A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law

Calls to separate Scotland’s Lord Advocate role are set to be examined by the UK Government after Labour peer Baroness Margaret Curran said the issue requires attention. The Lord Advocate currently serves as both the Scottish Government’s chief legal adviser and head of the independent prosecution service. Concerns over potential conflicts of interest have intensified following the Peter Murrell case, after the previous Lord Advocate informed First Minister John Swinney about court-related details. The Scottish Government has said it is open to discussions on possible reform of the role. In the House of Lords yesterday, Tory peer Lord Cameron of Lochiel said: "The dual role has become increasingly difficult to justify," with Baroness Curran responding: "He is of course right to emphasise that this has become a very significant issue of public debate in Scotland... it is a matter that does demand attention."

 

Daily Mail (Scot)

 

Glasgow East MP John Grady has called for an independent public inquiry to be held into the so-called Beastie House child abuse ring, accusing Glasgow City Council of failing four children identified as victims in a High Court trial that resulted in seven convictions for crimes including rape, assault, and abuse. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy said it was "evident that these children were dreadfully failed" and said the council should act on the Learning Review Report led by Judith Tait, adding: "I know my honourable friend has written to the Scottish Government to request an independent inquiry. The SNP should consider this request with the gravity that it deserves."

 

Herald Scotland

The Daily Record

 

Two groups of donors are considering legal action against the Scottish National Party over more than £660,000 raised for a future independence referendum campaign. A group of donors, represented by Halliday Campbell, is seeking refunds through civil proceedings after the funds were spent on wider party activities. Activists Sean Clerkin and David Henry are also exploring legal options. The dispute follows Police Scotland’s Operation Branchform investigation into SNP finances.

 

The Daily Record

A foster father has won a legal battle to administer his late foster daughter's estate after Scots inheritance rules initially placed her abusive birth parents first in line. The 24-year-old, who had been removed from their care due to abuse and neglect, died without a formal will. Lawyers at Scullion LAW argued that a letter she left behind showed her wishes. The court agreed, appointing her foster father as executor.

 

Herald Scotland

A 23-year-old man has been jailed for eight years after admitting causing the death of 19-year-old Erin Slane, who died in a crash while he was driving at 119mph after drinking. Kyle Patrick was also banned from driving for 10 years, with the judge condemning his “complete disregard” for safety.

 

Sky News

BBC News

An XL Bully has been ordered to be destroyed after attacking a woman and her Shih Tzu at a Dundee block of flats. Owner Jamie Maloney admitted allowing the banned breed to be dangerously out of control. The victim suffered a fractured pelvis, dislocated shoulder and bruised ribs. Maloney was given an eight-month restriction of liberty order.

 

The Courier

Scots caught smuggling cannabis from Thailand face new fines or up to two years in jail as authorities tackle a surge in drug couriers. The National Crime Agency said Thailand has become the leading source of imported cannabis, with UK seizures rising 50% in the past year. Under new rules, smugglers face fines of around £680 per kilo, with average hauls resulting in penalties of almost £18,000. The warning follows several Scottish cases, including couriers jailed for bringing large quantities of cannabis through Edinburgh Airport. Officials said criminals often recruit couriers through social media with promises of free holidays.

 

STV News

Senior executives are increasingly being pushed out by employers racing to complete redundancies before new Employment Rights Act changes take effect in January, according to employment lawyers. The reforms will remove the current cap on unfair dismissal compensation - currently set at £123,543 - potentially making future payouts for highly paid staff significantly more expensive. Law firms report a sharp rise in senior staff seeking legal advice, with employers accelerating consultation processes and targeting costly executives while redundancies remain cheaper. The changes are expected to increase disputes over severance packages and restrictive covenants, as departing executives challenge what they see as unfair treatment.

 

City AM

As Europe faces extreme heat, unions are advocating for new laws to protect workers from heat stress, which causes around 230 deaths annually. They are seeking rights to heat breaks and adjusted working hours. The Trades Union Congress is calling for a maximum working temperature, saying employers should take steps to reduce workplace temperatures if exceed 24C, with workers given the right to stop work if they reach 30C.

 

The Guardian

Human rights campaigners are demanding an investigation into the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) for failing to address data breaches linked to the Home Office's eVisa system. A letter co-ordinated by the Open Rights Group and sent to Dame Chi Onwurah, chair of the Science, Innovation and Technology Select Committee, says "the human price of data non-compliance is high and unjustifiable." It is noted that the ICO received 851 complaints about the Home Office between December 2023 and December 2025.

 

The Independent

Ruth Ellis, the last woman executed in the UK, has been granted a conditional posthumous pardon. Justice Secretary David Lammy announced that her death sentence for murdering her abusive lover, David Blakely, will be commuted to life imprisonment.

 

BBC News