A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law
Scottish Edition
24th September 2026
 
THE HOT STORY
Scotland introduces specialist nurses for assault survivors
Scotland is introducing specialist nurses trained to support survivors of sexual assault. The initiative follows a trial funded by over £700,000 from the Scottish Government, approved by the Lord Advocate for national rollout. Health minister Maree Todd described it as a "significant milestone" for survivors, ensuring they receive compassionate care and can choose the sex of their examiner. Kirsty Arnaud from the sexual assault response co-ordination service emphasised the importance of timely, trauma-informed care. Rape Crisis Scotland also welcomed the move, highlighting improved access to female medical examiners as a key benefit.

 
COURTS
Domestic abuse cases rise in Ayrshire
In 2025/26, Ayrshire's courts processed 2,275 cases of domestic abuse and stalking. Kilmarnock Sheriff Court handled 1,369 cases, while Ayr Sheriff Court dealt with 906. Across Scotland, domestic abuse charges rose to 34,586, a 14% increase from the previous year, marking the highest total since 2014/15. Lord Advocate Ruth Charteris KC expressed concern over the rising reports, stating: "Ending domestic abuse in our communities is an issue for each of us to address every day."

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

 
CORPORATE
Gupta business set for £2.3m Scottish woodland grant
Sanjeev Gupta, the industrialist behind the GFG Alliance business empire, is set to receive £2.3m in Scottish taxpayers' money for woodland restoration despite a Serious Fraud Office investigation and separate legal action by the Scottish Government. Scottish Forestry said the grant to SIMEC Lochaber Hydropower 2 Ltd remains "valid and live" and it has no concerns about continuing funding. The scheme aims to expand native woodland on the 32,500-hectare Jahama estate from 1,425 hectares to 5,700 hectares over 10 years. The Scottish Government said its court action against GFG was intended to protect public funds.
THE LAW
Scottish salmon chiefs win legal battle
Scottish salmon producers have successfully defended their product's protected status against a legal challenge from Animal Equality UK. The UK Government's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs granted a new 'protected geographical indication' (PGI) label, changing 'Scottish farmed salmon' to 'Scottish salmon'. Judge Stewart Wright ruled that the legislation focuses on geographical origin, not production methods.
CASES
Five jailed over West Lothian cannabis farm
Five men have been jailed for a total of 17 years and three months after running a cannabis factory in West Lothian capable of producing drugs worth up to £1.4m. Police discovered 850 plants across three growing areas at a former clothing factory in West Calder after an unexplained rise in electricity use. Hung Nguyen, Wei Nguyen and Bui Nam were each jailed for three years and seven months, while Ho Cuong received four years and Nguyen Phong was sentenced to two years and six months.
King Charles tackles slavery reparations
King Charles has referred a significant slavery reparations petition from Jamaica to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council for legal advice. Olivia Grange, Jamaica's culture minister, noted that while a privy council opinion won't compel reparations, it could influence negotiations and set a precedent for other Commonwealth nations.
TAX
HMRC targets ultra-wealthy and their accountants
HMRC is increasing its oversight of ultra-wealthy individuals with assets in the UK. The tax authority has sent letters to these individuals and their accountants, assigning dedicated tax compliance managers to ensure they fulfil their tax obligations. The move follows criticism from the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee, which accused HMRC of failing to provide transparency about the tax paid by the wealthiest people. Charlie Sosna from Mishcon de Reya said the letters were "requesting all information up to inside trouser leg measurements". He added: "Clients are wary that once HMRC starts pulling at a thread, they don't stop." An HMRC spokesman said: "We want to help all customers get their tax right, including the UK's wealthiest people."
FIRMS
Rory Stewart to address CMS Scotland business conference
Rory Stewart, former Conservative cabinet minister and co-host of The Rest is Politics podcast, will address the CMS Scotland On Point business conference in Edinburgh on October 1. The event, hosted by Kirsty Wark, will focus on leadership in turbulent times. Other speakers include AI broadcaster Stephanie Hare, Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games chief executive Phil Batty and Barclays geopolitical risk head Andrew McDougall.
SOCIAL
Scotland's drug deaths rise 11%
Scotland recorded 1,133 drug-use deaths in 2025, up 11% in a year and 206 below the 2020 peak. The age-adjusted rate was 21.4 per 100,000 people, while mortality in the most deprived areas was 15 times that in the least deprived, affecting communities with entrenched health inequalities. Cocaine contributed to 589 deaths, a 23% annual increase, and nitazenes to 247 deaths. The Scottish Government will open its first local drug-checking service in Glasgow in October, enabling users to test substances for dangerous contaminants, alongside funding for more than 1,100 residential rehabilitation placements last year.

 

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