A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law
Scottish Edition
4th November 2026
 
THE HOT STORY
Funding crisis threatens justice system
The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) has warned that Scotland's justice system risks being "stretched beyond breaking point" without additional funding in December’s Budget. Chief executive Malcolm Graham said it needs £195.8m in resource funding, against an indicative allocation of £153.5m, to cope with rising numbers of serious criminal cases. High Court indictments could approach 3,000 next year, compared with 935 in 2023-24. Without extra investment, average waits for High Court trials could rise from 50 weeks to 135 weeks by 2028-29, increasing pressure on victims, witnesses and the prison population. The SCTS also warned that a lack of funding could jeopardise the relocation of its data systems. Justice Secretary Neil Gray said £11.6bn would be invested across the justice system over three years.

 
CASES
Campaigner faces £42,000 legal bill for council challenge
Leanne McGuire, former chairwoman of Glasgow City Parents Group, faces a £42,000 legal bill after an unsuccessful judicial review challenging Glasgow City Council's proposed cuts to teacher numbers. The group had opposed plans to axe 172 teaching posts in 2024, arguing this would harm pupils, particularly those with additional support needs. Council leader Ricky Bell said the authority had a duty to recover costs awarded by the court to protect public funds. However, councillors raised concerns about the potential impact on parent volunteering and public participation in local democracy.
MI5 avoids contempt of court proceedings
MI5 will not face contempt of court proceedings after admitting to providing false evidence in three courts. Senior judges, including Lady Chief Justice Baroness Sue Carr, determined that pursuing a contempt case would be overly complex and not serve the public interest. The police possess the necessary investigatory powers to address the matter, potentially leading to individual MI5 officers facing misconduct investigations.
Farmhand's family seeks closure after tragic death
The family of farmhand Alistair Blair, who died at a farm in Kippen, Stirlingshire, two years ago, hope a fatal accident inquiry (FAI) will provide answers and help prevent similar deaths. Mr Blair, who worked for Graham’s Dairy, is believed to have been struck by falling hay bales in a storage shed, suffering fatal chest injuries. His daughter, Lisa Blair, said the family still had unanswered questions and hoped the inquiry would bring closure. The family is being supported by Digby Brown solicitors. A health and safety prosecution was ruled out, but the inquiry is mandatory following a workplace death.

 
INDUSTRY
Survivor criticises delays to Scottish grooming inquiry
Holly Alex, 36, who was groomed and sexually abused by groups of men while in care from the age of 14, has criticised the Scottish Government for delays in establishing its promised public inquiry. Her care records show social workers and police were aware of concerns about her exploitation. Alex said between 25 and 50 men were involved in her abuse in Edinburgh and Livingston, and urged ministers to act quickly. Education Secretary Màiri McAllan said the statutory inquiry, chaired by Prof Alexis Jay, was central to tackling child sexual exploitation.
Swinney rejects public inquiry into maternity deaths
John Swinney has declined calls for a public inquiry into maternity and neonatal deaths in Scotland. He believes the ongoing review led by Professor Christine McCourt will suffice. The decision follows a protest by over 100 parents in Glasgow, including Julie Keegan and Angus McLean, whose baby Mason died shortly after birth. They argue that the current review does not address past failures. The Scottish Government's review is expected to report in July 2027.
THE LAW
Clinics face closure due to Botox law
Hundreds of women-led aesthetics clinics in Scotland may close due to new regulations from Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS). The Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill mandates that treatments like Botox and fillers be performed in registered premises overseen by medical professionals. GMB Scotland warns that many reputable businesses could shut down due to the complex and costly application process.
HOLYROOD
Scottish Greens oppose review of foreign nationals' election rights
The Scottish Greens have  opposed calls to reconsider election rules allowing foreign nationals with  limited leave to remain to stand for Holyrood and local councils. The rules  enabled Green MSP Q Manivannan, elected in May while on a student visa, to enter  Parliament. A Holyrood committee said the changes had run ahead of public  opinion and urged ministers to review the policy. The Greens said reversing the  legislation would undermine representation and democracy, noting it had been  unanimously backed by MSPs. The committee's recommendations do not affect  Manivannan's existing seat or change the current law.
REGULATION
Watchdog supports car finance compensation offers
The Financial Conduct Authority has set minimum standards for lenders making early compensation offers to drivers mis-sold car finance, requiring payments to be at least as generous as the maximum available under its proposed £9.1bn redress scheme. The City watchdog said it "supports lenders making settlement offers, as long as customers are offered no less than they would receive through the scheme." Around 12.1m agreements could qualify for compensation, averaging £829 each, but most customers may have to wait until legal challenges conclude in 2027. 
FIRMS
Pinsent Masons appoints innovation co-head
Stacey Bairner has been appointed as co-head of innovation and transformation at Pinsent Masons, alongside Claire Francis. Bairner, who has 13 years of experience at the firm, will focus on integrating innovation into service delivery. Francis, with 25 years at the firm, will continue advising major retailers on digital transformation.

 

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