A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law

An independent review will examine whether the Lord Advocate’s dual role as the Scottish Government’s principal legal adviser and head of Scotland’s prosecution service remains appropriate. First Minister John Swinney said the review, led by former Lord Advocate Lord Boyd of Duncansby, will consider the advantages and disadvantages of current arrangements and alternative models, including the role of the solicitor general. Swinney stressed that no conclusions had been reached and retaining the existing system remains an option. The announcement follows a Scottish Government report published six months ago which described current arrangements as appropriate, but Swinney said it did not address detailed questions about future reform. The review will begin in early 2027 and report later that year, with recommendations expected to safeguard prosecutorial independence, accountability and public confidence.

 

Daily Mail (Scot)

Herald Scotland

The Press and Journal

The Scotsman

 

Scotland’s biometrics commissioner has called for legislation governing the use of live facial recognition technology. Dr Brian Plastow said the technology amounts to highly intrusive mass surveillance and requires safeguards to ensure public acceptance and legitimacy. Police Scotland does not currently use live facial recognition, although British Transport Police deploys it in Scotland. Plastow said Police Scotland should have proportionate access in future to tackle organised crime, terrorism, county lines and violence against women and girls. He also called for independent biometric oversight to extend across the justice system. The Scottish Government said any deployment decision would be an operational matter for Police Scotland’s chief constable.

 

Press Release

The Press and Journal

MSPs have been urged to decriminalise abortion and overhaul Scotland’s legislation by the Let’s Change the Act campaign. The coalition, led by Engender and other abortion rights groups, argues existing laws are outdated and should be replaced. An independent expert group last year concluded the current framework was "not fit for purpose" and recommended removing the requirement for two doctors to approve most abortions. The proposals have been opposed by some religious groups, including the Catholic Church and Free Church of Scotland.

 

Herald Scotland

 

The UK legal sector has voiced concern over Government plans to cut interest on client accounts to fund the Ministry of Justice. Colin Passmore, chairman of the City of London Law Society, said that the proposal could harm smaller firms and divert resources from essential services. Under the proposed Interest on Lawyers’ Client Accounts Scheme, 75% of interest from pooled client accounts and 50% from individual accounts could be remitted to the government to support the justice system. The City of London Law Society and Law Society of England and Wales have strongly opposed the proposal, arguing it amounts to an additional tax on the profession and could undermine access to justice.

 

City AM

HMP Edinburgh is addressing the needs of its ageing inmate population through a dedicated area called The Basement. This initiative supports inmates aged 65 and over, many of whom experience dementia or social isolation. The facility aims to foster community and engagement among older inmates, with activities designed to encourage social interaction. Governor Scott Watson says that some elderly prisoners could be better managed in the community rather than in prison.

 

BBC News

Former snooker world champion Graeme Dott has been sentenced to seven years in prison for sexually abusing two children. He targeted a girl from 1993 to 1996 and a boy from 2006 to 2010. At the High Court in Edinburgh, Judge Lord Harrower said that Dott had "robbed the complainers of a significant part of their childhood." He described Dott's actions as a "gross violation of trust." 

 

BBC News

Daily Mail

The Guardian

The Independent

The Times

The Scottish Legal Aid Board has withdrawn funding from former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, who was jailed for five years and three months after admitting embezzling more than £400,000 from the party. Murrell was granted means-tested legal aid last year, but details later emerged of assets including pension pots worth around £613,000. SLAB confirmed he is no longer receiving legal aid but declined to explain why, citing legal and data protection restrictions.

 

The Scotsman

BTO Solicitors increased turnover by 9% to £23.1m in the year to March, while profit before members’ remuneration and profit shares rose 11.1% to £7.9m. The Scottish law firm, which employs more than 230 people including 49 partners, also strengthened cash generation and substantially reduced external borrowing. Managing partner Grant Hunter said investment continued in staff, technology and operational infrastructure, including AI-enabled solutions, as the firm targets further sustainable growth.

 

The Scotsman

Artificial intelligence (AI) is significantly altering how workplace disputes are managed in the north-east, according to Andrew Knight, an employment law partner at Shepherd and Wedderburn. He noted that over 50% of cases now involve employees using AI to draft grievances and legal claims. Knight cautioned employers against lengthy AI-generated correspondence, advising them to meet employees directly to discuss issues. He stated: "If you believe that AI has been used to draft some of the communications, get the person into a meeting as soon as possible."

 

The Press and Journal

Climate change is beginning to influence some buyers considering Scotland, according to Bidwells partner Angus Kelly. Prospective purchasers from drought-affected parts of southern England have shown interest in West Coast development plots, attracted partly by cooler summers and reliable rainfall. Kelly said changing weather could also reshape housing design, increasing attention on drainage, water management, energy use and keeping homes comfortable during warmer periods. He cautioned that it remains too early to determine whether climate concerns will significantly shift property demand.

 

The Scotsman

New regulations require Scotland's social and private landlords to investigate damp or mould promptly and tackle its root cause from 6 October. The Investigation and Commencement of Repair (Scotland) Regulations 2026 also cover problems found during property inspections. Known as Awaab's Law, they follow two-year-old Awaab Ishak's 2020 death from a mould-related respiratory condition in England. Housing Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: "Everyone deserves the right to live in a warm, safe and secure home, free from disrepair. These regulations mean any reports of damp or mould will be swiftly investigated, with landlords required to appropriately tackle the root cause."

 

STV

Scotland’s Health Secretary Angela Constance has pledged further action on NHS waiting times after figures showed key targets continue to be missed. At the end of August, 506,512 people were waiting for an outpatient appointment and 157,485 for inpatient or day-case treatment. The 62-day cancer treatment target was met for only 73.6% of patients between April and June, against the 95% standard, with every NHS board missing the target. Constance highlighted reductions in the longest waits and £90m of additional investment this year, but said more must be done to increase capacity and ensure patients receive timely treatment.

 

The Press and Journal