The search for consensus

Given that the introduction of the new constitution was “accompanied by several storms”, the chairman of the general meeting called on all the disparate groups representing Scottish solicitors to put aside their differences and pull together as one profession, while recognising that all had an important role to play.

No, not Thursday’s AGM in Perth – the Society’s very first general meeting, 62 years ago. Yet the message was as applicable then as it is now.

The Society’s outgoing President, Cameron Ritchie, referred to his predecessor’s remarks in his address this year's meeting. Soon after, those present at the meeting voted to reduce the size of the Council from 62 members to 46, a modest but important reform that will streamline the decision-making process and improve efficiency.

The process of constitutional reform has not been straightforward, with strongly held and sometimes conflicting views on the best way forward. But progress has now been made with the introduction of a measure convincingly backed during consultations with the membership and again today. And Cameron deserves much credit for that progress – alongside many other achievements during his presidency – just as the incoming President, Austin Lafferty, and new Vice President, Bruce Beveridge, have also played a vital role building confidence in the governance reforms.

Austin and Bruce, who have already proved a first class team, will continue to steer the Society through the process of modernisation, perhaps considering further constitutional reforms that improve effectiveness and efficiency. The chairman and delegates at that first general meeting in 1950 could not have guessed it, but the use of technology would surely enhance democracy and increase participation in Society business. If we put aside other differences and pull together, electronic voting might soon become a reality, for the benefit of all.