A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law
Scottish Edition
28th July 2026
 
THE HOT STORY
Police chair faces backlash over Greer case
Campaign group Scotland for Decrim has called for the Scottish Government to replace the chair of its Independent Commission on the Criminalisation of the Purchase of Sex following allegations against former police officer Alan Greer. The group argues recent cases have damaged trust in Police Scotland among sex workers and says the commission should be led by someone outside policing. The Scottish Government said the commission will consider evidence-based proposals, with people with lived experience central to its work, and reiterated its commitment to exploring the criminalisation of purchasing sex.

 
INDUSTRY
Domestic abuse review framework introduced
Community Justice Scotland chief executive Karyn McCluskey has welcomed Scotland's new domestic homicide and suicide review system, introduced under the Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Domestic Behaviour Reviews (Scotland) Act 2025. The reviews examine deaths linked to domestic abuse to identify missed opportunities and improve services rather than assign blame. McCluskey argues the process should mirror accident investigations by focusing on learning, accountability and prevention. She says the success of the new framework will depend on whether its recommendations are implemented to help reduce future domestic abuse fatalities.

 
THE LAW
Schools review toilet provision
More than 100 schools across 14 Scottish local authorities continue to provide some form of mixed-sex toilet provision, according to Freedom of Information responses obtained by campaign group For Women Scotland. The findings follow Scottish Government guidance requiring separate facilities for boys and girls and a recent Court of Session ruling that West Lothian Council acted unlawfully by failing to provide single-sex toilets at a primary school. Several councils said they still operate shared or gender-neutral facilities alongside single-sex provision. COSLA said it is awaiting updated statutory guidance before working with councils and the Scottish Government on any changes needed to ensure compliance with legal requirements.
FIRMS
Scotland's sports sector attracting global investors
Euan Tripp, a partner at legal firm Anderson Strathern, writes in The Scotsman that Scotland's sports and leisure sector is becoming increasingly attractive to global investors. He says interest has expanded beyond football clubs to leisure, tourism and marine infrastructure, with investors seeking businesses offering multiple revenue streams and long-term growth. Tripp highlights Tony Bloom's £9.86m investment in Hearts, the £60m Lost Shore Surf Resort, and the sale of Port Edgar Marina as examples of the trend.
TAX
Business leaders urge review of Scotland’s top income tax rate
Business leaders and economists have called for a review of Scotland's income tax policy after analysis by Tax Policy Associates suggested the SNP's 48p top income tax rate may have reduced public revenues by around £22m in its first year. The report suggests some higher earners changed their financial arrangements in response to the higher rate, reducing expected tax receipts. The Confederation of British Industry and Institute of Directors Scotland said the findings strengthened the case for an independent evaluation of Scotland's tax regime, citing concerns over competitiveness, recruitment and investment. Academics also called for closer monitoring of the policy's economic impact before any future decisions are made.
HOUSING
Scotland urged to match Burnham's housing ambition
A coalition of charities, including Homeless Network Scotland, is urging the Scottish Government to emulate Andy Burnham's ambitious housing plans. They demand the completion of at least 15,700 affordable homes annually to address the housing emergency declared in May 2024. Maggie Brunjes, chief executive of Homeless Network Scotland, highlighted the plight of nearly 250,000 people on waiting lists and the excessive spending on temporary accommodation. She urged: "It is time for Scotland to also now Build like Burnham." The Scottish Government aims to deliver 110,000 affordable homes by 2032, with ongoing investments to support this goal.
PLANNING
Fife data centre proposal faces backlash
More than 14,000 representations have been submitted over plans for a major data centre campus near Auchtertool in Fife. The proposed development would include large data hall buildings, electricity substations and supporting infrastructure, with developers arguing it would strengthen digital infrastructure across Scotland’s Central Belt. The project has faced strong local opposition, while the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has delayed its assessment pending further flood-risk information. Fife Council said all submissions will be reviewed before a planning decision is made, with the remaining representations expected to be published online over the coming weeks.
CRIME
Gang jailed for £4m drug operation
Five men were sentenced to a total of 22.5 years for their involvement in a £4m cocaine and money laundering operation. The gang, which included Ian McIntyre, Kieran Doherty, Calum McKelvie, Jack Sanderson, and Martin Tracey, operated a drugs lab in a Glasgow flat. The case stemmed from Operation Silhouette, a covert police investigation into the group's activities, which included significant drug trafficking and cash laundering.
IMMIGRATION
Burnham hints at migration U-turn
Prime Minister Andy Burnham faces criticism for suggesting a revision of Shabana Mahmood's immigration crackdown. He said he aims to bring a "new pair of eyes" to the issue, which has drawn ire from Labour MPs and unions. Mahmood's proposals require migrants to wait at least 10 years for settlement rights, a move some argue is unfair to those already in the UK. But allies of Ms Mahmood insist the move is necessary to prevent the benefits bill from ballooning as 1.6m foreign nationals who arrived between 2021 and 2025 gain settlement rights. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp condemned Burnham's approach, claiming it fails to address integration issues and could lead to more low-skilled immigration.
LICENSING
Lock-in complaints surge in Edinburgh
Edinburgh Licensing Board heard that complaints about licensed premises doubled during the World Cup, with several reports relating to pubs believed to be operating lock-ins. However, council officers found venues were lawfully using extended opening hours approved for tournament screenings and no enforcement action was required. Police Scotland also reported no significant increase in alcohol-related disorder or issues at fan zones. Councillors said the experience would help inform future decisions on extended licensing hours.
AND FINALLY...
Bronson protests missing custard
Charles Bronson reportedly staged a protest in the exercise yard at HMP Wakefield last week after his apple crumble was served without custard the night before. Britain's most notorious prisoner was first jailed in 1974 at the age of 22.

 

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