A former Lord Advocate of Scotland has launched a landmark document to support asylum seekers and refugees navigate the country’s legal system, The Herald can exclusively reveal.
A Guide to Scot’s Law is a quick introduction to the Scottish Legal system and its procedures and has been produced by students at New College Lanarkshire (NCL) in conjunction with the Scottish Government, Police Scotland, Crimestoppers and the Scottish Refugee Council.
It contains information on the law in areas including driving licences, alcohol use, tenants rights, employment law and much more, and highlights the differences between Scots Law and that in other jurisdictions, with the goal of educating newcomers to Scotland on the rules that apply in this country.
Originally published more than a decade ago, the guide has been translated into thirteen languages and is available free of charge.
It has now been updated to account for changes in the law since its initial release, with students at NCL carrying out this work under professional supervision.
Lord Mulholland launched the Guide at a ceremony in NCL’s Coatbridge campus.
Lord Mulholland, NCL Principal Professor Christopher Moore, staff and students of the college, and guests from the Scottish Refugee Council (Image: Sophia Gillespie)
In his preface, Lord Mulholland referred to the original Guide saying: “When I was a Law Officer, I worked with the Law Students at New College Lanarkshire. One of the projects we worked on was a booklet explaining the Law of Scotland in basic terms so it could be translated into many languages for the benefit of asylum seekers and refugees.
“That it was an initiative of high importance was reflected in the attendance of the First Minister at a conference at Hampden Park, Glasgow when she made reference to it in her speech.
“I know that the students who produced the first version worked very hard to produce a first-class booklet, easy to read and understand and of course correct on the law.
“The law of course moves on and is constantly being updated and added to. That is why the second edition of the booklet is much needed. The latest booklet produced by the law students brings the law up to date and expands on the topics contained in the first version.
“I am proud of them for their work to help the disadvantaged, the people who need help in their lives at a time when they need it most.”
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One of the students involved in creating the guide is Tamara Sanchez Fernandez, who is part of the HND Legal Services course offered by NCL. Having moved to Scotland fifteen years ago, she has personal experience of the value of a resource helping newcomers understand a different legal system.
“When you come to a country, the last thing you do is actively check the laws – but it’s great to have a booklet like this. Not every country has the same laws.”
The project, she added, was a rewarding experience for her individually: “It was a challenge, but I loved it. I think it’s important, especially with immigration nowadays.”
Academic Leader for Law, Tourism and Languages, Carolyn Conlin said: “Our students have put an enormous amount of time and effort into producing such an important guide to Scot’s law. They can rightly be very proud of what they have delivered.”
The updated Guide to Scots Law has now been officially launched. (Image: Sophia Gillespie)
New College Lanarkshire Principal, Professor Christopher Moore added: ““The lecturers and students who have worked on this Guide have produced a superb introduction to Scot’s law.
“I congratulate them for creating such a relevant resource that will really support everyone across our communities.”
New College Lanarkshire is also launching a new BA Law degree at its Motherwell Campus, delivered in partnership with the University of the West of Scotland, allowing students to study for a law degree in Lanarkshire for the first time. Applications open soon for the September 2026 intake.
Copies of the Guide to Scots Law can be obtained by emailing: Marketing@nclan.ac.uk