Walking, in (almost) all weathers

The Scottish Legal Walks were back in force in 2023! The Access to Justice Foundation (“ATJF”) Scotland committee organised a record-breaking five walks, and warmly welcomed the Faculty of Advocates and Law Society of Scotland as national sponsors.

First up was the inaugural Falkirk Legal Walk on Sunday 24 September. Laura Brown, of Brown Owl Legal Support, commented: “What a delight it was to organise this walk. We attracted 17 walkers from the legal profession, animal welfare and carers’ rights charities, and Geoff Bailey of Falkirk History Society led us aon a fascinating tour. The rain held off until we were safely enjoying our afternoon tea, courtesy of event sponsor Haldane Construction. I’ve caught the legal walk bug and look forward to next year.”

The Glasgow Legal Walk followed on the evening of 26 September. Austin Lafferty, one of the organisers, remarked: “We had a very good turnout of teams and individuals and heard from Sheriff Alan Mackenzie, Dean of the Royal Faculty Stephen Vallance, and Law Society Vice President Susan Murray, before taking in Glasgow legal landmarks. The weather was also Glaswegian, but we were well rewarded with refreshments back at the Royal Faculty, our sponsor.”

Davina Patel, ATJF senior development officer, said it was a delight to attend and see so many of the legal community taking part. “The ATJF strives for a society where everyone has access to justice, and with each step we take and each penny we raise, we can support more and more marginalised individuals. I encourage those eager to find out more to visit our website or email us directly. Finally, I extend an enormous thank you to all organisers, sponsors and participants that made this year’s Scottish Legal Walks such a success!”

Our third event was in Edinburgh on the evening of 4 October. Lead walker Lord Tyre addressed us at the start, and the closing reception, with 10th anniversary cake, was in the Reading Room, Advocates Library.

Neil Mackenzie KC, Keeper of the Library, commented: “The Scottish Legal Walks are about generosity, community, and helping an important cause. The generosity means more than money: it is also about giving time and effort. All five walks, the sponsors and walkers raise both money and awareness of the essential work of extending access to justice to the most vulnerable when they need it.”

Diane McGiffen, CEO of the Society, added: “It’s wonderful to see the walks grow and grow – justice needs allies and the legal walks create a great opportunity to get together and raise funds for the Foundation. This was my first legal walk, but I’m looking forward to the next one already.”

Aster Crawshaw, senior partner of sponsor Addleshaw Goddard observed: “Those of us who work in the commercial world can all too easily lose sight of how difficult it can be to access justice. The advice charities supported by the ATJF are a critical part of the system. The legal walk was the perfect event: it was fun, we raised some money, and it was a driver of positive change.”

The inaugural Aberdeen Legal Walk was held on the evening of 11 October. Organiser Calum Graham, student director, Grampian Community Law Centre, related: “We were very lucky with the support shown by the local universities and Addleshaw Goddard, who combined to raise money for such a worthy cause. The walkers all appeared to enjoy themselves and the weather was better than expected! I look forward to seeing how the event grows and develops in future.”

Our fifth and final walk was the Dundee Legal Walk, planned for 22 October. “Storm Babet descended on what is normally a sunny Dundee, which unfortunately led to the event being postponed”, said Rebecca Samaras, chair of the ATJFS committee. “Our thanks to Libby Findlay of Dundee University and to Thorntons, our event sponsor, for their tremendous work organising this walk, which will be rescheduled.”

More than 180 walkers have raised over £4,000 so far this autumn, and donations can still be made in support, at atjf.org.uk/about-us/our-work-across-the-uk/scotland

The Great Legal Bake is also taking place to mark pro bono week (6-10 November), as well as the Great Legal Quiz on 29 November. If you are interested in helping out with next year’s Scottish Legal Walks, have an idea for a new fundraising event, or think there should be a local walk in your area, please email me.

Many thanks to all our national and event sponsors, organisers, walkers, supporters and donors, and here’s to more walking and fundraising in 2024!

In recognition of Graeme McWilliams’ commitment to the Scottish Legal Walks, the committee had intended to present him with the medal (pictured) – along with cake! – after the Dundee Legal Walk, until its enforced postponement. They wish however to make this deserved recognition now.

Austin Lafferty said: “Enormous thanks are due to Graeme McWilliams, who coordinated all the walks (i.e. herded the legal cats) and attended all – an indispensable contribution offered with Graeme’s customary elegance and understatement.”