Judge chooses title to honour late mother

The latest judge to join the Court of Session and High Court bench has honoured his late mother by taking her maiden name for his title.

Sean Smith QC took the judicial title of Lord Harrower as he was sworn in as a Senator of the College of Justice today at a ceremony led by Lord Carloway, the Lord President in Parliament House.

After welcoming Mr Smith to the bench and revealing his title, Lord Carloway said he was confident that Lord Harrower would be a great asset to the Outer House.

“He is a graduate of Glasgow University, although his school days were here in Edinburgh. Before passing advocate in 1999, Lord Harrower spent some five years in the world of academia at Cambridge. At the bar, he established a sound practice in tax and related matters. His skills in these areas will, hopefully in early course, be a great asset to the Outer House.

“Lord Harrower was, at various times, standing junior to the Scottish Government, HM Revenue & Customs and the Office of the Advocate General. After becoming a QC in 2012, he continued his practice in revenue matters, but also spent some two years as an advocate depute.

“Everyone here this morning will wish you well, as I do, in this new and exciting step in your already distinguished legal career. The responsibilities are great but the rewards are, at least in abstract terms, considerable.”