Minutes: 24 September 2026

1. Declaration of interests:

Ben Macpherson was invited to declare any relevant interests. He declared an interest as a solicitor on the Law Society of Scotland's roll of solicitors. 

2. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take item 7 in private.

3. Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice – evidence:

The Committee took evidence from—

Simita Kumar, Minister for Equalities and International Development, supported by Catherine McMeeken, Deputy Director for Equalities, Kavita Chetty, Deputy Director for Human Rights, and Rob Priestley, Head of Mainstreaming and Strategy Unit, Scottish Government;

and then from—

Kirsten Oswald, Minister for Victims and Community Safety, supported by Denise Swanson, Deputy Director for Civil Law, Anna Donald, Deputy Director, Criminal Justice Division and Jo Gillies, Mainstreaming and Inclusion Strategic Lead, Scottish Government.

4. Instruments relating to fees of Messengers-at-Arms and Sheriff Officers – evidence:

The Committee took evidence on the Act of Sederunt (Fees of Messengers-at-Arms and Sheriff Officers) 2026 (SSI 2026/208) and the Act of Sederunt (Fees of Messengers-at-Arms and Sheriff Officers) (Amendment) 2026 (SSI 2026/252) from—

Danielle McLaughlin, Interim Director, Scottish Civil Justice Council;

Andrew Campbell, Lord President's Private Office.

5. Instruments relating to fees of Messengers-at-Arms and Sheriff Officers – motions recommending annulment:

Holly Bruce moved—

S7M-01282—That the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee recommends that the Act of Sederunt (Fees of Messengers-at-Arms and Sheriff Officers) 2026 (SSI 2026/208) be annulled, and

S7M-01284—That the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee recommends that the Act of Sederunt (Fees of Messengers-at-Arms and Sheriff Officers) (Amendment) 2026 (SSI 2026/252) be annulled.

After debate, the motions were disagreed to (by division: For 3, Against 3, Abstentions 1; motions disagreed to by casting vote).

Holly Bruce declared an interest as a serving councillor on Glasgow City Council. 

6. Instrument subject to annulment:

The Committee considered the Act of Sederunt (Taxation of Judicial Expenses Rules) (Amendment) 2026 (SSI 2026/238) and agreed to make no recommendations in relation to the instrument.

7. Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice - review of evidence (in private):

The Committee agreed to defer consideration of the evidence heard under agenda item 3 to its next meeting.