GRADUATION DAY

The Society’s Chief Executive, Robert Pirrie WS, was in London last week for his Doctoral graduation at the Royal Festival Hall. Robert recently completed his research thesis and was awarded a PhD in History by King’s College London (KCL).  Robert’s research studies were focused on the Hanoverian monarchy’s relationship with Scottish and British national identity. His thesis supervisors were Professor Arthur Burns and Professor Paul Readman of KCL, and external examiners were Professor Colin Kidd, University of St Andrews, and Professor Stephen Conway, University College London. Robert’s thesis, titled ‘Imagined Monarchy: Constructing North Britain, c. 1746-1830’ is being published online by KCL. Robert is seen here taking in the sunshine outside Royal Festival Hall in his graduation gown. 

MODERNISING SCOTTISH TRUST LAW

The WS Society and STEP Scotland annual joint conference for private client lawyers, taking place at the Signet Library on 5 October 2023, will focus on trust law reform. The role and practical value of trusts as vehicles for protection across the UK financial system has long been underplayed.  As the Trust and Succession (Scotland) Bill moves through Parliamentary process, the conference agenda addresses the proposed changes to the administration of trusts and management of trust assets, and the consequent impact on individuals, businesses, charities, and institutions. The keynote address with be given by The Rt Hon Lord Drummond Young, who will be joined by further expert speakers, including Professor Roddy Paisley (Chair of Law, University of Aberdeen) to cover the legal, tax and practical aspects of the proposed legislation. The conference will be chaired by Sandy Lamb WS (Lindsays) and supported by Finders International.  Further information and booking here.

ACCESS TO JUSTICE AND VICTIM SUPPORT

As part of the WS Society’s continuing agenda of events centred on fundamental human rights and the law, we are proud to launch the inaugural WS Abuse Law Symposium, which will address effective access to justice and remedies for survivors of abuse in Scotland. 

Building on the momentum of past legal conferences in personal injury law, the symposium, which will take place on 12 September 2023, is designed for legal practitioners and other professionals active in this sensitive and demanding area of practice.  

With a focus on trauma-informed advice, the programme includes updates from Julie Anne-Jamieson, Chief Executive of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry and Joanna McCreadie, Chief Executive of the Redress for Survivors Scheme.  Bringing further perspective, we are pleased to have contributions from Assistant Chief Constable Bex Smith, Police Scotland and a medico-legal view from expert clinical psychologist, Professor Craig White.  The symposium is chaired by Kim Leslie WS, Digby Brown and sponsored by Digby Brown.  Booking opens soon.  For further information please contact Anna Bennett WS

SUMMER EXHIBITION 2023

One of the WS Society’s charitable purposes is to advance the arts, heritage and culture through the Signet Library and its collections. To pursue this, we produce opportunities to welcome new audiences to the library, to experience the history of the Society and the finest neoclassical interior in Edinburgh. This summer, we are proud to produce an exhibition of new work by the international artist David Eustace, in collaboration with the Fine Art Society. Between 31 July and 13 August, the Signet Library will be open to the public to enjoy a collection of David’s beautiful photography and sculpture, under the title ‘THEREAFTER’.  

Everyone is welcome and admission is free, 10.00 am and 4.00 pm each day.

We look forward to members, friends and new visitors joining us, from near and far, during the peak of Edinburgh's annual cultural life - festival season.

Our thanks to sponsors The Times, Vialex, Midton, Heritage Portfolio, Edinburgh Napier University and Balblair Whisky.

Photography: Albie Clark

SPORTS LAW CONFERENCE v2.0

With our partners at Lombardi Associates, we are pleased to bring some of the industry’s most experienced and recognised figures to Edinburgh for the second WS Sports Law Conference on 13 October 2023. In an exciting year for sport, the conference is timed to take place following the FIFA Women’s World Cup and during the Rugby World Cup, and because of this we are delighted to be joined by both Polly Hanford, Director of Legal, The FA and Gill Treasurer, Director of Legal, British & Irish Lions, among other expert speakers. The comprehensive programme covers the main issues of the day for sports lawyers and their clients, including the moving regulatory landscape in football and rugby, dispute resolution, transfer contracts, disciplinary issues, and representation. Attendees will also hear from a panel featuring a line up of in-house sports lawyers, working in both clubs and professional bodies.   The conference is chaired by Ian Laing WS, Counsel, Lombardi Associates. Booking and further information here.

CROWN JEWELS AT THE SIGNET LIBRARY

Deputy Keeper Mandy Laurie and other leading representatives of the Scottish legal profession were in attendance at the Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication at St. Giles Kirk on 5 July during which His Majesty King Charles III, accompanied by Queen Camilla, was presented with the Honours of Scotland. Participating in the ceremony itself were Writers to the Signet Adam Bruce (Marchmont Herald) and John Stirling (Ormond Pursuivant), both Officers of Arms at the Court of the Lord Lyon. The Honours of Scotland were received at the Signet Library following the Service, with the Crown of Scotland, the oldest surviving crown in the British Isles, borne by the Duke of Hamilton and Brandon. It was accompanied by the Sceptre, originally a gift from Pope Alexander VI to King James IV in 1494, borne by Lady Dorrian, and the new Sword of State, the Elizabeth Sword, in use for the first time and borne by Dame Katherine Grainger. The Honours were guarded by another institution with profound links to the WS Society, the Royal Company of Archers.

Speech by Former US Secretary of State, John Kerry

Photography: US State Department

We are truly delighted to partner with Beyond Borders Scotland to bring John Kerry to speak at the Signet Library on 24 August 2023. The event will launch an annual joint series of ‘Scottish Global Dialogues’ with Beyond Borders, to feature guests of international standing, held each year in the height of the Edinburgh Festivals. The series aims to promote non-partisan debate on international relations and global politics, in the interests of advancing citizenship and cultural exchange. The series is supported by the Scottish Council for Global Affairs.

John Kerry is an American attorney, politician and diplomat. Kerry previously served as the 68th United States Secretary of State from 2013 to 2017, in the administration of Barack Obama.  He represented Massachusetts in the United States Senate from 1985 to 2013. Kerry was the Democratic nominee for President of the United States in the 2004 election.  In January 2021, Kerry assumed a full-time position in President Biden’s administration serving as a Special Envoy for Climate.

John Kerry will make a keynote address on an issue of global concern. 

Admission to this event is by invitation. The event will be livestreamed to allow wider participation. Joining details will be circulated in due course.

Enquiries to Anna Bennett WS.