A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law
Scottish Edition
2nd October 2026
 
THE HOT STORY
Nearly 500 serious maternity incidents recorded in Scotland
Nearly 500 serious adverse events were recorded across Scottish maternity and neonatal services between 2023/24 and 2025/26, including neonatal and maternal deaths, stillbirths, injuries, falls and delays in diagnosis. NHS Lothian recorded the highest number, with 229 incidents, while NHS Lanarkshire reported 93 and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde 81. The overall figure is likely to be higher because of inconsistencies in how health boards record and disclose incidents. Patient groups called for more consistent reporting and robust investigations. Health Secretary Angela Constance described the cases as "deeply concerning" and said an independent review of maternity services would examine safety and standards.

 
EMPLOYMENT
Unions condemn threat of compulsory redundancies
Scottish unions have criticised Public Sector Reform Secretary Ivan McKee after he indicated compulsory redundancies could be considered as a last resort under government plans to reduce the workforce. McKee told MSPs the option could be used where there was no continuing role for an employee and other avenues had been exhausted. Unite said it would oppose compulsory job losses, while the STUC demanded clarification. The Scottish Government aims to reduce its workforce by 12,000 by 2031 as it tackles a projected £5bn deficit. The row follows reports that 32 government employees whose roles are no longer required remain on full pay while awaiting redeployment under the existing no-compulsory-redundancy policy.
Glasgow council resumes fire-and-rehire process
Glasgow City Council has resumed issuing fire-and-rehire letters to Unison members after talks over a long-running equal pay dispute broke down. The council plans to dismiss 23,000 non-teaching staff and re-engage them on new contracts, although the process had been paused following an intervention by Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth. The council said Unison had refused to ballot members on an improved offer including an additional year of pay protection. It is continuing discussions with Unite and GMB aimed at preventing their members from being dismissed and rehired. Council leader Ricky Bell expressed disappointment at Unison’s decision.
New bereavement rights for employees
The Government will extend bereavement and pregnancy loss rights from April, allowing employees to take two weeks' unpaid leave after losing a spouse, partner, parent, adult child, or sibling. This new entitlement also covers pregnancy loss, including miscarriage and unsuccessful IVF transfers. Employees can take leave within 56 weeks of the loss, with minimal notice required. Dr Anne Sammon, Partner at Pinsent Masons, noted that the changes aim to provide employees with necessary time off while balancing employer responsibilities. The statutory scheme will be unpaid, but employers may offer paid leave.

 
THE LAW
Scotland introduces restrictions on unhealthy food promotions
New restrictions on foods high in fat, sugar and salt have taken effect across Scotland. Businesses with more than 50 employees can no longer display products including sugary drinks, confectionery, biscuits and cereals at entrances, checkouts or aisle ends. Certain promotions, including free sugary drink refills, are also restricted. Public Health Minister Maree Todd said the measures aim to make healthier choices easier and help reduce obesity.
HEALTH
Doctors oppose plans to cut Scottish health boards
The British Medical Association has urged the Scottish Government to rethink plans to replace Scotland’s 14 territorial health boards with two strategic boards. BMA Scotland chair Dr Nora Murray-Cavanagh warned the restructuring could be costly, weaken local accountability and increase travel for patients, particularly in rural areas. She also criticised the lack of evidence and consultation with doctors. Health Secretary Angela Constance said the reforms would remove geographic and bureaucratic barriers, reducing duplication and variation in care. She said detailed proposals would be supported by a full business case and consultation with NHS staff, unions, councils and the public.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Think tank warns council reforms could cost £2bn
Common Weal has warned that Scottish Government plans to reorganise local government could cost taxpayers at least £2bn. Ministers are considering replacing Scotland’s 32 councils with six to 10 regional authorities and 120 to 160 smaller district councils. The think tank said the proposals lack a detailed cost assessment and could involve substantial spending on buildings, IT systems, staffing and restructuring services. It also questioned how responsibilities and tax-raising powers would be divided between the two tiers. Common Weal supports greater local democracy but urged ministers to assess costs and consult councils before proceeding. The Scottish Government said reforms would empower communities and improve public services, adding that cost estimates were currently speculative.
CASES
Lawyers suggest asset changes behind Murrell legal aid withdrawal
Senior lawyers believe Peter Murrell’s legal aid may have been withdrawn because previously frozen assets have become available. His assets were frozen after he was charged with embezzlement, allowing him to qualify for legal aid despite substantial holdings. Lawyers suggested some assets may since have been unfrozen, enabling him to fund remaining legal costs and Proceeds of Crime proceedings himself. The Scottish Legal Aid Board declined to explain the decision, citing confidentiality and data protection rules.
Justice system faces scrutiny over release
Northern Ireland's Justice Minister, Naomi Long, has announced an independent review into the circumstances surrounding the release of murderer Gary Anderson, who absconded while on temporary release for his father's funeral. Ms Long said it is "critical that the criminal justice system learns from the events." The review will assess the handling of the Compassionate Temporary Release application and identify necessary improvements.
FIRMS
Murray Beith Murray hits top tier
Murray Beith Murray, a Scottish law firm based in Edinburgh, has achieved a Band 1 ranking in the latest Legal 500 directory for personal tax, trusts, and executries. This marks the firm's first time in the top tier. The firm, founded in 1849, is one of only four Scottish practices to receive this ranking. Additionally, partners Peter Shand and Andrew Linehan were recognised as leaders in their field.
REGULATION
ASA criticises social media firms
Guy Parker, chief executive of the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), has condemned social media platforms for failing to protect users from misleading health advertisements. ASA analysis found 309,000 health-related paid adverts on platforms like Google and Meta, with over 30,000 flagged as high-risk. Parker said: "Too many products aren't being advertised responsibly." The ASA aims to enhance collaboration with social media firms to improve transparency and prevent harmful ads from reaching consumers.
WESTMINSTER
Early release plan 'very difficult choice' - Murray
The Government has begun releasing 700 prisoners early as part of a new scheme to prevent overcrowding in prisons. This initiative aims to address a capacity crisis, with current incarceration levels at 98.2%. Critics, including victims' advocates, have expressed concerns over monitoring capabilities and the potential risks posed by released offenders. The Government currently plans to release a total of 4,500 inmates by June 2027, with strict conditions in place for their supervision. Treasury Minister James Murray told BBC Breakfast: "I know the level of concern and maybe anger will be intense, and it's worth me making clear that this is not a situation where there is any good solution - there's just a series of very difficult choices we've got to take." 
BREXIT
EU strengthens border controls
European Union officials have convened to enhance border controls and address migration issues. Activists presented evidence suggesting that Frontex, the EU's border agency, shares surveillance data with Libya's coast guard to intercept migrants. European Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner advocated for expanding Frontex's powers and resources. Belgium's Interior Minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt emphasised the need for a robust border management system.
INTERNATIONAL
Killer survives two lethal injections
Christa Pike, a US prisoner sentenced to death for the 1995 murder of Colleen Slemmer, has survived a botched execution in Tennessee. After receiving two doses of pentobarbital, Pike remained alive, prompting her legal team to file an emergency motion to halt the execution. Robin Maher, executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center, said: "This event is the worst we've seen and unlike any other botched execution in the modern era." This incident marks the second failed execution in Tennessee this year, raising concerns about the state's execution protocols.

 

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