Council profile

Each month the Journal profiles a member of the Society’s Council. Here Frances McKay, recently elected for the Stonehaven, Peterhead & Banff constituency, tells what she hopes to bring to Council.

What is your own practice area?

General practice, with particular emphasis on private client.

What motivates you to get up on a Monday morning?

The same as any other morning – my black lab Holly looking for her breakfast!

What’s your top tip for new lawyers?

There’s more to life than work.

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

I was elected in November 2011. I became involved as a result of encouragement from colleagues and friends.

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

None as yet.

What have been the highlights for you personally?

Attending Council meetings and seeing how it operates in practice, and being involved in the decision-making processes.

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

I will be issuing regular newsletters to members, updating them on Society issues.

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

Preserving the “solicitor” brand and the High Street practice; court closures; legal aid; Central Belt domination.

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

Lack of confidence in the Society both as a regulator and a representative body.

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

The public perception of solicitors.

What keeps you busy outside of work?

Family, dog, involvement in local community groups and organisations, keeping fit – and dolphin and whale spotting on my daily five minute commute to work!