A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law
Scottish Edition
21st October 2026
 
THE HOT STORY
Covid inquiry condemns care home policy
The UK COVID-19 inquiry has criticised the Scottish and UK Governments for prioritising hospitals over care homes during the pandemic, warning that their policies created conditions in which the virus could spread rapidly. In Scotland, 3,599 patients were discharged from hospital to care homes between March 1 and April 21, 2020, with 82% not tested for Covid. Care homes accounted for 47% of Covid-related deaths in Scotland, compared with 30% in England. Inquiry chair Baroness Hallett said the promised protective ring around care homes was unfounded and social care had been treated as an afterthought. Scottish care sector representatives and opposition politicians condemned the failures, while ministers acknowledged the suffering caused.

 
COURTS
Rapists eye class action after ruling
The Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission (SCCRC) anticipates a surge in appeals from individuals convicted of rape and serious sexual offences following a recent Supreme Court ruling. The ruling highlighted issues with Scotland's ‘rape shield’ laws, which may have compromised defendants' rights to a fair trial. SCCRC chief executive Michael Walker noted applications for reviews have risen significantly, from 15 to 44 in just two months. He stated: "It is still difficult to predict just how many applications we'll receive." The SCCRC has urged legal bodies to preserve relevant case files amid these developments.

 
THE LAW
Strike action ban proposed for events
The UK Government is considering an amendment to the Sporting Events Bill that could ban industrial action during major sporting events like the Olympics and World Cup. Shadow sport minister Louie French argues this will prevent unions from disrupting events and harming the economy. He said: "We risk allowing militant trade unions to hold taxpayers to ransom unless strikes are banned during major competitions." The bill aims to streamline the process for hosting events, as the UK prepares for the 2028 European Championships and potential future bids for the Women's World Cup and Olympic Games.
POLICING
School attendances slump after bomb hoax threats
School attendances have fallen sharply across the country following bomb threats, despite Police Scotland confirming they were hoaxes. Glasgow City Council reported some schools had 50% fewer pupils than usual on Tuesday. Edinburgh City Council said it had worked with police and followed its own safety procedures, establishing there was no risk to pupils. A Police Scotland spokesperson said officers and staff from Police Scotland's Cyber and Fraud Unit were "working closely with partners" and were continuing to carry out "extensive inquiries to establish the source".
CASES
Man to stand trial over 1994 murder
Fraser Kilpatrick, 68, is to stand trial in January 2028 over the alleged murder of Shona Stevens, 31, in Irvine in November 1994. Stevens suffered fatal head injuries after being attacked with a hammer or similar weapon while walking through Bourtreehill Park. Kilpatrick, who denies the charges, also faces 15 other allegations, including rape, assault and child cruelty involving several victims between 1986 and 2001. The trial at Glasgow’s High Court is expected to last 17 days. Kilpatrick remains on bail, with a further hearing scheduled for December.
Bonnybridge homeowners lose fungus claim
Homeowners Thomas and Gail Chalmers have lost a £40,000 nuisance claim against drinks giant Diageo, arguing whisky vapour from its Bonnybridge warehouses caused fungal blackening of their home, furniture and garden items. Court of Session judge Lord Young ruled the damage did not cause material loss or inconvenience, finding it was within what householders near an established industrial estate could reasonably be expected to tolerate.
Dundee siblings appeal sentences for assaulting girls
A brother and sister convicted of assaulting two girls in Dundee are appealing their sentences. Ilia Belov, 23, received 18 months’ supervision, registration on the sex offenders register and 300 hours of unpaid work for assaulting a 12-year-old and making sexual remarks. His sister, Nadjedzha Belova, 20, was ordered to complete 180 hours of unpaid work for assaulting another girl.
EMPLOYMENT
Employers demand better skills from graduates
Employers in white-collar sectors warn that graduates lack essential communication and teamwork skills, exacerbating Britain's job crisis. The report, commissioned by the Government, highlights that while graduates possess technical expertise, they often lack the "human skills" necessary for roles in law, accountancy, and consultancy. The skills gap is hindering recruitment and productivity, particularly as AI transforms entry-level jobs. PwC is among the companies introducing training programmes to address these deficiencies.
PROPERTY
Suspicious wealth floods into new-build homes
Transparency International UK estimates £2.2bn in suspected illicit wealth entered British new-build property and development sites over the last decade. Since 2016, it identified over 630 homes worth £1.6bn bought by individuals under investigation or sanctions, plus 78 sites worth £647m linked to suspicious wealth or allegations. Off-plan sales face less scrutiny than resales, allowing bulk purchases that can facilitate moving large sums before construction is completed, according to the report. Additionally, developers are not required to carry out checks on buyers if they sell their own properties directly.
ENVIRONMENT
UK expected to approve Jackdaw gas field
The UK Government is expected to announce a decision today on the Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea, with approval widely anticipated. A decision on Rosebank, Britain’s largest untapped oil field, is not expected yet. Both projects were granted licences by the previous Conservative government, but a court ruled their approval unlawful because the climate impact of burning the extracted fuels had not been considered. Environmental groups argue further drilling would increase emissions, while industry representatives say the fields would support jobs and strengthen UK energy security.

 

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