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We will soon be able to store passports, driving licences, and other key documents in a digital wallet on their smartphones, according to plans announced by Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle. Mr Kyle revealed the new smartphone app as part of efforts to simplify government interactions. &l

The Scottish Land Commission has proposed changes to the Land Reform Bill, currently being considered by Holyrood. The bill introduces some important new steps to increase transparency, widen ownership opportunities, and regulate large land holdings in the public interest, including:

The family of Emma Caldwell has renewed their call for a judge from outside Scotland to chair the public inquiry into her murder, following a meeting with First Minister John Swinney and Justice Secretary Angela Constance at Bute House. Emma's mother, Margaret Caldwell, said: "I’ll go on as lo

A man who used a 3D printer to assemble a deadly assault gun in his bedroom has been ordered to carry out 300 hours of unpaid work. Police discovered the homemade semi-automatic weapon during a search in May 2023 of the house James Maris, 19, shared with his parents in Rannoch, Perthshire.

The Scottish Liberal Democrats have said the Scottish government must do more to boost the number of community payback orders being issued and improve enforcement, after new statistics revealed that numbers are at some of their lowest in a decade. The Scottish government’s Justice Social Work

The remains of a body are discovered in an abandoned warehouse in Scotland but the victim, the motive and cause of death are all unknown. Soon a shocking and premeditated crime is uncovered as decorator David Barnes stands accused of killing his customer, yet nobody knows how he died. In a unique cr

The Law Society of Scotland supports proposed changes to modernise criminal justice procedures, but says such reforms must be accompanied by increased funding for the criminal justice system. The society has provided written evidence on part one of the Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Dome

French authorities are seizing record amounts of “love honey” products containing erectile dysfunction drugs, marketed as natural aphrodisiacs. Over 31,000 tonnes were confiscated last year, mainly in cities and seaports, with shipments from countries including Malaysia, Thailand, and Tu

Macdonald Henderson has advised Glasgow-based financial advice firm Verum Wealth on its sale to UK national firm Foster Denovo. The addition of Verum Wealth marks FD’s seventh acquisition in just over a year and adds £87 million of assets under advice to its recently established Glasgow

Ryan Macready has joined Dallas McMillan Solicitors as a senior associate. He said: "After an incredibly rewarding journey at Macdonald Henderson, I am excited to share that I have embarked on a new chapter in my career. 

Irwin Mitchell Scotland has added personal injury partner Fern Mapp its team. Ms Mapp brings with her 14 years of experience in personal injury litigation specialising in cross-border and travel law, including international serious injury, aviation and package holiday cases.

Emma Naylor and Jonathan Blackwood have been appointed as the new deputy student directors of the Aberdeen Law Project (ALP). Anna Robertson, chair of the ALP board, said: “Emma and Jonathan have always shown exceptional potential in the project, and we are excited to see them take the project

The GMB Judicial Branch has called for the removal of Helen Pitcher, chair of England and Wales' Judicial Appointments Commission. Judges made the call in an open letter to Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood yesterday.

Views are being sought on the implementation of the ban on MSPs from also serving as MPs or in the House of Lords. Following the Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) Bill being passed unanimously by the Scottish Parliament in December, a consultation seeking views on the principles and pra

A cultural change and “brave and bold action” are required to tackle a “public health emergency” created by drug use in Scotland, according to a report sent to MSPs by a people’s panel. The panellists’ report recognises that progress has been made, but says that f