A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law
Scottish Edition
18th August 2026
 
THE HOT STORY
Equal pay plan would see some staff take pay cuts
Councillors on Glasgow City Council's city administration committee will this week be asked to approve a new equal pay framework that would boost pay for the majority of council workers - while around 11% would see their wages cut. Under the proposed framework, intended to bring an end to years of disputes over equal pay, 63% of staff would see a financial benefit, while 26% would see little or no change - and those taking pay cuts would have their pay protected for six months before any cuts come into effect. Council leader Cllr Susan Aitken said she is "very conscious that, while this process is the end of a decades-long fight for equality for many of our staff, a smaller number are going to find it difficult", adding that she has "written to the Chief Executive to ask that we explore every possible mitigation, without compromising the integrity of the scheme".

 
SENTENCING
Early release should reward good behaviour
Writing in The Scotsman, former police officer Tom Wood criticises automatic early release halfway through many prison sentences, saying it weakens incentives for good behaviour and rehabilitation. He believes sentence reductions should instead reward good conduct and apply only to certain prisoners. Wood says years of underinvestment have left policing, courts, social work and prisons under severe strain, and calls for a long-term, evidence-based strategy offering meaningful alternatives to imprisonment.

Are you a conveyancer wishing things could be different?

As a traditional conveyancing solicitor, are you:
  • Fed up with the technology employed?
  • Annoyed with the lack of support?
  • Disgruntled by the way the cake is divided up?
The good news is that things can be different with Plug & Play Law!

Plug & Play Law gives you:
  • Properly developed and implemented document automation for all your conveyancing documents and processes.
  • Experienced conveyancing support staff to assist you with much of the day-to-day work.
  • More of the fees you generate; complete freedom of how, where and when you work; and allows you to focus on doing the legal work that you love to do.
Find out if Plug & Play Law is a good fit for you. Simply complete the scorecard for conveyancers.

Read more

 
TECHNOLOGY
SRA warns lawyers on AI misuse
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has issued a warning to lawyers about their accountability for AI-generated citations presented in court. Senior solicitors supervising junior staff may breach regulatory requirements if they fail to verify the accuracy of AI outputs, the SRA said. "As a regulated profession, solicitors have the responsibility to act in the best interests of their client, which includes using AI and other technologies responsibly. The warning notice is a reminder of how this should be applied in practice," Law Society of England and Wales vice president, Brett Dixon, said.
INDUSTRY
SLCC consults on regulatory oversight approach
The Scottish Legal Complaints Commission (SLCC) is consulting on an updated approach to using its regulatory oversight powers ahead of their expansion under the Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Act 2025. The SLCC oversees complaint handling and redress arrangements operated by bodies including the Law Society of Scotland and Faculty of Advocates. Its work includes investigating complaint handling, auditing records and monitoring indemnity insurance and client protection arrangements. Vicky Crichton, SLCC director of public policy, said the approach aims to promote public confidence in legal services regulation and drive improvement. The consultation closes at 5pm on 18 November.
Lawscot Foundation seeks solicitor mentors
The Lawscot Foundation is seeking Scottish solicitors to mentor aspiring lawyers facing socioeconomic barriers. Mentors provide students studying Scots law with practical advice, professional insights and support with entering the legal profession, with training and ongoing assistance provided. Foundation chair Kay McCorquodale said mentors can boost students’ confidence and “demystify the legal world”. Applications for the mentoring programme close at noon on Wednesday 26 August.
PLANNING
Major data centres to require environmental assessments
Public finance minister Hannah Mary Goodlad has announced that going forward, planning authorities will have to require environmental impact assessments (EIAs) for data centre developments exceeding 50MW, with any such applications to also be forwarded to the Scottish Government. The Scottish Government has also contacted Fife Council to confirm that an EIA will be required for ILI Group's plans for a £5bn data centre facility at Auchtertool, saying the "proposed development is likely to have significant environmental effects". Thousands of people have objected to the Auchtertool facility amid a wider trend of opposition to new data centres, with concerns including their environmental impact, their electricity consumption, and their impact on local communities.
FIRMS
All jobs at risk as Glasgow law firm enters administration
Glasgow law firm DJ Mackay & Partners LLP has entered administration after experiencing financial difficulties, putting 16 jobs at risk. Shona Campbell of Henderson Loggie has been appointed administrator, with the immediate priority to secure client files, protect confidential information and maintain continuity for ongoing cases. The personal injury specialist, founded in 2017, is working with regulators and other stakeholders to transfer and manage live cases, with the process expected to conclude by the end of August.
CASES
Edinburgh venue admits unlawful discrimination
An Edinburgh venue has acknowledged unlawfully discriminating against comedian Philip Simon after cancelling his show due to his comments on the Palestine conflict. Simon said he was removed for being Jewish, saying he had never "expressed support for anything other than freeing the hostages and finding a way to peace". His lawyer, David Welsh, revealed in court that the venue admitted to discrimination under the Equalities Act.
ENERGY
Pinsent Masons partner backs approval of North Sea projects
Chris Sawyer, a partner at Pinsent Masons, says approving the Jackdaw and Rosebank oil and gas projects would support the UK Government’s growth, energy security and climate objectives. He contends that blocking the developments would not reduce UK oil and gas consumption, but instead increase reliance on imports, potentially raising emissions while sacrificing domestic jobs and tax revenues. Sawyer also believes approval would be consistent with Labour’s manifesto commitment to honour existing licences.
AND FINALLY...
Self-defence classes can help children regulate their behaviour
Speaking at the launch of Violence Prevention Week in Glasgow, Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Wendy Middleton has called for more children and young people to take self-defence classes such as boxing and martial arts to help them learn to regulate their behaviour and emotions. Ms Middleton said police "understand adverse childhood experiences, and we understand that inability to regulate behaviours at times".

 

Legal Slice delivers the latest, most relevant, and useful legal intelligence each weekday morning with intelligence, designed specifically for legal professionals, including attorneys, practice owners, judges, legal scholars, and influencers.

Content is selected to an exacting brief from hundreds of influential media sources and summarised by experienced journalists into an easy-to-read digest email. The links under articles indicate original news sources. Some links lead directly to the source material. Others lead to paywalls where you may need a subscription. A third category are restricted by copyright rules.

For reaction and insights on any stories covered in Legal Slice, join the discussion by becoming a member of our LinkedIn Group or Business Page, or follow us on Twitter.

If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities within Legal Slice, please get in touch via email sales team

Follow us on FacebookFollow us on XFollow us on Linkedin

This e-mail has been sent to [[EMAIL_TO]]

Click here to unsubscribe