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Organisations that support victims of crime can apply for a share of more than £700,000 from a fund financed by penalties imposed on offenders. More than 5,000 people have benefited from the Victim Surcharge Fund since it was set up in 2019, with over £2.4 million awarded to 18 organisat

There have been scores of assaults on prisoners and staff at HMP Inverness, according to new figures. With a design capacity of just 103 prisoners, HMP Inverness is one of Scotland’s smallest prisons. Despite its small size, a parliamentary question from Scottish Liberal Democrat justice spoke

Gilson Gray is celebrating a landmark win on behalf of its client, Rene Hiddink, brother of former Real Madrid and Netherlands manager Guus Hiddink, in a case that marks a first for world football. Following the unlawful termination of his three-year contract just eight months into his role as techn

The Council of Europe's commissioner for human rights, Michael O'Flaherty, has urged the UK to ensure that the rights of trans people are being upheld as he expressed concern about the "current climate". In a statement following a recent visit to the UK, Mr O'Flaherty said trans people "constitute a

Views are being sought on how to improve legal rights intended to help community groups take ownership of local land and assets. Discussions with those who have engaged with the community rights to buy have been taking place since last year to develop the proposals published for consultation today.

Gaining a diploma in legal practice has required true grit and determination for Abbie Coull, who has battled a brain tumour and radiotherapy in her journey to becoming a trainee solicitor. When Abbie commenced her studies in 2020, she thought her biggest challenge would be adapting to online and so

A furniture store has been ordered to pay damages to a couple who bought a sofa without knowing its feather cushions would need to be regularly fluffed. Canadian couple Donna and Thomas Dobko launched civil proceedings against Muse & Merchant after being disappointed with the floppiness of their

A decision is awaited on proposals to carry out essential alterations at a former courthouse in Berwickshire, as part of plans to secure its long-term residential use. The early 19th-century property at 18–20 Castle Street in Duns is regarded as “architecturally and historically signific

An event exploring various justice developments will be held on Thursday at the National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh. A panel will outline their key areas of interest and issues of concern before an interactive Q&A with the audience. There will also be the option to submit a question in adv

A bill that aims to criminalise the buying of sex in Scotland has received support from a world expert on violence against women and girls.  Alba MSP Ash Regan lodged the Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill at Holyrood last month. 

Rape shield laws are fostering an inequality of arms in the courtroom and violating the right to a fair trial, a criminal silk has argued. Thomas Ross KC said there was widespread concern at the defence bar over the human rights of accused persons but that lawyers fear speaking out in case doing so

Axiom is delighted to announce two new members calling today, Ysabeau Middleton and Karen Forbes, both of whom bring a wealth of experience to the practice. Ms Middleton is experienced in public and commercial law civil litigation. Prior to calling, she gained invaluable experience as law clerk to t

Gilson Gray has appointed Monika Haidar as partner to lead its residential conveyancing practice in London. She brings over a decade of experience in residential property and inward investment, with a strong focus on the London market. She has advised overseas clients and played a key role in facili

Businesses operating in the UK could be required by law to “develop, disclose and implement a transition plan that is aligned with trajectories to meet net zero by 2050”, according to plans under consideration by the UK government, writes Michael Watson. The government has opened a serie

Two men linked to serious organised crime have been sentenced to a total of 13 years and seven months in prison for operating a drug-running operation. Charles McAllister, 53, was convicted of directing others including co-accused Stephen Lamb to commit offences including the sale and supply of cont