Council profile

What is your profession?

Chartered surveyor. I worked in the Valuation Office Agency of the Inland Revenue for 33 years before taking early retirement.

What motivates you to get up on a Monday morning?

The first tee at Inverness golf course!

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

I have been a member since June 2011 following the decision of the Society to appoint non-solicitor members and because of my previous involvement with the Society.

Did you have any prior knowledge of or involvement with the Society?

My involvement with the Society stretches back to 1998 when I became a reporter and member of a client relations committee. I have also served on the Admissions Committee and the Client Care Committee. I am currently a member of the Professional Conduct Subcommittee, the Professional Practice Committee, the Professional Practice (Rules & Waivers) Subcommittee and the Practising Certificate Subcommittee.

What have been the highlights for you personally?

I have been impressed by the enthusiasm and commitment of Council members, both solicitor and non-solicitor, in giving up their time in the interests of the Society. Reports from the chief executive and her staff to Council should also be highlighted: these allow for constructive debate before decisions are reached on important issues affecting the profession.

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

Clearly topics such as alternative business structures, court closures, legal aid and money laundering are of paramount importance and potential concern at the present time, but other issues such as risk management should perhaps be considered a priority in any governance arrangements, and particularly so in the current climate.

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

A better perception of solicitors, although the results of the Society’s recent public polling research were encouraging for the profession.

What keeps you busy outside of work?

Playing golf and watching football. Dog walking for my son and daughter-in-law. Occasional visits to the theatre or cinema.