President's column

Just days from now, voters across the country will head to the polls. After a lengthy campaign that has been often passionate and engaging, sometimes heated, but not without its lighter moments, it’s time to decide: Should Scotland be an independent country?

From the outset, the Society was determined to make a positive contribution to the debate, remaining firmly neutral but using the considerable expertise and experience at our disposal to help voters – not least Scotland’s 11,000 solicitors – make an informed decision. As we have consistently said, the referendum could result in the most significant constitutional change for 300 years; the debate should be worthy of the question being asked.

Initially, we held a series of round table stakeholder events to gather views from solicitors, and others. Focusing on key issues where we believed the Society could make the most useful contribution – Scotland’s judicial and parliamentary system, the economy and business, membership of the EU and other international institutions, and the implications of a No vote – we then produced a comprehensive discussion document, asking challenging questions of both the Scottish and UK Governments. The paper, which was well received on both sides of the debate, was followed up with a second document this summer. With critical questions still unanswered, it highlighted the areas where clarity was needed, and again attracted positive comment.

In response to the Scottish and UK Governments, we considered the Scotland’s Future white paper, consultations on the referendum process and papers on some of the major campaign issues. And our spring conference on Scotland’s constitutional future was a major success, with valuable contributions from, among other speakers, Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Secretary of State for Scotland Alistair Carmichael.

Last month, our chief executive, Lorna Jack, sat on a panel with Cabinet Secretary for Finance John Swinney, Alistair Carmichael, and business people supporting Yes and No during a debate in Inverness. With topics as diverse as the “what ifs” of the debate – such as taxation, regulation, EU membership and further devolution – to dualling the A9, it proved a great opportunity to make our presence felt in the Highlands and meet local members.

Also during August, the Society hosted an event at Glasgow Caledonian University that gave members the opportunity to grill the Justice Secretary, Kenny MacAskill, and Advocate General Lord Wallace of Tankerness. Again, our feedback suggests the event was thought-provoking and provided useful information.

But perhaps most fascinating of all was our Festival of Politics panel discussion at the Scottish Parliament. Chaired by the BBC’s Isabel Fraser, “To see ourselves as others see us” involved five international journalists – from Japan, Ireland, the USA, Germany and Catalonia – discussing how the debate is being viewed around the world. It generated insightful contributions from both the panel and the audience. It is worth focusing on a couple of themes that emerged.

Aside from the potential challenges and opportunities of independence or remaining within the UK, the democratic, commonsense and engaging approach to staging the referendum was highlighted by panel members. Griff Witte, London bureau chief of the Washington Post, explained why, after spending so much time in combat zones, he was so heartened by the energy and motivation of those taking part in the debate, particularly younger voters. He hoped the vibrancy of the campaign could be funnelled into building a better country – regardless of the outcome. Wise words.

From my own experience attending recent events in the USA and Canada, I am well aware of the huge interest in the campaign and outcome. Already attention is turning to the detailed consequences of a Yes or a No vote. With that in mind, the timing of the Society’s annual Law in Scotland conference could hardly be better. And, in something of a coup for the Society, keynote speakers at the event on 3 October will include First Minister Alex Salmond and Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael. Perhaps the first major event involving both leading figures in post-referendum Scotland, a fascinating day awaits. As the conference title puts it: “The people’s verdict, so what now?”