Sturgeon cuts the cake at Law Commission anniversary visit

The Scottish Law Commission was honoured today with a visit from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at its offices in Edinburgh, to mark the Commission’s 50th anniversary this year.

Ms Sturgeon cut a commemorative cake and met members of the Commission's staff, from a new legal assistant to someone with 39 years' service.

Paying tribute to the Commission's law reform work, the First Minister said: “To be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Scottish Law Commission is a real tribute to those men and women who have worked tirelessly to promote Scots law over the years. The Scottish Law Commission has an excellent record of providing Government with independent advice on the reforms that are needed to improve and update the laws of Scotland to ensure that they reflect the evolving needs of our society. I congratulate the
chair, commissioners and staff on this important anniversary.”

The chairman of the Commission, Lord Pentland, replied: “It is an honour and a pleasure to welcome the First Minister to the Scottish Law Commission today. The visit signifies the important contribution the Commission has made over the past half century to reforming Scots Law. It also reflects the key relationships that the Commission has with Scottish Ministers and the Scottish Parliament. Successful law reform depends on a partnership between the country’s independent law reform agency, the Government and the legislature and we are fortunate in Scotland to have an extremely good relationship between the three partners.

"As an independent body, the Scottish Law Commission has promoted the reform of Scots law for 50 years. We will continue to do so in the future, engaging closely with Scottish people and organisations to ensure that the law is just, principled and up to date.”