A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law
Scottish Edition
3rd November 2026
 
THE HOT STORY
Peggie loses discrimination case against nursing union
Scottish nurse Sandie Peggie has lost her discrimination case against the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), which she accused of failing to support her because of her gender-critical beliefs. The claims stemmed from her complaint about sharing a changing room with transgender doctor Beth Upton. An employment tribunal dismissed all three claims, finding no evidence that the union’s actions had been influenced by Peggie’s beliefs. The RCN welcomed the ruling, saying staff had followed agreed procedures and acted fairly. Peggie’s legal team said it would consider the judgment before deciding on further action.

 
INDUSTRY
AI fuels rise in judicial reviews
Judicial review applications in Scotland are increasing, driven largely by the availability of AI tools. In 2024, there were 18 applications from party litigants without legal representation, rising to 79 by October 2026. Alison Tyler, a partner at Clyde & Co, says that AI chatbots help these litigants create documents resembling legal pleadings. However, many are unaware of the potential costs if they lose. The Scottish Civil Courts Review has previously highlighted concerns about the time judicial reviews consume, indicating a need for monitoring this trend. "Accessibility and effective access to justice are not necessarily the same thing," Tyler says.
Kirsten Gallacher takes helm at SYLA
Kirsten Gallacher has been elected as the new president of the Scottish Young Lawyers Association (SYLA). Ms Gallacher said: "A commonly-shared view from the new SYLA committee is that we wish to widen access and opportunities for law students and young lawyers to eventually see a legal profession in Scotland that is accessible to all. The newly elected committee will further SYLA's central objectives to educate, represent, and entertain our members to the best of our abilities, exploring avenues to bring plenty of new opportunities to the table."

 
CASES
Victim sues police after attack
A woman left with permanent brain damage after an attempted murder is suing Police Scotland over officers' failure to arrest her attacker. Michael Harvey was jailed for nine years after brutally assaulting the woman, whom he had met on a date in Glasgow in September 2023. Despite being called to the scene, officers took the pair to A&E rather than arresting Harvey. The victim later suffered traumatic brain injuries and continues to experience memory loss. She is seeking a six-figure sum, with police actions on the night being investigated separately.
CRIME
Police demand more powers against e-bike crime
Police officers in Scotland are calling for greater powers to tackle rising antisocial behaviour involving e-bikes and e-scooters. The Scottish Police Federation (SPF) said officers had limited options for dealing with offenders, with chairman David Threadgold describing their growing misuse as a significant concern for communities. The Scottish Government is considering measures including balaclava exclusion zones, while officials have warned parents about the legal restrictions on e-bike use by children and the potential liabilities of buying them.
EMPLOYMENT
SNP urged to rethink public sector redundancy ban
Two prominent Scottish entrepreneurs, Sir Tom Hunter and Lord Haughey, have urged the SNP Government to reconsider its ban on compulsory public sector redundancies. Their criticism follows revelations that about 800 employees whose former roles no longer exist remain on full pay while awaiting redeployment, costing taxpayers at least £27m a year. More than 250 have been without a fixed role for at least a year. The Government has defended the policy, saying affected staff are expected to undertake work while awaiting new positions. Scottish Conservative finance spokesman Craig Hoy has also called for the policy to be scrapped.
REGULATION
Industry warns Chancellor on crypto delay
Nearly a dozen industry bodies have urged Chancellor John Healey to expedite the development of a central strategy for regulating cryptocurrencies and digital assets. In a letter, they warned that delaying the Government's digital finance blueprint could jeopardise the UK's competitive edge. The Financial Services and Markets Bill mandates a strategy within 12 months, but concerns arise that the Treasury may dilute this commitment. Shadow City minister Mark Garnier echoed the call for swift action saying failure to demonstrate the UK's commitment "would be a profound mistake."
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Council defends flood scheme plans
Dumfries and Galloway Council (DGC) is confident in its legal position regarding a £68m flood protection scheme. The council aims to clarify the use of common good land amid transparency concerns following inadequate responses to freedom of information (FOI) requests. Mike Sutherland, who raised the FOI requests, claimed there were significant errors in the council's handling of the project. The council stated it is not appropriating the land and will maintain its status as common good land.
INTERNATIONAL
EU to downgrade art market money-laundering risk despite heists
The European Commission plans to downgrade money laundering and terrorist financing risks in the art market, despite ongoing high-profile museum heists highlighting security vulnerabilities.
AND FINALLY...
Man with £14k drugs and chip-eating lamb avoids jail
A 56-year-old man has avoided jail after being found guilty of possessing cocaine and heroin worth £14,000 with intent to supply. John McNeil was a passenger in a car stopped on the M74, where police discovered the drugs beneath his seat and a lamb, named Pablo, eating chips in the back. McNeil claimed he was rescuing the animal. He was sentenced to 300 hours of unpaid work and six months of electronic tagging.

 

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