A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law
Scottish Edition
1st May 2026
 
THE HOT STORY
Investigation launched into ectopic pregnancy death
The family of a Dundee-born teacher who died following an undiagnosed ruptured ectopic pregnancy have welcomed the start of a fatal accident inquiry, ordered by Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain KC, over what has been deemed a matter of "serious public concern." Hannah McInally, 24, died at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in November 2021, and the inquiry will examine the circumstances of her death and whether any preventative measures could have been taken. A preliminary hearing at Aberdeen Sheriff Court heard the investigation will focus on NHS 24’s handling of an initial call, her assessment by out-of-hours doctors, and any changes made since her death. Her family said they hope the process will answer longstanding questions about her care and bring clarity over alleged failings by NHS Grampian.

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INDUSTRY
Pay boost recommended for trainee solicitors
The Law Society of Scotland has raised its recommended pay for trainee solicitors for 2026/27, citing inflation and increases in the Real Living Wage. From June 2026, first-year trainees are advised to earn £25,950, up £1,110, while second-year trainees should receive £30,150, an increase of £1,300. Although the rates are discretionary, employers must still meet minimum Living Wage requirements, with non-compliant traineeships ineligible for registration. Recent data shows 57% of trainees already earn above the recommended rates, with nearly half paid at least £1,500 more.
Law firms tighten equity access
Maria Ward-Brennan of City AM says law firms are increasingly restricting access to equity partnerships to protect profitability, keeping the most lucrative profit-sharing roles for top-performing rainmakers. As profits are split among equity partners, firms are limiting numbers to avoid dilution and boost profit per equity partner (PEP), now a key measure of success. The traditional 'all-equity' career path has declined, replaced by a US-style model with large tiers of salaried or non-equity partners and only a small group reaching full equity. Intense competition, rising junior salaries, and pressure to maintain high PEP have driven firms to be more selective, rewarding only those who generate significant business. Ms Ward-Brennan says "gone are the days of automatically entering into a partnership that sees you own a share of the law firm you work for."

 
TERRORISM
UK terror threat raised to severe
Police Scotland has issued a "be alert" warning after the UK terror threat level was raised to "severe", meaning an attack is considered highly likely. While there is no specific threat to Scotland, the force has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The increase follows the stabbings of two Jewish men in Golders Green, north London, with the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre taking the decision to elevate the risk level. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has since announced £25m in funding to help protect Jewish communities. The suspect, Essa Suleiman, was previously known to authorities and had been referred to the Government’s Prevent anti-extremism programme.
POLICING
Police Scotland launches rural recruitment drive for Argyll and Bute
Police Scotland is organising a rural recruitment event to attract officers to Argyll and Bute. Set for 7 May 2026, the online event aims to provide insights into rural policing and the application process. Chief Constable Jo Farrell emphasised the importance of representation in remote communities, encouraging individuals from diverse backgrounds to consider a career in policing.
TRADE
Calls to suspend UK-Israel trade deal
Humanitarian and human rights organisations have urged the UK Government to suspend its trade agreement with Israel following the introduction of a death penalty law within military courts in the occupied Palestinian territories. The groups, including Oxfam, Global Legal Action Network and Human Rights Watch, argue the system lacks basic due process and risks further abuses, including against children. In a joint letter to the Foreign Secretary, they described the move as a "grave and dangerous escalation" and called for wider action, including banning trade with illegal settlements and supporting civil society groups. Katherine May from Oxfam Scotland said: "The UK cannot claim to stand for international law and be opposed to the death penalty while maintaining preferential trade."
Trump removes whisky tariffs after King's visit
Donald Trump has announced the removal of all US tariffs and restrictions on whisky imports following King Charles and Queen Camilla's state visit. The decision, which applies to Scotch and Irish whiskey, is expected to ease significant financial pressure on distillers. Trump said the change was made in honour of the royal visit, while Scottish First Minister John Swinney hailed it as a major boost to the economy. Industry figures described the development as a "real boost", with hopes it will restore trade flows between Scotland and key US partners such as Kentucky.
FIRMS
Shepherd and Wedderburn announces promotions
Shepherd and Wedderburn has promoted Matt Lamberton, Gillian Wood, Cath Macrae, Katie McNab and Laura McMillan to Partner, and Siobhan Dunphy and Joseph Fitzgibbon to Legal Director. Andy Hall has also formally assumed the role of Managing Partner, having joined the firm as a trainee solicitor in 1993.
CASES
Singer jailed for sexual offences
Ross Davidson, a former Spandau Ballet singer, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for multiple sexual offences against six women. He was convicted of two counts of rape, an attempted rape, three sexual assaults, and two voyeurism charges between August 2013 and December 2019. Prosecutor Richard Hearnden noted that Mr Davidson filmed women while they were "as vulnerable as can be."
ENERGY
Brodies report highlights energy transition challenges
A report by Brodies has found that investment in the energy transition remains strong, with growing confidence in the UK market and sustained deal activity across renewables, storage and conventional energy. However, it warns that significant barriers - including grid constraints, planning complexity and supply chain pressures - continue to hinder progress, shifting investor focus from ambition to practical delivery and system resilience. The study also notes that clear policy frameworks and infrastructure readiness will be critical to unlocking further investment.
ECONOMY
MPC holds rates at 3.75%
The Bank of England has maintained the base interest rate at 3.75% but warned that rates could increase this year as officials look to curb inflation following a "significant energy price shock" from the conflict in the Middle East. The Bank's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted eight to one to keep rates unchanged, with chief economist Huw Pill advocating for a 0.25% increase. The MPC has warned that interest rates could climb back to 5.25% amid concerns that inflation - which recently rose to 3.3% - is set to climb further. While traders anticipate no rate cuts in 2026, experts suggest that mortgage rates may slightly decrease due to stable Sonia swap rates. The Bank's growth forecast has been revised down slightly from 0.9% to a range between 0.8% and 0.7%.

 

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