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The number of homicide victims recorded in Scotland rose by 19 per cent in 2025-26, although the total remained the fourth lowest since comparable records began in 1976. Figures published today by Scotland's chief statistician show that 56 victims were recorded in 2025-26, nine more than the 47 reco

European crisp makers fear their steak and bacon flavours could be caught by proposed EU rules banning meat-related names on vegetarian and vegan foods. The legislation aims to prevent plant-based products from being marketed using terms such as steak, chicken, pork and liver. However, the European

The Scottish Human Rights Commission (SHRC) is calling on people across mid to north east Scotland to share their experiences of economic, social and cultural rights as part of their spotlight research into how these rights are being realised in communities across the region. The visit is part of th

To mark End Workplace Bullying Day this week, Weightmans has launched a campaign calling on employers to address the problem and create workplaces where harmful behaviour is recognised, challenged and stopped. According to research commissioned by the firm, from a nationally representative survey of

Burness Paull has appointed energy expert Sarah Vass as a partner to lead the firm’s energy exploration and production (E&P) team. Ms Vass brings extensive experience of the energy sector, having served most recently as general counsel for TotalEnergies E&P UK Limited. Over her time at

Registration is now open for the Faculty of Advocates' annual 21st Century Bar Conference, which will take place on Monday 7 December 2026 at the Mackenzie Building in Edinburgh. A popular fixture in the legal calendar for over 25 years now, the conference brings together Faculty Members, in-house l

New York City’s horse-drawn carriage drivers are preparing to sue the city after councillors voted 40-7 to ban the century-old tradition from June 2028. Romanch’s Law followed the death of 18-year-old tourist Romanch Mahajan, who was thrown from a carriage earlier this year. Drivers argu

September brought two milestones in the militarisation of space: the United States confirmed that it had put a weapon in orbit, and the RAF launched No. III Space Effects Squadron, its first unit dedicated to countering hostile threats to UK satellites. One of the few experts on the topic and the au

Police recorded at least 29,922 crimes mentioning cocaine in 2025, as rising consumption of the drug has been linked to assaults, domestic abuse and dangerous driving. A Guardian investigation found that crime rates associated with cocaine across Britain had risen by 10 per cent since 2019, while Ho

Airbnb will prohibit hosts from requiring guests to clean their accommodation before checkout under new rules taking effect on November 20. The policy, applying to reservations booked from that date, bans requirements to wash and put away dishes, strip beds, start laundry or take rubbish off-site.

More than 100 civil society organisations have urged First Minister John Swinney to honour the government’s commitment to include the human right to a healthy environment in a Scottish Human Rights Bill due to be introduced next year. The right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment w

Two museums in Glasgow have changed how they display Egyptian human remains following a reassessment of their ethical responsibilities towards the dead. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum has removed the mummified remains of the priest Nekht from public view, while the Hunterian Museum has covered t

Lord Snowden, who was appointed to the Supreme Court earlier this year, has spoken to BBC Radio about his early life and background and his subsequent rise through the legal profession to the UK's highest court. Speaking to Gary Philipson on BBC Radio Tees last week, Lord Snowden recounted how as a

Tom Usher is to take up his new appointment as chair of the East Neuk Festival (ENF). Mr Usher, a competition law expert at Burness Paull, has been a board member of the music festival since October 2025. He is passionate about music and he and his family now live in Elie in the East Neuk of Fife. H

The International Bar Association (IBA) and professional legal organisations around the world have reaffirmed their collective commitment to the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary. Their joint statement comes at a critical moment – as both international law and the institutions