Lord Mackay of Drumadoon tribute

Alison Atack, President of the Law Society of Scotland, has paid tribute to Lord Mackay of Drumadoon.

She said: “Lord Mackay was a wise judge, a perceptive and tenacious lawyer and a dedicated public servant in the administration of our justice system. His broad experience as Solicitor General for Scotland and as Lord Advocate placed him at the forefront of legal and constitutional change during the late 1990s and into 2000. He had a long and varied career, becoming a judge of the Supreme Courts of Scotland and was a member of the House of Lords until last year, a role which allowed him to contribute to the creation of new legislation as well as its interpretation in the courts.

“Lord Mackay qualified and worked as a solicitor, becoming a member of the Society of Solicitors in the Supreme Courts of Scotland, prior to joining the Faculty of Advocates in the mid-70s. In recent years he worked closely with us in developing and delivering solicitor advocate training, bringing his valuable experience, knowledge and expertise to ensure high standards of practice for our members who wished to attain rights of audience in the High Court of Justiciary or Court of Session.

"He will be much missed and we offer our sincere condolences to his family and friends."