As we reach the end of the year, I’m also heading into my final year as National President. It’s a strange thought, as it feels like no time at all since I took up the role. Over the next twelve months, my focus will be on pressing on with as much as I can to benefit SOLAS and to leave things in as strong a position as possible for the next team.
Since the summer, the Society has been busy on a number of fronts. In September, we held our national private client seminar in Perth, with 98 members and non-members in the room and strong support from our sponsors. The feedback was excellent, and my thanks go to our Administrator, our speakers and all of the firms who backed the event. Days like that don’t happen by accident — they take a lot of work behind the scenes.
In October, I had the pleasure of travelling to Limerick with Council member and Edinburgh Committee member, Paul McRobb, to attend The Institute of Legal Accountants of Ireland Conference. It was a first-class event, with a strong programme and a very warm welcome from our Irish colleagues. As well as hearing about developments in their jurisdiction, it gave us the chance to share what we’re doing in Scotland and to consider how our organisations can continue to support one another in the years ahead. I’m extremely grateful to ILAI for the invitation and hospitality.
The Dundee AGM Dinner was another highlight of the year. It was great to see such a strong turnout and to welcome visitors from both The Institute of Legal Accountants of Ireland and The Institute of Legal Finance & Management (ILFM). Their presence underlined SOLAS’s place within a wider professional community, relationships I’m very keen to continue developing.
Following on from this, Paul and I recently met with the CEO of ILFM to explore opportunities for closer collaboration. While discussions are still at an early stage, there is genuine appetite on both sides to work together for the benefit of members, and I hope to share more as this develops.
CPD has continued to be a major strength. Between national events and seminars across the Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen branches, members now benefit from a year‑round programme. Microsoft Teams has made sessions more accessible, and recordings have helped those unable to attend live. At the same time, we remain committed to in‑person learning, with the March Law Society update staying online and the September private client seminar continuing as an in‑person event in Perth.
On the education front, and as announced at the AGM dinner, I’m pleased to confirm that the second year of our course is being reintroduced. This will include three additional subjects, with further details to follow. The course will commence from the 2026/27 teaching year and is an essential step in rebuilding a clear progression route for those wishing to deepen their knowledge.
Members will also be aware that we are introducing a new membership system. While there has been a slight delay, initial testing is due to begin in January 2026, with rollout to members shortly after. This is a significant change in how memberships and profiles are managed, and I appreciate your patience while we ensure the system is thoroughly tested.
A consistent theme across branch reports this year has been the need for greater involvement. Several branches are seeking additional committee members and office‑bearers. The time commitment is modest, but the impact is meaningful. If you have ever considered getting involved, I encourage you to speak to your local committee, fresh voices genuinely matter.
Finally, I want to acknowledge our students and newly qualified members. From branch graduations to strong exam results, it’s clear that significant hard work is going on, often alongside demanding day jobs. Thank you as well to the employers, mentors and colleagues who support them.
My thanks go to everyone who has contributed to SOLAS this year, committee members, speakers, sponsors, tutors, students and attendees alike. The Society continues to thrive because people are willing to give their time and energy.
I wish you and your families a very happy and restful festive period, and I look forward to seeing many of you, in person and online, in 2026.
