Profile

What is your own practice area?

A variety of chamber work, but mostly property transactions in relation to both private and corporate clients.

What motivates you to get up on a Monday morning?

Knowing that I need to provide my clients with a high quality service.

What’s your top tip for new lawyers?

Always be willing to reinvent your own place within the profession, whether by involving yourself in local faculty or Society events or by considering new areas of work which would be of interest.

How long have you been a member of Council and how did you become involved?

Since July 2011, when our previous Council member moved out of the area to work. I had formerly been Dean of the local faculty and had enjoyed the political aspects of that position and the contact with the Society.

In what specific capacities have you served (office bearer, committee or other)?

Property Law Committee and Constitutional Working Party, i.e. reviewing the Society’s own constitution.

What have been the highlights for you personally?

The “sep rep” debate. Although I was on the losing side, I thought that the passion it created was of considerable benefit to both the Society and its members.

How do you keep in touch with members in your constituency?

By email when time permits and by attending faculty events.

What do you see as the main issues that your local members want Council to address at present?

Members of the Society want support and assistance to help them tackle the major changes in the profession which they currently require to deal with and which lie ahead. Finding younger solicitors who wish to work outwith the main areas of population can be a real problem.

What do you see as the other main issues that Council has to address at present?

Improving communication with members including those who express no interest in the work of the Society.
The expansion of the Society’s regulatory and representative function so that the Society can be relevant to those working throughout the legal services market.

If you could change only one thing for your members, what would it be?

As someone involved mostly with property I would wish to improve the experience which members currently have in their work as a result of the changes brought about by the Land Registration (Scotland) Act 2012. Those working in the Highlands and Islands have particular issues due to the higher percentage of both rural and unregistered properties.

What keeps you busy outside of work?

I have a keen interest in most sports, including curling and golf, but most leisure time is spent with the family and in the garden, and of course attending Scottish Cup finals won by Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC!