A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law
Scottish Edition
22nd July 2026
 
THE HOT STORY
Scotland reviews legal aid rules after Murrell case
The Scottish Government has launched a consultation on legal aid reform that could introduce repayment rules for criminal cases, following scrutiny of the support received by Peter Murrell. The former SNP chief executive qualified for means-tested legal aid after prosecutors froze his assets, but current Scottish rules do not require repayment if funds are later released. The proposed changes aim to create a more consistent system across civil and criminal legal aid. Scotland's legal aid budget reached a record £169m in 2024/25, supporting around 170,000 grants. The review will inform a new Legal Aid (Scotland) Bill. Law Society of Scotland president Serena Sutherland said: "The current arrangements make it unsustainable for many solicitors to provide legal aid funded advice to people who need their help. These legal aid reforms must rise to the challenge."

 
POLICING
SFA publishes damning report on Old Firm unrest
The Scottish Football Association (SFA) has published the results of an independent review into March's Scottish Cup match between Celtic and Rangers at Ibrox that was marred by a pitch invasion, with fans carrying weapons and throwing flares. The report raises concerns over the handling of the match by both clubs, and over Police Scotland's management on the day, including the proximity of club ultras to the pitch. The report's lead author, Mark Blackbourne, said it was "deeply disturbing" that a post-match meeting organised by Glasgow City Council heard that experienced Police Scotland officers were "petrified" of policing another match at the stadium, something which "demands the most serious attention from all parties with responsibility for the governance of safety and security at major football fixtures in Scotland".

 
CASES
Teenagers jailed for Kayden Moy murder
Three teenagers have been jailed for murdering 16-year-old Kayden Moy during a confrontation between rival groups at Irvine Beach in May 2025. Cole Turley, 18, and Jay Stewart, 19, were sentenced to life imprisonment with minimum terms of 16 years, while a 15-year-old received a minimum 14-year detention order. Judge Lord Scott said the killing was "pointless and unnecessary" after the group travelled armed to the beach seeking revenge. Moy's family said the sentence brought justice but could not ease their loss.
Falklands veteran spared jail in cocaine case
Former soldier Timothy Shaw has avoided prison after admitting he transported £800,000 worth of cocaine to repay a debt. The 64-year-old, a Falklands and Northern Ireland veteran, was stopped on the A74(M) in 2025 with 10 blocks of high-purity cocaine in his car. Despite Lord Scott saying imprisonment was appropriate, Shaw was given 300 hours of unpaid work and one year’s supervision.
Biologist takes Dundee University to tribunal
A former biologist at Dundee University is pursuing legal action against the institution for alleged unfair dismissal and whistleblowing. Elad Katz claims he was forced out after raising concerns about the handling of commercial research. He was made redundant in June 2025, only to be rehired briefly before facing a second redundancy.
CRIME
Illegal tobacco seized in high street raids
HMRC officers, supported by police and other agencies, have carried out unannounced visits to 11 shops across Scotland as part of a crackdown on illegal activity. More than 139,000 illicit cigarettes and 29kg of hand-rolling tobacco were seized, with £10,000 in fines issued. A 20-year-old man was arrested in Dumfries on suspicion of excise duty fraud. The operation forms part of HMRC’s wider campaign against tax evasion, money laundering and organised crime.

 
STV
FIRMS
Burness Paull expands Glasgow office space
Burness Paull has expanded its Glasgow office at Two Atlantic Square, taking over the second floor. This move follows the firm's existing occupancy of the fourth floor. Mark Ellis, managing partner, stated: "The extension of our Glasgow office is a significant investment as we enhance our working environment."
INDEPENDENCE
Burnham rebuffs call for second referendum
Newly-appointed Prime Minister Andy Burnham has told First Minister John Swinney that the two leaders will have to "agree to disagree" on the subject of a second independence referendum, it has been reported. Mr Burnham and Mr Swinney spoke yesterday, with a Scottish Government spokesperson saying Mr Swinney had "set out his commitment to both governments working constructively together to address the cost-of-living crisis and to lower energy bills", while a UK Government spokesperson said Mr Burnham "said together they could drive deeper devolution to all parts of the United Kingdom to get growth going", but was "focused on practical measures, not constitutional changes like further referendums, to give families more breathing room by helping them with the cost of living".
EMPLOYMENT
Unemployment steady as vacancies fall
Office for National Statistics (ONS) data shows that unemployment in the UK remains steady at 4.9%, despite a significant drop in job vacancies, which fell to 712,000 in May, nearly half the level of 2022. Private sector earnings growth dropped to 2.9%, putting the average rise in earnings, including bonuses, at 4.3%.
AND FINALLY...
McCoist scores victory in tree dispute
Football pundit Ally McCoist has won a dispute over 90ft sycamore trees at his Renfrewshire home after a neighbour's appeal was rejected. Retired British Airways pilot Alan Tyers claimed the trees blocked light, caused branch damage and posed a storm risk. Renfrewshire Council refused his request for action, a decision upheld by the Scottish Government. Officials ruled the trees did not meet the legal definition of a "high hedge."

 

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