Refurbished advocates' library opens in Glasgow

Advocates working at the High Court in Glasgow are enjoying "the best facilities for many a long day", following the official opening of the refurbished Faculty library there.

The claim was made at the opening ceremony by Dean of Faculty Gordon Jackson QC. The library project marks the third leg of improvements for members at the Saltmarket court, following the new gown room provided by Scottish Courts & Tribunals Service, and the Faculty's new suite of consultation rooms across the street in Jocelyn Square.

"Now, we have the changes to the library, and it's an excellent facility. I have to say, I don't think we have done terribly badly. The criminal bar in Glasgow is in a better position and has the best facilities for many a long day", said Mr Jackson.

Works included new desks, chairs, PCs and lighting, improvements to heating and ventilation, new carpet and decorating.

Keeper of the Library Mungo Bovey QC paid tribute to the recently-retired senior librarian, Andrea Longson. "Andrea was the driving force behind the modernisation we see here. We are keen to provide a good service for members in Glasgow and a lot of hard work has gone into these improvements", he said.

Claire Mitchell, President of the Scottish Criminal Bar Association, added: "It's fantastic! The facilities are above and beyond what members had expected. We have already seen an increase in the number of people coming in to use the library as a resource, rather than, for example, working from home."