A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law
Scottish Edition
2nd March 2026
 
THE HOT STORY
FM told of Sturgeon investigation outcome before public
Reports indicate First Minister John Swinney was informed that the police investigation into Nicola Sturgeon had been dropped shortly before her lawyer was notified and before public confirmation. Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain KC, who serves both as the Scottish Government’s principal legal adviser and chief prosecutor, provided Mr Swinney with memos about the case, including details of charges against Peter Murrell, Sturgeon’s estranged husband. The Crown Office said the information shared was limited and intended to protect proceedings, stressing prosecutorial independence. Opposition parties have questioned the dual role of the Lord Advocate and called for it to be split. The Scottish Government said law officers act independently and that providing appropriate factual updates to the First Minister is permitted.

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THE LAW
Assisted dying costs raise NHS funding concerns
Ministers have warned that proposed assisted dying legislation in Scotland could create significant financial pressures for the NHS, prompting concerns about impacts on existing services. The bill would allow terminally ill adults to request a self-administered life-ending drug with approval from two doctors. Initial implementation costs are estimated at £4.2m, with ongoing costs of £1.75m every three years, although ministers suggest these could rise higher. Health Secretary Neil Gray said any spending would require reprioritisation within health budgets. Critics argue the financial implications are underestimated, while supporters say investment would improve compassion and safety for patients.
Scotland's assisted dying laws under fire
Prof David Galloway, former president of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, has raised serious concerns about the proposed Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill. He described the safeguards for vulnerable individuals as "laughable" and accused supporters of spreading "misinformation" regarding public support. Galloway emphasised that the definition of terminal illness in the bill is overly broad, potentially including chronic illnesses. He stated: "The public may think that they are signing up for a serene and dignified death, that they will take a wee pill and gently slip away."


 
INDUSTRY
Legal concerns raised over black-market hormone access
Doctors are calling for an urgent investigation into trans community groups allegedly advising young people on accessing black-market hormones and puberty blockers, raising significant legal and safeguarding concerns. A UK-wide ban currently prohibits supplying such medication to under-18s without an existing prescription, meaning informal distribution networks could breach medicines and child-protection laws. Medics warned that providing injecting equipment, dosage guidance and sourcing information without clinical oversight may expose organisers to regulatory or criminal scrutiny, despite disclaimers denying medical liability. Police Scotland said drug trends are monitored, while NHS leaders stressed the risks of unregulated medicines. The issue highlights tensions between harm-reduction approaches and existing legal frameworks governing prescription drugs and patient safety.
Calls for justice reform to tackle domestic abuse
The head of Scottish Women’s Aid has warned that rising male violence in Scotland requires major criminal justice reform, including stronger rehabilitation programmes to prevent reoffending. Helpline demand rose 50% last year, with more than 10,000 contacts in six months, while recorded domestic abuse crimes reached 39,323 in 2024-25. Dr Marsha Scott said official figures likely understate the true scale and argued systemic changes across policing, courts and social services are needed. She also highlighted the importance of prevention, supervision measures and addressing underlying inequalities affecting women.
PRISONS
Court begins inquiry into prison death
The Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) has commenced regarding the death of Reece Sweeney, 24, at HMP Shotts on June 20, 2023. Sweeney was in legal custody when he died, prompting the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) to investigate. He was previously sentenced to life for the murder of Jamie McGready in 2020. A Preliminary Hearing is scheduled for April 10, 2026, at Hamilton Sheriff Court. Lorraine Almond of COPFS stated: "The Lord Advocate considers that the death of Reece Sweeney occurred whilst he was in legal custody and as such a Fatal Accident Inquiry is mandatory."
TAX
Cosla calls for council tax replacement
Cosla has urged political parties ahead of May’s Holyrood election to develop plans to scrap and replace council tax rather than reform it. The call comes as councils prepare to set next year’s budgets, with most expected to increase charges amid ongoing financial pressures. Cosla resources spokesperson Ricky Bell said funding from the Scottish Government remained insufficient to meet rising demand, particularly in social care and education support needs. He described council tax as a regressive system that places a heavier burden on lower-income households and argued a long-term funding solution was needed. Bell said parties should commit to replacing the tax and then set out alternative models. The Scottish Government previously pledged reform in 2007 but has yet to introduce a replacement.
HEALTH
Ventilation concerns resurface at Glasgow’s QEUH
Concerns about the ventilation system at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) in Glasgow were highlighted in a recent assessment, despite reassurances from First Minister John Swinney regarding safety. A review by M&M Compliance Training uncovered potential fire hazards, unclean conditions, and questionable air filters in wards for immunocompromised patients. The report followed concerns from families of patients affected by infections and fatalities linked to the hospital. Swinney acknowledged issues with the water and ventilation systems but expressed confidence in ongoing remediation efforts.
TECHNOLOGY
Think tank criticises Scotland’s NHS tech rollout
A report from the Tony Blair Institute has criticised Scotland’s NHS for slow adoption of digital technology, arguing reluctance to use systems developed in England has delayed improvements. Patients north of the border are only now receiving limited access to an appointments and records app introduced in England in 2018. The report also highlighted fragmented governance across multiple health boards, small-scale pilot programmes and duplicated technology assessments as barriers to innovation. It suggested reforms could help any future Holyrood government accelerate digital transformation and improve efficiency. Scottish ministers said a national app rollout would begin in April, alongside wider investment in digital health infrastructure, and rejected claims the system was falling behind.
Glasgow reinstates 24-hour CCTV monitoring
Glasgow City Council will reinstate 24-hour CCTV monitoring following a budget decision. This change comes after a reduction to 12 hours a day earlier in 2023, which left residents concerned about safety. Bill Beckett, chair of Garnethill Neighbourhood Watch, expressed community relief, saying: "Everybody is happy and will hopefully be feeling a bit safer." GMB Scotland welcomed the decision, emphasising the importance of round-the-clock monitoring for public safety. A council spokesperson confirmed plans to recruit staff quickly to implement the new arrangements by summer 2026.
Meta probes AI accounts sexualising disabled
Meta is investigating AI-generated social media accounts that sexualise disabled individuals. The BBC highlighted numerous profiles featuring fake images of women with disabilities in sexualised contexts. Kamran Mallick, CEO of Disability Rights UK, condemned these accounts as "horrific," stating they strip disabled people of their dignity. Medical charities also expressed concern, labelling the portrayal of conjoined twins as entertainment "morally reprehensible." An Ofcom spokesperson noted the need for tech firms to address harmful content under the Online Safety Act.
EDUCATION
Edinburgh schools face rising violence crisis
Violence in Edinburgh schools is escalating, with 14 injuries reported daily due to violent incidents. Parents and teachers express alarm over the situation, exacerbated by unrestricted smartphone access during school hours. Smartphones contribute to bullying and the sharing of violent acts, as seen in a recent incident in Fife. Schools like Portobello and South Queensferry have implemented device pouches, supported by 86% of parents and pupils. Miles Briggs, Conservative MSP for Lothian, advocates for national legislation to ban mobile phones in schools and empower headteachers to manage disruptive behaviour effectively.
SECURITY
UK terror threat under review, Healey says
Following recent strikes by Israel and the US on Iran, Tehran has launched counterattacks, raising concerns about potential terror threats. UK Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed that the UK's terror threat level is under review. He noted that the current threat is "substantial," indicating an attack is likely. He assured confidence in intelligence agencies to manage these threats, while Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood will announce any changes to the terror threat level.
WESTMINSTER
Home Secretary's tough asylum plans unveiled
Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary, is set to introduce new legislation to reform the UK's asylum system. She argues that the current system attracts migrants, fuels human trafficking, and encourages false claims. Mahmood warns that failing to address migration could empower far-right groups and create community divisions. She said: "Illegal migration is undermining the contract between government and its citizens." Her proposals follow a visit to Denmark, which has a stringent asylum policy, and aim to balance compassion with control in immigration. "The alternative is the far-right raising the drawbridge and bringing havoc and chaos to Britain's streets with ICE-style raids dividing our communities," she warns. Up to 40 Labour MPs may oppose her plans, citing moral concerns.
INTERNATIONAL
Maldives challenges UK over Chagos Islands
The Maldives is preparing to legally challenge the UK’s plans to transfer the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. A spokesperson from the Maldivian Foreign Office stated they are "exploring options" for a legal review, asserting their territorial claim over the archipelago. The Maldivian government has expressed concerns about the deal's legality and its implications for regional maritime boundaries. Azima Shakoor, a former Attorney General of the Maldives, emphasised: "Chagos is our land and it should be returned to us." The UK’s plans face further complications due to the need for US approval.
AND FINALLY...
Parking meters vandalised amid charge protests
Parking meters in North Berwick have been vandalised after the introduction of new charges, with glue causing nearly £40,000 of damage to 30 machines installed by East Lothian Council. The scheme, offering 45 minutes free parking followed by small fees, has faced strong local opposition, including a 7,000-signature petition. Police have condemned the damage, while community representatives have called for a review of the plans. The council said the rollout has been delayed until April and remains committed to implementing the charges.

 

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