A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law
Scottish Edition
21st September 2026
 
THE HOT STORY
Anger over scrapped neurodivergence bill
Campaigners have accused the Scottish Government of betraying autistic, neurodivergent and learning-disabled people by abandoning its proposed Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill. Organisations including the Scottish ADHD Coalition and National Autistic Society criticised the decision after years of consultation and engagement. Campaigner Kelly Given said people had shared traumatic experiences believing they would help shape new legal protections. The Government instead plans targeted measures, arguing legislation would take too long to introduce. Critics reject this approach and are calling for both practical support and statutory protections.

 
SENTENCING
Scotland urged to abolish short sentences
Community Justice Scotland (CJS) has called for the abolition or strict limitation of prison sentences under 12 months, arguing that they should only be used in exceptional cases. CJS highlighted that around 1,080 individuals in Scotland are currently serving such sentences. In a submission to the Scottish government’s consultation on prison reform, CJS warned that without adequate investment, proposed reforms could overwhelm the community justice system. Justice Secretary Neil Gray acknowledged the need for resources, saying: "We know that any increase in community-based interventions would need to be appropriately resourced."

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

 
THE LAW
Scottish Government halts work on council congestion charging powers
The Scottish Government has halted work needed to make local congestion charging powers effective, citing financial pressures on households. Although councils have powers under the Transport Act (Scotland) 2001, further legislation covering enforcement and fines is required. Edinburgh Green transport spokesman Chas Booth said the decision would restrict councils’ ability to raise money for sustainable transport, while council leader Jane Meagher questioned its compatibility with plans for greater local devolution. Edinburgh rejected a £2 daily congestion charge in a 2005 referendum and is not currently pursuing another scheme, although the council previously agreed to discuss the issue with neighbouring authorities and Glasgow.
INDUSTRY
Charities face scrutiny over accounts
The Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) has ordered five Aberdeen charities linked to Wilsone & Duffus to submit overdue accounts for 2024 and 2025. OSCR's inquiry revealed potential misconduct in their administration, prompting formal action. The charities must provide annual reports, statements of account, and trustee details by March 3, 2027. OSCR noted that the charities hold "significant underutilised charitable assets." Rachel Wood from the Law Society of Scotland stated: "We take our regulatory duties very seriously to protect consumers of legal services."
Standards Commission faces scrutiny over unlawful actions
The Standards Commission for Scotland is under investigation after a judge ruled it acted unlawfully in the case of Glasgow councillor Fiona Higgins. The commission faces scrutiny for changing its data retention policies, leading to the destruction of numerous case records amid ongoing legal disputes. Higgins, who is challenging the commission's actions, questioned the destruction of files, highlighting the need for accountability. The commission claims the changes were made to comply with GDPR regulations.
POLICING
Ambulance crews seek police protection at dangerous call-outs
Ambulance crews are being put at risk by a lack of police support at potentially dangerous call-outs, according to GMB Scotland. A survey found 58% of requests for police assistance were refused, while 45% of ambulance workers seeking support had already been attacked. Scottish Ambulance Service figures recorded 369 staff assaults or incidents of verbal abuse in 2024-25. GMB has called for urgent talks with ministers, Police Scotland and the ambulance service.
PRISONS
Prefab cells to ease overcrowding
Scotland plans to address its prison overcrowding crisis by introducing prefabricated modular cells, known as rapid deployment cells, at HMP Castle Huntly. These self-contained units will provide additional space for inmates without the need for new prison construction. The Scottish Prison Service is seeking contractors for this project, which aims to enhance living conditions. Currently, Scotland's prisons exceed their intended capacity, housing 8,506 inmates against a limit of 7,805.
TAX
Scots back reform of council tax system
Eight in 10 respondents to a Scottish Government consultation supported reforming council tax, according to analysis by Tax Justice Scotland. The most popular option was a revalued 14-band system under which owners of higher-value properties would contribute more. Campaigners said the findings demonstrated support for replacing a system still largely based on 1991 property values. The Scottish Government said reform was needed but no decisions had been taken and cross-party agreement would be sought. Ministers highlighted existing support through the Council Tax Reduction scheme, which saves around 460,000 households an average £900 annually, alongside increased charges for second homes and a planned Mansion Tax.
King asked about higher council tax on royal homes
SNP MSP Jack Middleton has asked King Charles whether higher council tax rates will be paid on Balmoral Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Aberdeenshire Council introduced a 200% premium on second homes in September, taking bills to three times the standard rate, while Edinburgh plans a 300% premium. Middleton said the measures were intended to increase housing availability. He also asked whether the King responded to Scottish Government consultation on proposed new council tax bands for properties worth over £1m.
FIRMS
Macdonald Henderson sees strong deal pipeline
Macdonald Henderson managing director Laura McKnight says Scotland’s business community remains resilient despite economic and fiscal pressures. McKnight, who recently succeeded David Beveridge, said the Glasgow law firm continues to see a strong pipeline of deals, particularly as business owners consider succession. Its clients typically have turnover of £1m to £50m, with founders increasingly exploring trade sales, private equity investment and management buyouts. McKnight said rising UK taxation is accelerating decisions among mid-market owners, while buyers are increasingly international, including Nordic, US and European acquirers. She believes Scottish businesses remain attractive because of their technical skills, operational discipline and competitive pricing, creating further opportunities for Macdonald Henderson in M&A and cross-border transactions.
Digby Brown team conquers Ben Nevis for charity
A four-person team from Digby Brown's Ayr office raised £2,310 for charity by climbing Ben Nevis, the UK's highest mountain. Lee Murray, Gareth McFarlane, Natalie Smith, and David Sheridan completed the 17km round trip, facing challenges like midges and steep terrain. The team raised £1,155, which was matched by the firm, benefiting Megan's Space, a charity focused on improving mental wellbeing among young people.
INDEPENDENCE
SNP offers Lib Dems cooperation over EU membership
The SNP has offered to work with the Liberal Democrats towards the UK rejoining the European Union, despite differences over Scottish independence. SNP MSP Alex Kerr urged the Lib Dems to return to supporting full EU membership rather than their current policy of initially joining the single market. Scottish Lib Dem external affairs spokesman David Green questioned the SNP’s pro-European record but said his party wanted the whole UK back in Europe. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Andy Burnham discussed closer UK-EU relations with Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin during talks at No 10 North. Martin backed a stronger relationship, while Burnham highlighted plans for a UK-EU summit during Ireland’s presidency of the Council of the EU.
LICENSING
Highland Council orders independent licensing review
Highland Council has unanimously approved an independent review of its licensing operations following controversy over convicted rapist David Brown retaining his taxi operator’s licence. The review will examine governance, application of the "fit and proper person" test, safeguarding, Police Scotland objections and potential bias or cultural issues. It will begin by December, with findings due by March. Councillors also backed a no-confidence motion in five licensing committee members who supported retaining Brown’s licence.
BREXIT
Edinburgh constituencies among strongest for rejoining EU
All five Edinburgh Westminster constituencies rank among the UK’s top 10 for support for rejoining the EU, according to polling by Best for Britain. Edinburgh North & Leith and Edinburgh West recorded 50% support, behind only Bristol Central on 51%, while the city’s other three seats reached 48%. Across Scotland, support averaged 43%, compared with 35% across Great Britain. Rejoining the EU was the most popular of six options presented to voters.
HOLYROOD
Marra elected Scottish Labour leader
Michael Marra has been elected Scottish Labour leader, securing 63% of the vote to defeat Joe Fagan. The North East Scotland MSP replaces Anas Sarwar, who resigned after joining Andy Burnham’s UK government as a trade minister. Marra takes charge following Labour’s worst Scottish Parliament election performance since devolution, despite its strong showing at the 2024 general election. He pledged to spend his first 100 days travelling across Scotland to reconnect with voters and expand Labour’s appeal beyond its traditional central-belt heartlands. Marra, who made school reform central to his leadership campaign, promised to improve Scotland’s education system and work with the UK government to secure the “best deal” for Scotland. He also reiterated support for approving the Jackdaw gasfield and Rosebank oilfield.
AWARDS
Scottish law firms celebrate awards success
Jones Whyte was named Firm of the Year at the Scottish Legal Awards, also winning Marketing & Business Development Team of the Year, while Abbie Weir secured Paralegal of the Year. Paisley-based MJC LAW won Excellence in Community Care & Social Responsibility, recognising its pro bono legal support, legal education and wider community initiatives.

 

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