A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law
Scottish Edition
30th April 2026
 
THE HOT STORY
Malala Yousafzai and John Swinney tackle gender apartheid
Pakistani education activist Malala Yousafzai has met Scotland's First Minister John Swinney in Edinburgh to discuss efforts to have gender apartheid recognised as a crime under international law. Both called for coordinated global action and greater recognition of Afghan women's leadership, while condemning the Taliban's treatment of women and girls. The Scottish Government highlighted its support for Afghan students, including funding measures that enabled some to continue their education in Scotland. Mr Swinney added: "It is my privilege to welcome Malala Yousafzai to Scotland, and to lend my support to the international campaign to promote the recognition of gender apartheid as a crime under international law." The meeting forms part of a wider international campaign to address human rights abuses in Afghanistan.

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INDUSTRY
New training programme for Scottish lawyers
Six law firms have launched a training programme for early-career lawyers and paralegals in the Scottish real estate sector. The initiative - developed by Addleshaw Goddard, Burges Salmon, DWF, Lindsays, Morton Fraser MacRoberts, and Shoosmiths - focuses on building practical skills in key areas such as commercial leases, title examination and transaction reporting. It is intended to help new practitioners adapt to the demands of day-to-day legal work while promoting consistent standards across the industry. The collaboration reflects a broader tradition within the Scottish legal profession of sharing knowledge to improve efficiency and client service.

 
POLICING
Former police union boss attacks 'managed decline' of policing
A former police union leader has accused the Scottish government of presiding over a "managed decline" in policing, warning of consequences for public safety. Calum Steele said Police Scotland had been weakened by budget pressures and declining officer numbers, while other public services received greater funding priority. He argued this had led to reduced resources, station closures and operational challenges. The Scottish government has not responded directly to the claims, which come amid wider political debate ahead of upcoming elections.
THE LAW
Scottish Labour faces backlash over abortion stance
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has announced that the party will not pursue abortion law reform in the next parliament, contradicting previous support from party members and expert recommendations. Pro-choice group Back Off Scotland expressed disappointment, highlighting that one in three women will undergo an abortion in their lifetime. Lucy Grieve, co-founder of Back Off Scotland, remarked: "These are urgent matters for women's health and rights that the next Scottish Government must engage with." Despite calls for reform, Sarwar insists the party will protect existing abortion rights without legislative changes.
CASES
Mother found guilty of murdering baby daughter
A woman has been convicted of murdering her baby daughter at a flat in Greenock after a trial at the High Court in Glasgow. Nicole Blain was found guilty of inflicting fatal head injuries on the infant, who suffered multiple skull fractures and brain damage, having initially suggested another child was responsible. The judge told her the offence carries a mandatory life sentence. Blain is due to return to court for sentencing at a later date.
Police raid Edinburgh cannabis farm worth nearly £900k
Police have carried out a raid on a suspected cannabis farm in Edinburgh believed to be linked to street sales worth almost £900,000. A 48-year-old man was arrested and charged after officers searched properties in several locations, where hundreds of plants and cash were recovered. He is due to appear in court.
REGULATION
Mercedes and VW challenge motor finance redress scheme
Mercedes and Volkswagen are set to challenge the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) over a £9bn redress scheme linked to the motor finance scandal. The carmakers argue that the FCA's compensation plans are flawed and unfair. A spokesperson for the FCA said it has received legal challenges from three lenders in addition to a challenge from consumer group Consumer Voice, which has applied to the Upper Tribunal for a review. The Finance and Leasing Association has said that while it has "concerns" about the redress scheme, it has opted not to raise a challenge, while Santander, Barclays and Lloyds have also decided to accept the FCA's scheme.
CORPORATE
More firms in 'critical distress' as costs climb
Research from BTG reveals a 36.9% increase in UK businesses facing "critical financial distress," with the total hitting 62,193 in Q1. The latest quarterly red flag report also notes a 9.6% rise in "significant" financial distress, affecting 634,867 businesses. Hotels and leisure firms are particularly impacted by rising labour costs and tax burdens, including a hike in National Insurance contributions. Ric Traynor, executive chair of BTG, said: "After initial signs that the UK's GDP was improving at the very start of the year, it now feels like after taking a step forward, the UK has taken a few steps backwards following one of the most severe energy shocks in living memory."
OTHER
Coulthard faces legal threat over mansion work
David Coulthard, the former racing driver, may face legal action regarding construction at his Scottish mansion, Barwhinnock House. Dumfries and Galloway Council's planning enforcement team stated that the work did not comply with the approved plans. Coulthard's agent, Lindsey Evans, argued that there were no inaccuracies in the drawings. However, the council rejected a recent application, citing inaccuracies in the submitted information.

 

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