Orkney solicitor wins Highland seat on Society's Council

Orkney solicitor Serena Sutherland has become the newest member of the Law Society of Scotland's Council by coming out on top in the by-election for the vacant seat for the Highlands & Islands constituency.

Ms Sutherland, principal solicitor at Drever & Heddle LLP in Kirkwall, was elected after three rounds of counting, ahead of Sam Cowie, Paul Nevin and Andrea Ross. She joins Stornoway-based local government solicitor Sheekha Saha in representing solicitors in the Dingwall, Dornoch, Elgin, Inverness, Kirkwall, Lerwick, Lochmaddy, Portree, Stornoway, Tain and Wick sheriff court districts on the Society's governing body.

Speaking following her election Ms Sutherland commented: "I am thrilled to have been elected by my peers and colleagues and to be joining Sheekha on Council.

"Being a solicitor in a busy rural private practice means that I am exposed to lots of the issues affecting the profession in the north of Scotland and I am 100% committed to ensuring that those issues are raised and addressed.

"I would invite my constituency colleagues to get in touch with your comments and queries – I can’t promise to have all the answers, but I will do my best to share your views at the Council table."

Sheekha Saha added: “I am delighted to welcome Serena on board and look forward to working together to ensure that the unique geographical spread and professional diversity of our constituency is properly represented on Council.”

Lorna Jack, chief executive of the Law Society, said: "I would like to thank everyone who voted, stood for election or helped with the campaign – and of course, congratulate Serena on her success. I look forward to meeting Serena when she joins our next Council meeting – whether that’s in person or virtually with the magic of technology – and to her contributions to the Law Society’s work."