A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law
Scottish Edition
15th April 2026
 
THE HOT STORY
Rapists seek to overturn convictions
Following a Supreme Court ruling, rapists are launching legal bids to overturn their convictions at a rate of one every 11 days. The Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission (SCCRC) reported 13 active applications since mid-November. This ruling allows jurors to consider a victim's sexual history, raising concerns among victims' advocates. Sharon Dowey, Scottish Tories' spokesman for victims, called the situation "extremely unsettling." Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain, KC, noted that victims now face "renewed anxiety" as appeals increase. The SCCRC anticipates a significant rise in applications from 2013 to 2025.

 
INDUSTRY
Street Law opens doors for youth
The Street Law programme, run by the Law Society of Scotland, aims to introduce young people to legal concepts and inspire them to consider careers in law. Over 12 years, it has engaged thousands of pupils and trained hundreds of Street lawyers. Claire Welsh, a trainee solicitor at Pinsent Masons, highlights the programme's adaptation to fit within her firm's environment, offering monthly sessions and networking opportunities. The initiative targets students from diverse backgrounds, aiming to break down barriers and provide pathways into the legal profession. Welsh stated: "We have to ask - how can we make the door behind us wider?"


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.

 
PRISONS
Court process begins for Burza inquiry
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has initiated a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) into the death of Michael Burza, a 37-year-old prisoner found dead in his cell at HMP Perth on August 4, 2022. As Burza was in legal custody, the FAI is mandatory. The inquiry aims to determine the cause and circumstances of his death and to identify measures to prevent similar incidents. A preliminary hearing is set for June 4, 2026.
CRIME
Tool theft figures drop as incidents go unreported
Tool theft incidents have decreased by 17% in 2025, with 26,724 reports made, equating to one theft every 20 minutes. However, many tradespeople are not reporting thefts, with 23% saying they feel nothing is done. The average value of stolen tools is £1,300, leading to an estimated £35m in losses last year.
CASES
Rightmove used to target luxury homes
An Albanian gang has been jailed after carrying out nearly 60 high-value burglaries across the UK, stealing around £1m in goods. The group used Rightmove and Google to access property layouts, helping them plan targeted break-ins. Police linked offences across multiple regions using CCTV, phone data and a distinctive trainer footprint. Four men received sentences of up to 10 years and nine months, while a fifth awaits sentencing.
TECHNOLOGY
Seminar explores role of AI in transforming HR functions
BTO Solicitors LLP and Emploi are hosting a three-part seminar series examining how artificial intelligence is reshaping human resources. The first session will explore how AI can improve efficiency, reduce costs and shift HR from an administrative role to a strategic function. Led by Emploi founder Scott Baxter, the event will include practical examples of AI in HR, followed by a legal Q&A with employment specialist Dawn Robertson. Aimed at business leaders and HR professionals, the series will also address ethical and legal considerations, highlighting both the opportunities and risks of adopting AI in workplace management.
IMMIGRATION
Immigration savings overstated, says expert
Labour's proposed immigration reforms may save only £600m, far less that the £10bn claimed by Shabana Mahmood, according to new analysis. The Home Secretary's plan extends the wait for settled status from five to ten years, a move aimed at reducing public service costs. However, Jonathan Portes, an economics professor, argues that the actual savings are significantly lower. He said: "Ms Mahmood's claim that her proposals are necessary to save £10bn has been thoroughly debunked by the Government's own data." The Home Office clarified that the £10bn figure illustrates lifetime costs, not potential savings.
INTERNATIONAL
Evergrande boss pleads guilty to fraud
Hui Ka Yan, the founder of Chinese property developer Evergrande, has pleaded guilty to misuse of funds, illegally taking public deposits and fundraising fraud. Mr Hui and the company also face charges of illegally extending loans, fraudulently issuing securities and bribery. In 2024, China's securities regulator fined Mr Hui $6.6m and barred him from the securities market for life, after finding that Evergrande had inflated its revenue by $78bn and committed securities fraud. The firm has defaulted on $300bn in liabilities since 2021. 
ECONOMY
IMF downgrades UK growth forecast
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has downgraded the UK's growth forecast for 2026 by 0.5%, now predicting a rise of just 0.8%. This marks the largest downgrade among G7 nations, with the forecasted decline attributed to trade disruptions from the conflict in the Middle East. The IMF expects GDP growth for the UK to come in at 1.3% in 2027, with this a 0.2 percentage point downgrade on its previous forecast. Inflation in the UK is expected to reach 3.2% this year, the highest alongside the US, before easing to 2.4% in 2027. Chancellor Rachel Reeves commented: "The war in Iran is not our war, but it will come at a cost to the UK." Shadow Chancellor Sir Mel Stride said Ms Reeves had "no one to blame but herself" for the downgrade, noting that she "hiked National Insurance in her first Budget, doubling inflation and sending unemployment soaring."
OTHER
Remembering Alastair McKie’s legacy
Alastair McKie, a consultant and former partner at Anderson Strathern, has passed away. Joining the firm in 1999, he significantly influenced planning and development, especially in renewable energy. McKie became a partner in 2001, known for his technical expertise and advocacy skills. He was passionate about outdoor pursuits and co-founded a hillwalking group for lawyers. Colleagues praised his intellect and mentorship. One remarked: "He was a friend, mentor, colleague, in that order."

 

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