An appeal against the findings of an employment tribunal by Fife nurse Sandie Peggie has been allowed to proceed, her legal team said on Monday. A full hearing is likely to take place early in the new year.
Background to the case
Ms Peggie took action against NHS Fife after sharing a changing-room with transgender medic Dr Beth Upton at Kirkcaldy’s Victoria Hospital in December 2023. In December 2025, the employment tribunal awarded her a partial victory, upholding her harassment claims against the employer while dismissing allegations of discrimination, indirect discrimination and victimisation.
Appeal grounds
Her legal team said: “On July 31 2026, the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) confirmed that Sandie Peggie’s appeal against the judgment of the employment tribunal dated December 8 2025 should now proceed to a full appeal hearing.”
“This follows a decision taken by His Honour Judge James Tayler on July 30 2026 that there are reasonable grounds for bringing 13 grounds of appeal contained in Mrs Peggie’s notice of appeal dated January 19 2026.”
Wider context
The high-profile case became a flashpoint in a row over gender rights, with a number of gender-critical groups and author JK Rowling voicing vociferous support for the nurse. Claims against Dr Upton, who no longer works at NHS Fife, were dismissed. NHS Fife has been contacted for comment.
