In good company

This autumn, we welcomed the return of the Glasgow and Edinburgh Legal Walks and the inaugural Dundee Legal Walk, in aid of the Access to Justice Foundation Scotland (“ATJFS”) and local legal advice charities.

27.9: Glasgow Legal Walk

Austin Lafferty, Dean of the Royal Faculty of Procurators in Glasgow, ATJFS committee member and lead GLW organiser, comments: “Charity events come in all shapes, sizes and speeds. As lawyers and others promoting access to justice, we walk – for companionship, charity, and a visible joint commitment to our cause of justice for all. The Glasgow Legal Walk takes in local points of legal historical significance – including the High Court, the Glasgow Tolbooth, and the address of notorious murder accused Madeleine Smith.”

We had a good turnout, enjoyed a very sunny evening, guided by Austin’s maps and notes, starting outside Glasgow Sheriff Court where Sheriff Principal Turnbull welcomed and inspired us on our way. There was a real sense of rapport on the walk, and in our closing reception in the Royal Faculty, where Austin proposed the thanks. Austin and I thought it was the best Glasgow Legal Walk yet!

5.10: Edinburgh Legal Walk

Rebecca Samaras, ATJFS committee chair and lead ELW organiser, sums it all up: “A real highlight in the access to justice calendar and even the rain didn’t dampen spirits! Thank you to all the legal professionals and justice advocates who walked together to raise funds for Scottish frontline legal advice services.”

Our evening was actually mostly dry. Lord Tyre provided the inspirational address and walked with us. Our closing reception was in the Upper Signet Library, where the Society’s Vice President addressed us and Rebecca proposed the thanks. Another great turnout for a very social walk enjoyed by all.

23.10: Dundee Legal Walk

Dr Sarah Hendry, head of Dundee Law School, says: “We were delighted to be able to organise Dundee’s first Legal Walk for Access to Justice. Many thanks to Thorntons for their assistance and hosting a welcome cuppa at the end. We had the pleasure of the company of both the current President of the Law Society of Scotland and a past President who is now our chair of Court. Thanks also to Libby Findlay for leading the organisation. We look forward to this being an annual event, bringing together the universities and the local profession for such a worthy cause.”

We set off on a dry but foggy Sunday afternoon from Dundee University, and posed by the iconic V&A Dundee. We finished up in Thorntons’ office, where the President reminded us of why we were there. It was a great inaugural turnout, with plenty of networking on the way.

In total, £6,350 has been raised so far in Scotland (and will stay in Scotland); and donations for teams and individuals on each of the three walks can still be made via their website.

Many thanks to all the organisers, sponsors, walkers, guest speakers and supporters of these events, which are genuinely great fun for super local causes.

ATJFS is looking for volunteers, and new committee and working group members. Roll on the Scottish Legal Walks 2023, and perhaps we can try to add a fourth Scottish city?