Government on the scheme, describing it as “a significant step forward in tackling affordability pressures” and shaping fairer housing outcomes for tenants.

 
STV
CORPORATE
UK firms rethink ethics
UK businesses are altering their ethical policies following criticism from the Trump administration. A report by Freeths reveals that 54% of larger companies have modified their approach, with 28% making significant changes or abandoning ethical practices entirely. While 83% of surveyed legal officers acknowledge the importance of ethics, many admit profit often takes precedence. Philippa Dempster, a senior partner at Freeths, stated: "A drive for profit can significantly impact or impede ethical decision-making." The report highlights a concerning trend of prioritising profit over ethical considerations in corporate decision-making.
FINANCE
FCA extends motor finance consultation deadline
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has extended the deadline for its motor finance redress consultation to 12 December, following significant opposition from lenders. Major banks, including Lloyds and Santander, argue that the FCA's proposed £11bn compensation scheme is flawed and could harm the economy. The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Fair Banking claims consumers could be owed £15.6bn, far exceeding the FCA's estimates. Shanika Amarasekara, chief executive of the Finance & Leasing Association, stated: "The FCA's decision to extend the consultation is a step in the right direction."
 


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