A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law
Scottish Edition
12th November 2026
 
THE HOT STORY
Former Lord Advocate defends successor over Murrell briefing
Former Lord Advocate James Wolffe KC has described criticism of his successor Dorothy Bain as “deeply unfair” following her briefing to First Minister John Swinney on the Peter Murrell embezzlement case. Giving evidence to Westminster’s Scottish Affairs Committee, he said her update was factual and showed no evidence of impropriety. While acknowledging that briefing ministers on live criminal cases was not routine, he cited previous examples of similar communications. Mr Wolffe also defended the independence of Scotland’s prosecution system as an independent review examines the dual role of the Lord Advocate. He said that people proposing changes to the dual role should be "clear-eyed about those strengths, and about the complexities and trade-offs involved in moving to an alternative model."

 
THE LAW
Edinburgh MP champions Hugh's Law
Edinburgh West MP Christine Jardine has backed calls for the Government to introduce Hugh's Law, which would provide protected leave and financial support for parents of seriously ill children. She has signed a cross-party letter to the Prime Minister, supported by more than 50 organisations and parliamentarians, urging legislation before the end of the current Parliament. The campaign was established by the parents of Hugh Menai-Davis, who died from cancer aged six.
New law to reshape supply chains
The UK Government will introduce new supply chain legislation aimed at enhancing human rights oversight among large companies. The law will require businesses to identify and address risks, but it will only apply to firms with over £350m in turnover, raising concerns about its scope. Activists, meanwhile, express disappointment that the law does not address environmental risks.

 
CASES
Two charged over alleged fraud reports
Two men aged 55 and 61 have been arrested and charged following a Police Scotland investigation into 52 reports of alleged fraud involving will and power of attorney services offered by a Glasgow-based company between 2019 and 2024. The older man faces fraud charges, while the 55-year-old is also charged with offences under the Companies Act. Both appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court on November 11. Detective Inspector Jonathan Atkin urged anyone who believes they were affected to contact police.
Man who posed as medical student ordered to do unpaid work
A 22-year-old man who posed as a medical student to access wards and patient files at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary has been sentenced to 300 hours of unpaid work and two years' supervision. Stephen Simpson admitted fraudulently entering restricted areas between December 2023 and January 2024 while wearing NHS clothing and medical equipment. Sheriff Morag McLaughlin described the offences as serious and a violation of patient privacy but said imprisonment would be disproportionate. NHS Grampian said it had reviewed its security arrangements.
Trump's defamation claim against BBC can go ahead
The BBC's attempt to dismiss Donald Trump's $10bn defamation claim has been rejected by a Florida court. Trump alleges that a 2024 Panorama documentary misrepresented his actions during the Capitol riots on January 6, 2021. District Judge Jeffrey Kuntz stated that Trump "plausibly alleged" reputational harm due to the editing. Trump celebrated the ruling on Truth Social, calling it a "Huge Victory against Fake News BBC."

 
STV
CRIME
Scottish schools targeted by hoax bomb threats
At least 1,000 schools across Scotland have received hoax bomb threat emails, prompting some evacuations. Education Secretary Mairi McAllan told MSPs there was no risk to the public, while Police Scotland said checks found no credible threat. Specialist cyber-crime officers are investigating, working with UK and international partners to identify those responsible. Similar emails have targeted schools in Northern Ireland and Italy.
EMPLOYMENT
Comedians unite against NDAs in entertainment
Female comedians are speaking out against non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in the entertainment industry, claiming they protect powerful men and silence women. Lucy Beaumont highlighted the issue following allegations against David Walliams, who denied any wrongdoing. Beaumont stated she felt a "duty of care" to assist a victim who believed an NDA prevented her from seeking help. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy plans to meet industry leaders to address abuse and harassment, while equalities minister Bridget Phillipson suggested further legal scrutiny of NDAs.
FIRMS
Shoosmiths boosts Scottish planning team
Shoosmiths has appointed Emma Dewar as legal director in its Edinburgh office, enhancing its Scottish planning team. Dewar brings over 25 years of planning law experience, addressing the rising demand for specialist advice in energy, infrastructure, and real estate. Her arrival follows the addition of associate Jemma Hughes in June.
PROPERTY
Edinburgh conducts 740 unlicensed short-term let probes
A Freedom of Information response shows City of Edinburgh Council carried out 740 investigations into suspected unlicensed short-term lets over three financial years, rising from 95 in 2023/24 to 406 in 2025/26. Complaints increased from 84 to 364, with 672 recorded across the period. Separately, 1,225 of Edinburgh's 1,754 licensed short-term lets were found to lack secondary-letting planning permission.

 

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