A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law

Scottish Labour acting leader Jackie Baillie challenged First Minister John Swinney over the Scottish Government’s forthcoming Court of Session battle with the Scottish Information Commissioner. Ministers are appealing two decisions ordering the release of evidence submitted to the James Hamilton inquiry into Nicola Sturgeon’s handling of harassment complaints against Alex Salmond. The Government argues the commissioner cannot determine whether disclosure would breach court orders protecting complainers’ identities, while the commissioner maintains his office has authority to decide independently. Swinney said ministers were acting in accordance with freedom of information law and court restrictions. Baillie also raised the death of Julie Parker following a four-hour ambulance wait. Swinney described her treatment as unacceptable and confirmed Health Secretary Angela Constance would meet her family.

 

The Herald

 

City of Edinburgh Council has unanimously declared no confidence in the Ethical Standards Commissioner and Standards Commission and called on Scotland’s other councils to do the same. The cross-party motion followed a Court of Session judicial review which found the Standards Commission acted unlawfully by preventing Glasgow councillor Fiona Higgins from submitting documents as evidence in a misconduct case. Councillors raised concerns about democratic accountability, freedom of expression and elected members’ ability to scrutinise decisions. The Standards Commission is appealing the ruling.

 

Herald Scotland

 

Frank McKnight has joined Matheson Lawson as director and head of private client, enhancing the firm's leadership. His appointment allows co-founder Maureen Matheson to focus on strategic growth while remaining involved in private client work. Launched in March 2025, Matheson Lawson has expanded to a 13-member team and introduced a commercial property department.

 

The Scotsman

City of Edinburgh Council obtained 23,530 summary warrants to recover unpaid business rates between April 2024 and July 2026. More than 3,000 accounts had outstanding balances for 2025/26, while formal recovery action was taken against around 2,300 businesses. Summary warrants allow enforcement action and add a 10% statutory penalty to debts. Councillors called for robust action against deliberate non-payment while acknowledging financial pressures facing businesses and council services.

 

The Herald

The Financial Conduct Authority has taken action against suspected illegal peer-to-peer cryptocurrency trading in London, targeting three premises believed to be operating unregistered crypto businesses. Working with tax officials and police under money laundering and terrorist financing regulations, the regulator issued cease-and-desist letters at all three sites.

 

Reuters

The owner of Glasgow’s Rogano restaurant would have lost a Supreme Court dispute with its landlord had the parties not settled before the hearing. Justices unanimously rejected Forthwell’s argument that it could recover profits lost by subsidiary Lynnet Leisure after flooding closed the restaurant. Lord Doherty said the companies had chosen their corporate arrangements and there was no justification for departing from rules restricting recovery of third-party losses.

 

Herald Scotland

The Scotsman

The Independent Inquiry Relating to Afghanistan has incurred costs of £58m over three and a half years without publishing findings. The inquiry investigates allegations of war crimes by the SAS in Afghanistan from 2010 to 2013, including claims of extrajudicial killings. Delays in information disclosure by the Ministry of Defence have hindered progress.

 

BBC News

Daily Mail

Highland Council has backed a motion of no confidence in five councillors who voted to allow convicted rapist David Brown to retain a taxi operator’s licence despite a Police Scotland objection. The motion passed by 56 of 67 councillors present, following widespread criticism of the original licensing decision. Several of those involved defended their actions, saying they had acted within their legal responsibilities and considered public safety. The vote expresses political disapproval but does not require the councillors to resign.

 

STV

The Press and Journal

The Scotsman

A Scottish children's nurse, Amanda Reid, has been struck off after defrauding the Scottish Public Pensions Agency of £185,422.95. She faked terminal leukaemia by shaving her head and forging medical documents. Reid, who claimed to have Munchausen syndrome, was sentenced to two years in prison for her actions.

 

The Daily Record

RPC has introduced a professional development programme aimed at senior leaders to enhance their understanding of neurodiversity. Developed in partnership with Auticon, the programme focuses on legal responsibilities and reasonable adjustments for neurodivergent individuals.

 

The Times