Law Society of Scotland
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Out-of-hours payment secured for police station attendance

The Society will inform members of the profession today (Wednesday) that the Scottish Government has responded to the Society’s representations by agreeing to an out-of-hours payment scheme for solicitors attending police station interviews.

Ian Bryce, the Society’s Legal Aid Vice-Convener, said: “The Scottish Government has agreed to the principle of a payment scheme and further discussions will now take place between the Government, Law Society and SLAB to negotiate the details and costs.”

The Society is meeting with representatives from local faculties across Scotland today (Wednesday 7 July), to update the profession and get their views on how best to take the discussions forward.

“The Society will continue to negotiate on behalf of its members with the Scottish Government, Scottish Legal Aid Board, Crown Office and ACPOS over the implementation of the interim guidelines which will be rolled out to all summary cases from tomorrow (Thursday),” added Mr Bryce.

“It is vital that discussions continue with our partners in the justice system to ensure the smooth running of the justice system in the interests of the public and which is workable for solicitors who deliver the advice and representation to their clients.”