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poverty with Mr Dougal in R.E, my Registration public good, at what is an exciting time of I hope that doesn’t sound too sententious:
Class with Mr Chalmers in 6th year, all of my opportunity for the United Kingdom. it should also be stimulating and fun. And,
English classes, and the informal ‘Modern in the context of practising in the court, when
We know you will be given life peerage to
Studies’ class that Mr Caw organised in Sixth everything seems to be going wrong -
fulfil your new position. What excites you
Year, which was a window into Politics and remember, as a kindly judge said, that four
most about this?
Philosophy. I had two seasons in the 1st XV; o’clock always comes.
The range of work that I do, the expertise and
and learned to row, participating in the Scottish
skill of those with whom I’m working, the Finally, what are your core ‘takeaways’
Schools Championships. Overall, my time at
surroundings of the Houses of Parliament, and from your Heriot’s days?
school always seemed to be fun - having a
Whitehall - and indeed my new Edinburgh I began my schooling at a very small primary
laugh during break and in the Refectory, all the
office off the Canongate: all these things are school. I remember vividly going up to Heriot’s
slogans, games and nicknames that children
very exciting and inspiring, but, at the same for the first time, and being fascinated by its
and teenagers devise.
time, humbling. I call to mind that I was size, and its history. Hundreds of pupils, instead
You were called to the bar in 1993, which appointed to my post, I wasn’t elected; and of tens; dozens of teachers and staff, in all sorts
must have been a huge turning point in that there are many who have talents which of disciplines. The sense of the school as an
your professional development? Tell us equal or surpass mine. But I am surrounded by institution, in which I would participate, and,
more. people who provide good examples for me to in a tiny way, shape - as it would be shaped by
it is an honour and a privilege to plead causes try to follow. I was very conscious of the the others who were there before me and who
in the courts - to be one in whom others put honour, after making my maiden speech in the would be there after me - made a profound
their trust, their hopes, and their expectations. Lords, of being welcomed to the House by Lord impression. I wondered whether I would ever
By the time I had finished my training as a Mackay of Clashfern, a Herioter, who has made be in a photograph in the Refectory, and
solicitor, I had the clear sense that it was in this a huge contribution to national life and who, as whether others would wonder about me, as
area - only one of many - that I wanted to a lawyer, and as a parliamentarian, commands I wondered about those in the old pictures at
practise. I relished the independence of the Bar, universal respect and affection. which I looked. That, of course, is something
but also the collegiate nature of the Faculty of I realise now, not something I would necessarily
If you could offer any pearls of wisdom
Advocates. have articulated at the time.
to current pupils hoping to follow a similar
You were made a QC in 2011. How has this career path, what would you advise? When I think of my time at school, there were
impacted your career? The most important things for a court lawyer lots of opportunities before me which I took:
‘Taking silk’- that is, becoming Queen’s Counsel are to be trusted by professional colleagues, and but lots which I didn’t, and in retrospect wish I
- was, in a sense, confirmation that others by the Bench; bear this in mind, try not to cut had taken - the clubs and societies I didn’t join,
thought well of my abilities. It was a matter of corners. Try to be kind to all those with whom games I didn’t play, even the subjects I might
validation. In practical terms, it marked the your work brings you into contact: when faced have taken. But at all times I remember being
point from which I was instructed to lead for with the irascible, the intolerant, those who will encouraged, at work and in sport: with criticism
the Defence, in murder trials, and trials not bend or compromise where such a course which was always constructive, and never
involving other crimes of the most serious sort. would be reasonable (I mean clients, as well as dismissive. I hope all Herioters will take
judges) remember that they may have been something of that with them as they go into
Supporting the work of the UK Government
shaped by serious difficulties, difficulties which the world.
is no mean feat. How do you feel about
you, perhaps, might be called upon to try to sort And on that note, my best wishes to all
taking on the role as Advocate General for
out. Law is guided by wisdom, as much as by Herioters, and in particular- I was asked to say
Scotland?
intellectual expertise - and that wisdom can best this - to Ross Mitchell, Fraser Innes and Rory Tait
I feel very proud to have been appointed to the
be obtained by observing and trying to in Murano Halls at Glasgow University.
post. I look forward to doing what I can, for the
understand those whom you come across.