Taking Secrets to the Grave: Should the Law in Scotland Change?
- Lindsay Conchar - Scots Law Talks
- Jul 14
- 3 min read
At Scots Law Talks, our events are all about encouraging you to think, question, and debate the real issues that shape our justice system. Taking Secrets to the Grave is no different — it tackles some of the most difficult and emotional questions the law can face.
When a victim’s remains have never been found, how should this impact an offender’s chance of parole? Should the law in Scotland go further to make it harder for someone to be released if they continue to keep such secrets?
These are not easy questions — but they matter deeply to victims’ families, the wider community, and anyone who cares about justice.
The Cases We Explore
During Taking Secrets to the Grave, we look at three real-life cases that bring this issue into sharp focus:
⚖️ Arlene Fraser
Arlene Fraser disappeared from her home in Elgin in 1998. Her body has never been found. Her husband, Nat Fraser, was convicted of her murder — but for her family, the lack of answers about where she is remains a devastating, unresolved loss.
⚖️ Helen McCourt
In 1988, 22-year-old Helen McCourt was murdered near her home in England. Her killer never revealed where her body was hidden. Helen’s Law was later passed in England and Wales to ensure that non-disclosure of a victim’s remains must be considered by the Parole Board — but there’s still no guarantee parole will be refused.
⚖️ Suzanne Pilley
Suzanne Pilley went missing in Edinburgh in 2010 on her way to work. Her body has never been found. Her killer was convicted, but her family, like many others, continue to live with the uncertainty and heartbreak of never knowing where she is.
The Big Question: Does Non-Disclosure Equal Risk?
One of the key debates we open up is whether refusing to reveal the location of a victim’s remains should always be treated as a sign that an offender is still a risk to the public.
Some believe it shows a lack of remorse or acceptance of responsibility — meaning they may not be fully rehabilitated. Others argue that there can be genuine reasons for non-disclosure, such as memory loss or mental health issues.
And what about prisoners who maintain they are innocent? How do we balance making parole harder to obtain when someone is adamant they had nothing to do with the death — or the hiding of their victim’s remains? Should the law punish them further if they truly believe they have nothing to disclose?
Should Scotland Follow England and Wales?
In Scotland, the Parole Board can already take non-disclosure into account — but it’s not mandatory. Suzanne’s Law has been suggested as a way to bring us in line with Helen’s Law in England and Wales, by creating a statutory obligation for the Parole Board to consider it.
However, this wouldn’t make non-disclosure an automatic bar to parole — unlike stricter ‘no body, no parole’ laws used in parts of Australia. We look at this during the event as well.
What Do You Think?
When you come to Taking Secrets to the Grave, you’re not just listening — you’re taking part. We ask you to consider the facts and vote on three different scenarios on the night.
So what do you think:
Should Scotland introduce Suzanne’s Law?
Should non-disclosure always be a mandatory factor in every parole decision?
And how do we balance the rights of those who claim innocence with the need for closure and public safety?
Your views matter — because law is about people, not just statutes.
Some of our 5 star Trust Pilot Reviews for Taking Secrets to the Grave so far!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “The whole talk was very engaging and the way it was delivered was excellent — I was hooked from start to finish 👏” Isobel
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Fascinating, thought-provoking evening. Lindsay's talks never disappoint. Eagerly awaiting the next one!” Irene
Join the Conversation!
Come along, hear real cases, share your thoughts and cast your vote. Taking Secrets to the Grave isn’t just a talk — it’s your chance to have your say on how our laws could better balance justice, risk, and the rights of victims’ families. Meet others and hear what they have to say on this thought-provoking topic.
🎟️ Book your tickets at www.scotslawtalks.com and join the discussion.
Let’s keep the conversation going — and see where you stand.
Comments