A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law
Scottish Edition
15th October 2026
 
THE HOT STORY
Number of Scottish children at risk of exploitation rises sharply
Police Scotland identified more than 1,800 children at risk of criminal or sexual exploitation in 2025-26, according to figures obtained through freedom of information requests. The number vulnerable to criminal exploitation more than doubled from 330 in 2022-23 to 727, while 1,089 were identified as at risk of sexual exploitation. The Children and Young People's Centre for Justice warned that exploitation is evolving, although increased awareness may partly explain rising figures. New UK legislation will criminalise adults who recruit or coerce children into offending. The Scottish Government said £26m had been invested over three years to support vulnerable young people, while police emphasised cooperation between agencies.

 
CRIME
Scottish shopkeepers warn of violent child gangs
Scottish retailers have reported increasingly frequent thefts and violent attacks involving children, some as young as seven. Glasgow shopkeepers described masked gangs stealing goods, vandalising premises and assaulting staff, while expressing frustration over limited police action. Police figures show incidents involving young people found with stolen goods rose from 104 in 2023-24 to 172 last year. The Scottish Police Federation raised concerns about criminal exploitation of children. The Scottish Government has pledged an additional £3m to tackle retail crime.

 
IMMIGRATION
SNP calls for Scottish immigration powers
An SNP branch in Glasgow has called for immigration, asylum and refugee resettlement powers to be devolved to Scotland. Glasgow Easterhouse and Springburn's motion, scheduled for debate at the party's conference in Aberdeen, urges Prime Minister Andy Burnham to begin negotiations on transferring responsibility. The branch argues Scotland needs migration policies reflecting its demographic, economic, housing and labour market requirements. It also highlights difficulties facing asylum seekers, including homelessness and restrictions on employment. First Minister John Swinney is scheduled to address the conference on Saturday.
COURTS
Glasgow court criticised over inaccessible toilets
Disabled detainees at Glasgow Sheriff Court still lack suitable toilet facilities four years after inspectors demanded improvements. A watchdog report found wheelchair users face undignified conditions, including one man forced to support himself using a urinal. Inspectors criticised the continued failure to provide basic adaptations, despite relatively modest costs. The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service cited financial and security constraints and said designs for an accessible facility were underway.
TECHNOLOGY
Ofcom issues warning to X on illegal content
Ofcom has said Elon Musk's X is still struggling to effectively remove illegal hate and terrorist content. Although X's quarterly report shows improvements in response times, Ofcom noted: "We have ongoing concerns around the effectiveness of X's response to taking down illegal hate and terror content." The regulator is also investigating X's Grok AI chatbot for generating non-consensual sexual images. Ofcom plans to publish a further assessment early next year, as tensions rise between the regulator and major tech companies over online safety laws.
TAX
Scottish Greens propose 'Amazon tax'
The Scottish Greens have called for a surcharge on large online retailers, including Amazon, through Scotland's Non-Domestic Rates system. The party says the proposed levy on major distribution centres would help offset declining high street footfall and support smaller businesses. Green MSP Laura Moodie accused multinational retailers of extracting wealth from communities without contributing enough locally. However, the Scottish Retail Consortium opposed the proposal, warning that warehouses already face higher business rates than equivalent premises in England. Director David Lonsdale argued that additional taxes would increase retailers' operating costs and ultimately raise prices for consumers.
REGULATION
SFO seeks new director amid turmoil
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) is seeking a new director after a six-month vacancy. Attorney-General Ellie Reeves KC last week announced the application window, which closes on October 30. This comes as the SFO faces ongoing criticism following the quashing of six convictions related to interbank rate rigging. Jonathan Mathew, a former trader, called for accountability, saying: "The SFO has proved time and time again it is not fit for purpose." The agency's challenges include procedural failings and resource issues.
EU 'satisfied for now' on AI regulation
Michael McGrath, the European Commissioner for democracy, justice, the rule of law and consumer protection, has said that Europe is currently satisfied with its artificial intelligence (AI) regulations. Speaking at the Irish Government's AI summit, he stressed the need for a balance between harnessing AI's potential and ensuring proper guardrails for its development. "AI is developing so quickly; the technology is advancing, but we do have the regulatory guardrails in place," McGrath said. "The focus now is on the implementation and the enforcement of them in Europe."
FRAUD
Prosecutors seek £197,000 from former council leader
Prosecutors are seeking to recover £197,018 from former East Dunbartonshire Council leader Andrew Polson, who was jailed for 22 months last November for fraud and embezzlement. Polson, 54, deceived his partner, Ann Kelly, 72, into investing in properties he secretly registered solely in his name. He also misused funds for personal expenses and embezzled £9,018 from charity radio station Revival FM. His lawyer has instructed an expert to examine the Crown's calculations. The confiscation hearing was adjourned until December, following July's unsuccessful appeal.
PROPERTY
Edinburgh flat owners face reduced payouts
Owners at Edinburgh's troubled Westfield Court face reduced compensation after the city council received legal advice preventing purchases at notional market value. The council, which owns 32 of 94 flats, says higher payments would breach public spending obligations. Owners also face £1.6m in outstanding maintenance bills. The council is pursuing acquisitions ahead of potential demolition, although no final decision has been made. Compulsory purchase remains an option.
INTERNATIONAL
Ukrainian officer seeks dismissal of Nord Stream charges
Lawyers for former Ukrainian army officer Serhii Kuznietsov have sought dismissal of charges relating to the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline explosions. At the opening of his Hamburg trial, the defence argued that Kuznietsov, 50, remains subject to Ukrainian military secrecy rules and cannot testify, even to his lawyers. He faces charges including causing explosions, property damage and complicity in war crimes. His lawyers also disputed allegations that the pipelines constituted civilian infrastructure.

 

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