A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law
Scottish Edition
29th July 2026
 
THE HOT STORY
Charity says Scotland’s drug response is too slow
A Scottish charity has urged the Government to accelerate its response to drug-related harm after 320 suspected drug deaths were recorded between March and May 2026, down slightly from 333 in the previous quarter. The Scottish Drugs Forum welcomed the decline but argued that proven measures, including additional safer drug consumption facilities, drug-checking services, and safer inhalation equipment, are being introduced too slowly. The Scottish Government said its new long-term alcohol and drugs strategy, backed by more than £160m in 2026–27, will expand treatment, rehabilitation, naloxone access, and prevention efforts while building on progress made under its National Mission on Drugs.

 
INDUSTRY
New solicitor advocates appointed
Four solicitors have been granted extended rights of audience by the Law Society of Scotland following a Court of Session ceremony in Edinburgh. The new solicitor advocates are Andrew Agnew of Keoghs, Robbie Brodie of Livingstone Brown, Andrew McDonald of Burness Paull and Corrine Skelton of Thompsons. They can now appear before the Court of Session, UK Supreme Court and Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. Law Society president Serena Sutherland said the appointments reflected their high standard of advocacy and would strengthen representation in Scotland's senior courts.

 
POLICING
Deputy Chief Constable faces promotion scandal
Deputy Chief Constable Alan Speirs of Police Scotland faces serious allegations regarding his comments on promotions. He reportedly told a chief superintendent that he was "too white, too male, too middle-aged" for advancement. The officer lodged a complaint with the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents (ASPS), which is now challenging the Scottish Police Authority's (SPA) decision not to uphold the complaint. Former superintendent Martin Gallagher condemned the promotion practices, saying: "Capable officers... are being thrown on the scrapheap for being white." The SPA declined to comment on the matter.
FIRMS
Glasgow law firm boosts tax team
Derek Hanlan has been appointed as the new tax director at Mitchells Roberton, a prominent Glasgow law firm. With over 25 years of experience, he will enhance the firm's tax services for high-net-worth clients. Hanlan, a University of Glasgow law graduate and member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT), will advise on inheritance tax, capital gains tax, and more.
Weightmans celebrates fifth year of growth
Weightmans, a law firm with a Glasgow office, has reported its fifth consecutive year of growth, achieving a 12% revenue increase to £162m and a 17% rise in net profit to £17m for the 2025/26 financial year. The firm will distribute a £2,500 bonus to all employees. Weightmans expanded its Scottish presence with a new immigration team, responding to client demand.
SOCIAL
Drug services face closure over rent dispute
Turning Point Scotland has warned its Glasgow drug and alcohol crisis centre could close because of rising rental and property costs imposed by council-owned landlord Glasgow City Property. The charity said the proposed rent increase and other charges threaten the sustainability of services supporting thousands of people. The Scottish Government has urged Glasgow City Council to resolve the dispute, with ministers suggesting independent mediation. Glasgow City Property said it was continuing discussions on possible solutions.
PROPERTY
Aberdeen plans £5.8m demolition of RAAC homes
Aberdeen City Council is preparing to spend £5.8m demolishing 277 homes in Torry affected by reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), as part of a wider regeneration project. The properties were deemed unsafe after surveys revealed cracks, sagging ceilings, and water damage risks. The demolition forms the second phase of a redevelopment expected to cost more than £130m, with new social housing planned for the site. The council has also issued final notices to the remaining 12 homeowners, warning them to make their properties safe or vacate them or face enforcement action.
LICENSING
Stirling Council seeks views on strip clubs
Stirling Council will launch a public consultation on whether sexual entertainment venues, such as lap-dancing and strip clubs, should require licences in the local authority area. Although no such venues currently operate in Stirling, councillors said a licensing policy is needed to prevent unregulated businesses from opening. Following the consultation, councillors will decide whether to permit licensed venues and, if so, how many—including the option of setting the number at zero. Some councillors also raised concerns about potential legal loopholes and called for council-owned land and buildings to be excluded from any future sexual entertainment venues.
Highland Council reviews taxi licensing
Highland Council is recruiting a principal solicitor to oversee licensing legal advice following controversy over a decision to renew a taxi operator's licence linked to a convicted rapist. The case prompted resignations and disciplinary action involving several councillors. A full council meeting will next week reconsider the licensing decision, with members first deciding whether discussions should take place in public or behind closed doors.
INTERNATIONAL
Johnson & Johnson proposes $5.5bn talc lawsuit settlement
Johnson & Johnson has offered to pay $5.5bn (£4.14bn) to settle about 76,000 US lawsuits alleging its talc-based baby powder caused ovarian cancer. The company denies the claims, maintains its products are safe and says the allegations lack scientific merit. The settlement would proceed if 95% of claimant law firms agree, bringing an end to 15 years of litigation.

 
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