New Scottish parole rules to protect victims from 25 March
From 25 March 2026, Scottish parole panels must weigh victims’ safety and non‑disclosure of remains. We explain what cha...
“Public safety and the protection of victims remains a priority,” Angela Constance told MSPs this week. That stance is now backed by fresh rules that reshape how parole decisions are made in Scotland. (gov.scot)
From 25 March 2026, every new case referred to the Parole Board for Scotland must factor in the safety and security of victims and their families before any release or licence decision is signed off. Put simply: risk to victims is no longer something that may be considered - it must be. (gov.scot)
The change is written into the Parole Board (Scotland) Amendment Rules 2026 (SSI 2026/82). Panels can still weigh the familiar points - the offence itself, conduct in custody, the person’s plans on release and overall risk - but they now have a clear duty to consider the likely impact of any decision on a victim or a victim’s family. (gov.scot)