A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law
Scottish Edition
6th November 2026
 
THE HOT STORY
Scottish grooming gangs inquiry to begin next week
A public inquiry into group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation in Scotland will begin next Wednesday, led by Professor Alexis Jay. Education Secretary Mairi McAllan said it would examine abuse between 1996 and the present day, including the scale of offending, its impact on survivors and potential failures or concealment by authorities. The inquiry will also consider improvements to child protection while its work continues and aims to make practical recommendations to prevent further abuse. Addressing parliament, McAllan said the inquiry would have the "strongest possible powers to examine the full extent of sexual abuse and exploitation". McAllan added that the Scottish and UK inquiries would "complement and not replicate" the work of each.

 
INDUSTRY
Law Society urges caution over Lord Advocate reforms
The Law Society of Scotland has urged MPs to ensure any reform of the Lord Advocate’s dual role is evidence-led and subject to extensive consultation. Giving evidence to the Scottish Affairs Committee, Michael Clancy, the Society’s director of law reform, warned that changes to the office’s government legal advice and prosecution functions could have unintended consequences. The Society has reserved its position pending Lord Boyd of Duncansby’s review but urged MPs to examine all options. It also suggested placing rules governing the Lord Advocate’s recusal from prosecutions on a statutory footing.
Legal sector raises £6,200 for aspiring lawyers
The Law Society of Scotland’s Annual Conference raised more than £6,200 for the Lawscot Foundation, supporting aspiring lawyers from disadvantaged backgrounds. Donations of £3,114 from delegates were matched by Amiqus, the charity’s long-term supporter. Ally Thomson, chair of the Foundation’s Fundraising Committee, said the money would fund two scholars for a year.

 
POLICING
Police vehicle torched amid Bonfire Night disorder
Police officers and emergency crews have been targeted with fireworks during Bonfire Night disorder across Scotland, with a police vehicle set alight in Glasgow’s Provanmill area. Emergency services withdrew from the area and one man was arrested. Officers were also attacked in Edinburgh's Oxgangs, while firefighters faced incidents in Glasgow, Dundee, Whitburn and Cumnock. Police Scotland deployed additional officers under Operation Moonbeam, with Chief Constable Jo Farrell warning those involved they would face the full force of the law.
CASES
Serial car thief jailed for 10 years
A 28-year-old man has been jailed for 10 years and banned from driving for life after admitting 39 charges, including stealing cars worth £329,000 and a series of break-ins across Edinburgh, the Lothians and Stirlingshire. The High Court in Glasgow heard John Callaghan was also linked to attempts to smuggle drugs and mobile phones into HMP Edinburgh. Lord Arthurson said the public required protection from his escalating criminal behaviour.
Warrant issued after fake medic misses sentencing again
A warrant has been issued for Stephen Byres Simpson, 22, after he failed to appear at Aberdeen Sheriff Court for sentencing for a second time. Simpson admitted posing as a medical student at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary between December 2023 and January 2024, wearing NHS clothing and accessing restricted hospital areas, medical files and staff possessions. He also admitted stealing hospital property. Sheriff William Summers said a custodial sentence was highly likely.
THE LAW
Swinney criticises move to ban new North Sea drilling
First Minister John Swinney has voiced his opposition to the UK Government’s plans to ban new North Sea oil and gas exploration, arguing fossil fuels will remain necessary for years to come. The proposed Energy Independence Bill would prevent new licences being granted, reversing the SNP's previous presumption against new drilling. Swinney said there was a "rational" case for further exploration if the project's carbon emissions were lower than using imported fuel.
EMPLOYMENT
Firms urged to publish salaries in job ads
The Government is urging businesses to publish salary details in job adverts now, ahead of planned legislation making pay transparency compulsory. The Government intends to introduce the law as soon as possible, arguing that upfront salary information will help jobseekers, particularly young people entering the workforce, make informed decisions and reduce pay discrimination. A Government consultation found that 94% of respondents supported greater transparency. Data from jobs website Adzuna shows that only 51% of adverts included salary information in September, with the proportion falling in recent years.
CRIME
Prolific shoplifters account for 70% of thefts
Research from Auror reveals that just 10% of shoplifters are responsible for 70% of all thefts in Britain. These prolific offenders commit an average of 40 offences each, contributing to an estimated 5.5m thefts annually, resulting in losses of £2.2bn. The top 10% could account for up to 3.8m reported thefts. Auror provides a system to help police and retailers identify repeat offenders.
HOLYROOD
Holyrood committee conveners get pay rise
From April 2027, committee conveners in the Scottish Parliament will receive an additional £15,500, raising their salaries from to over £93,000. Presiding Officer Kenny Gibson advocated for this increase, citing the "significant additional demands" of the role. He stated: "Our committees really are at the heart of what we, as a parliament, do." The Scottish Parliament Corporate Body unanimously supported the pay rise, which will cost taxpayers £342,000 annually, including pensions and National Insurance contributions.

 

Legal Slice delivers the latest, most relevant, and useful legal intelligence each weekday morning with intelligence, designed specifically for legal professionals, including attorneys, practice owners, judges, legal scholars, and influencers.

Content is selected to an exacting brief from hundreds of influential media sources and summarised by experienced journalists into an easy-to-read digest email. The links under articles indicate original news sources. Some links lead directly to the source material. Others lead to paywalls where you may need a subscription. A third category are restricted by copyright rules.

For reaction and insights on any stories covered in Legal Slice, join the discussion by becoming a member of our LinkedIn Group or Business Page, or follow us on Twitter.

If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities within Legal Slice, please get in touch via email sales team

Follow us on FacebookFollow us on XFollow us on Linkedin

This e-mail has been sent to [[EMAIL_TO]]

Click here to unsubscribe