A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law
Scottish Edition
7th January 2026

Legal Matters Scotland is now Legal Slice.
The focus hasn’t changed - you’ll still get the same trusted Scottish legal news, insight and analysis you rely on. Same content. Same team. Just a new name.

THE HOT STORY
Constance defends her actions after code breach
The Justice Secretary Angela Constance has refused to resign after an independent investigation found she twice breached the ministerial code, a legally binding framework governing ministers’ conduct. Advisers concluded the breaches were inadvertent, involving inaccurate attribution of views to Alexis Jay during a parliamentary debate and a later failure to follow proper procedure by speaking to the expert without an official present. While opposition parties argue the breaches undermine parliamentary accountability, John Swinney issued a formal letter of reproval rather than dismissal, accepting there was no intent to mislead Parliament. Constance acknowledged procedural errors, accepted the findings and committed to stricter adherence to due process, transparency and correction obligations under the ministerial code governing statements to Scottish Parliament.

 
POLICING
Lack of resources could impact 20mph enforcement
The Scottish Police Federation has warned that a lack of resources and personnel will affect Police Scotland's ability to fully enforce lower 20mph speed limits as they are introduced across Glasgow. General secretary David Kennedy said: "What you can't do is introduce it and think it's going to increase the police presence within the areas." Police Scotland has said resources will be deployed to areas deemed to have the "greatest risk" in "the interest of casualty reduction", such as sites with a history of speed-related collisions or with vulnerable road users, such as around schools. A Glasgow City Council spokesperson said: "Clear signage and a public awareness campaign will accompany the rollout to help everyone understand where the limits apply and to maximise the safety benefits."
Inkster Banner


Inksters are supporting the ABS Scotland Group as founding members and with Brian Inkster being a member of the committee.

The Group was born out of frustration with the Law Society of Scotland’s delays in implementing Alternative Business Structures (or Licensed Legal Service Providers) in Scotland.

By 2025, there had already been a 15-year delay in implementation following on from the Legal Services (Scotland) Act 2010. There was hope that the Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Act 2025 would speed the process up. However, instead, the Law Society of Scotland announced a freeze of at least another two years on doing anything at all on ABS.

The main objective of the Group is to encourage and facilitate the introduction of ABS to Scotland.

You can join the ABS Scotland Group by completing the membership application form.

 
INDUSTRY
Lady Drummond appointed to Scottish Sentencing Council
Lady Drummond has been appointed judicial member of the Scottish Sentencing Council, succeeding Lord Matthews. Welcomed by chair Lord Beckett, she brings extensive judicial and legislative experience. A senator of the College of Justice since 2022, she has held senior sheriff and appellate roles.
THE LAW
Assisted dying campaigners request extra time for scrutiny
Campaigners for assisted dying are urging the House of Lords to extend debate time for the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. Concerns are rising that the Bill may not clear parliamentary hurdles before the next King's Speech in early May. Supporters argue that peers should respect the Commons' decision, while critics claim the Bill lacks protections for vulnerable individuals. Kim Leadbeater, who introduced the Bill, said: "This issue has to be resolved. The time has come for Parliament to decide its view."
EMPLOYMENT
Dismissals at Rockstar North raise alarms
Reports that Rockstar North dismissed unionised staff have prompted claims from the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain that the action was unlawful and retaliatory. Robin Turnbull, a Partner at Anderson Strathern, says the case underlines how strongly UK law protects trade union activity and the risks of using dismissal or "gross misconduct" as a default response. Turnbull argues employers should favour evidence-based processes, early engagement and constructive union relations to avoid legal, reputational and workforce backlash.
PRISONS
Barlinnie prison's future under scrutiny
Questions have been raised about the future of HMP Barlinnie after parts of the prison were granted A-listed status by Historic Environment Scotland. Glasgow MSP Paul Sweeney has urged consideration of a feasibility study into adaptive reuse. The Scottish Government said the listing recognises Barlinnie’s historic importance and that advice will be taken before decisions are made on its future use or alterations.
CORPORATE
Scottish BIDs demand business rate discount
Six Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) in Scotland are urging the Government to implement a permanent business rate discount for retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors. This request, led by the Scottish Retail Consortium, aims to maintain competitiveness following the UK Budget, which granted similar discounts in England. The BIDs, representing cities like Inverness and Edinburgh, emphasise that these sectors employ 457,000 Scots. Lorraine Bremner McBride stated: "If Scotland misses out on a permanent discount, it will affect commercial investment and jobs."
LICENSING
West Dunbartonshire Council seeks firework ban
West Dunbartonshire Council is considering a ban on public firework sales ahead of Bonfire Night 2026 to prevent disorder. Following violent incidents last year, councillors are exploring options to enhance public safety. A permit system for residents to buy and use fireworks is proposed, but the Scottish Government has paused the licensing scheme. Deputy council leader David McBride stated: "These incidents are not just a nuisance - they are a serious threat to public safety." The council has requested full implementation of the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022 for better regulation.
FIRMS
Clifford Chance partner earns £7.17m
Clifford Chance's highest-earning partner received a pay rise of nearly 20% to £7.17m, according to the firm's financial report for the year ending April 30, 2025. The total profit share for full-equity partners increased by 12% to £872m, with the number of full equity partners rising by nearly 5% to 543. The firm's overall lawyer headcount also grew by 3% to 2,859. Despite these figures, the highest partner's earnings are still below those at some American firms.
CASES
Man avoids jail after brutal assault
A man who assaulted his mother at her home in Scotstoun, causing four fractured ribs, avoided custody at Glasgow Sheriff Court. David Carrigan, 35, pleaded guilty to severe assault and attacking a police officer, and was sentenced to unpaid work, supervision and compensation.
WESTMINSTER
Drivers face tougher rules
The UK Government has announced a new road safety strategy aimed at reducing fatalities and serious injuries by 65% by 2035. Key measures include stricter drink-driving laws, mandatory eye tests for drivers over 70, and the introduction of automatic emergency braking in new vehicles. The first change to the drink-drive limit in nearly 60 years will mean drivers could be over after a single pint of lager or a large glass of wine. England and Wales's limit of 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath - or 0.08% blood alcohol - has not changed since 1967. Under the proposals it could be cut to 22 micrograms (0.05% blood alcohol). The strategy also proposes increased penalties for uninsured drivers and a learning period for young drivers to enhance their skills.
AND FINALLY...
Divorce delivers a £7k hit
New research highlights the financial impact of divorce, especially for those over 50. On average, incomes drop by £7,753 in the year following a divorce. A quarter of over 50s struggle to rebuild savings after a divorce, with 13% believing they will never recover financially. 

 

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