SUZANNE'S LAW COMES INTO FORCE IN SCOTLAND: A NEW ERA FOR VICTIM JUSTICE

A groundbreaking law requiring killers to disclose the location of victims' remains now influences parole decisions in Scotland.

Suzanne's Law, a significant new piece of legislation, has come into effect in Scotland on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. This landmark law mandates that the Parole Board for Scotland must consider whether killers have disclosed the location of their victims' remains when making decisions regarding parole. The introduction of this law represents a major step forward in the pursuit of justice for victims and their families.

The legislation is part of the broader Scottish government's Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Act, which aims to strengthen protections and support systems for victims of crime. The law is named after Suzanne Pilley, who was tragically murdered by David Gilroy in 2010. Despite being sentenced to at least 18 years in prison, Gilroy has refused to reveal the whereabouts of Pilley's body, leaving her family without closure.

Another high-profile case that has influenced this legislation is that of Arlene Fraser, who was killed by her husband Nat Fraser in 1998. Like Pilley's case, Fraser's remains have never been recovered, adding further urgency to the need for such legal reforms. These cases highlight the ongoing struggles faced by victims' families in securing justice and closure.

Debbie Adams of Victim Support Scotland emphasized the importance of this new law in ensuring that justice is served for all victims. 'We are committed to supporting victims and their families, and this legislation marks a crucial step towards achieving that,' she stated. The organization has been a key advocate for stronger legal protections for victims.

Jamie Greene, the Liberal Democrat MSP who introduced the amendment, expressed both satisfaction and disappointment with the implementation of the Act. While he welcomed the new measures, he was critical of the lack of a specific timetable for another part of the legislation, which he believes is necessary to ensure its effective enforcement.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance highlighted that the law now explicitly requires the Parole Board for Scotland to take into account any knowledge prisoners may have regarding the location of victims' remains when deciding on their release. This change is designed to prevent perpetrators from avoiding accountability by withholding information about where their victims are buried.

The implementation of the Act has been phased to minimize disruption to the justice system's operations. This careful approach ensures that while new obligations are introduced, existing processes remain stable and effective. The Scottish government has emphasized its commitment to balancing legal reforms with practical considerations for those enforcing them.

The introduction of Suzanne's Law is part of a broader shift in Scotland's criminal justice system towards prioritizing the rights and interests of victims. By ensuring that parole decisions take into account the full circumstances of a prisoner's crimes, including their willingness to disclose information about victims' remains, the law aims to restore public confidence in the justice system.

Looking ahead, the impact of Suzanne's Law will be closely monitored by legal experts, victim advocacy groups, and the general public. Its success will depend on how effectively it is enforced and whether it leads to meaningful changes in parole decisions and greater closure for victims' families. The law represents a significant milestone in Scotland's ongoing efforts to reform its justice system.