Category: Solas News

Well, that’s me in my fourth year of being the SOLAS Administrator. I think I’m getting there! It’s been a very productive year, and it was great to see so many delegates at the Seminar on 11 September in Perth.

We had 98 members and non‑members attending, along with five sponsors and their helpers. The speakers were Euan Fleming from BTO; SJ Macdonald and Michelle Young from WJM; Matthew Thomson from Lockton; and Alex Merton from Harper MacLeod. All of the speakers were very engaging, and the feedback from delegates was overwhelmingly positive.

Our main sponsor was Andrew Miller from Estate Research, who also gave a short talk on the day. Additional support came from Savendale Insurance Services, The Scottish Building Society, Hampden Bank and Currencies Direct.

The next national webinar will take place in March 2026 and will once again be an update from the Law Society. As agreed by General Council, the March webinar will be held online, while the private client seminar in September will continue to be held in person at the same venue. Topics for both events are still to be confirmed.

I am pleased to report a very good return of subscriptions and CPDs. Please remember that two hours of structured CPD must include SOLAS webinars or seminars. Any member who has not met the deadline of 31 December will be sent a 14‑day letter with a £10 late payment fee. If we don’t hear from you after that period, I will be on the phone!

During October, diaries were sent out to all members who had previously requested one. Going forward, diaries will be handed out at the September Seminar and the November Dinner/AGM, as postage costs have increased significantly. If you are unable to attend these events and still require a diary, I can post one out at the end of October or beginning of November.

Please let me know if you no longer wish to receive a diary.

The December 2019 SOLAS newsletter reflects on a successful year of growth, education and member engagement, while providing updates on the proposed Law Society accreditation scheme and celebrating the Aberdeen Branch’s 65th Anniversary.

President’s Update

National President Shirley Green provided an important update on the proposed Law Society of Scotland Accredited Law Accountant Scheme.

Key points included:

• The accreditation scheme had not yet launched but was expected during the next practice year.
• The Law Society confirmed it wished to continue working closely with SOLAS regarding accreditation arrangements.
• Following the separation of SOLAS from the Law Society’s examination structure, student enrolment numbers increased, demonstrating continued demand for the SOLAS qualification.
• Discussions were underway regarding the reintroduction of a second year of study for SOLAS courses.

Shirley also highlighted the success of two Perth seminars and praised Aberdeen Branch for hosting a memorable AGM Dinner celebrating its 65th anniversary.

Administrator’s Report

Administrator Dorothy Nicholson reported:

• Strong attendance at both national seminars held in Perth during 2019.
• Plans for the March 2020 Private Client Seminar featuring speakers from Blackadders, Gillespie Macandrew, SKO Family Law and Estate Research.
• Ongoing reminders regarding CPD submissions, membership subscriptions and updating member contact details.

New Members

A substantial number of new Associate Members joined SOLAS across all branches, reflecting continued growth and professional engagement throughout Scotland’s legal accounting community.

Branch Highlights

Aberdeen Branch

• Celebrated diploma success for students Jennifer Hiscox and Rachael Ingram.
• Hosted events marking the branch’s 65th Anniversary, recognising Aberdeen’s role as the birthplace of SOLAS classes in 1954.

Dundee Branch

• Celebrated successful graduates including Laura Duncan, Kay Downie, Sarah Brown and Megan Hassett.
• Laura Duncan achieved distinction in all three modules and received a special academic award.
• The branch recognised the contributions of lecturers who helped deliver the SOLAS Diploma Programme.

Edinburgh Branch

• Hosted a student reception introducing new students to branch members and lecturers.
• Delivered seminars on forensic accounting, business valuations and wills.
• Celebrated eight graduates completing the SOLAS qualification and beginning their law accounting careers.

Glasgow Branch

• Held its graduation ceremony at the Royal Faculty of Procurators.
• Ten students successfully completed all three modules and received their certificates.
• Continued to deliver a strong CPD programme covering topics including:
  • Making Tax Digital
  • Cashroom and AML compliance
  • Estate administration
  • Employment law
  • Succession law
  • Fraud prevention
  • Feeing practices.

Inverness Branch

• Celebrated an important milestone with its first student from England.
• Nicola Taylor, based in Yorkshire, completed all modules via webinar and achieved distinction before joining SOLAS membership.

Aberdeen Branch 65th Anniversary

A major feature of the newsletter was coverage of the Aberdeen Branch 65th Anniversary Celebrations (1954-2019). Multiple pages of photographs documented the event, recognising Aberdeen’s historic role in re-establishing SOLAS and supporting legal accounting education throughout Scotland.

Key Themes

This issue focused on:

• Continued growth in SOLAS student numbers.
• The forthcoming Law Society accreditation scheme.
• Expansion of distance and webinar-based learning.
• Professional education and CPD.
• Recognition of student achievement across Scotland.
• Celebration of Aberdeen Branch’s 65-year contribution to the Society.

The December 2018 newsletter marks a significant milestone for SOLAS, celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the Glasgow Branch, welcoming a new National President, and outlining major future developments for the Society and its professional qualifications.

New President Takes Office

Shirley Green succeeded Richard Murray as SOLAS National President at the November 2018 AGM. In her introduction, she reflected on her own SOLAS journey, from completing the course in 1999 to serving in numerous committee and leadership roles before assuming the presidency.

She highlighted:

• The importance of member involvement in SOLAS committees.
• The success of the Glasgow Branch’s 60th Anniversary celebrations.
• Record attendance of 105 members and guests at the Annual Dinner.
• Future changes arising from the Law Society’s planned accreditation proposals for law accountants.

Administrator’s Report

Administrator Dorothy Nicholson reported:

• Strong attendance of approximately 180 delegates at the Autumn Seminar despite severe weather disruption.
• Plans for the March 2019 Private Client Seminar featuring speakers from TC Young, Blackadders, CLSRS and the former Public Guardian’s Office.
• Continued reminders regarding CPD submissions, subscriptions and maintaining current contact details.

New Members Admitted

General Council approved a substantial number of new Associate Members from branches across Scotland, demonstrating continued growth and engagement within the Society.

Major Structural Change: SOLAS and the Law Society

One of the most important announcements concerned the future relationship between SOLAS and the Law Society of Scotland.

The newsletter confirmed that:

• The Law Society intended to introduce an Accreditation Scheme for Law Accountants.
• As a result, the long-standing SOLAS/Law Society Joint Board of Examiners would cease operating from 1 January 2019.
• A new SOLAS-operated Board of Examiners would be established to oversee training and examinations going forward.

This represented a significant change in the governance of professional education within the Society.

SOLAS History and Objectives

The newsletter included a brief history of SOLAS:

• Originally formed in Aberdeen in 1910.
• Re-established in 1954 following a period of inactivity after the First World War.
• Glasgow Branch formed in 1958.
• Dundee, Edinburgh and Inverness branches followed over subsequent decades.

The Society reaffirmed its core purpose of supporting those working in legal accounting through education, networking and professional development.

Glasgow Branch 60th Anniversary

The centrepiece of the newsletter was coverage of the Glasgow Branch’s 60th Anniversary Annual Dinner and AGM. Photographs throughout the issue documented the celebrations, including the anniversary cake, guests and members attending the event.

The celebrations recognised six decades of contribution by the Glasgow Branch to legal accounting education and professional development.

Branch Reports

Aberdeen

• Successful AGM and CPD events.
• Four students received certificates.
• Introduction of webinar-based CPD sessions shared with Inverness.
• Long-serving Branch Secretary June Payne retired after many years of service and was succeeded by Joyce Forbes.
• The branch moved to a new meeting venue.

Dundee

• Welcomed new committee and General Council member Nikki Scott.
• Celebrated diploma recipients and newly admitted SOLAS members.
• Congratulations were extended to branch secretary Lynne Alexander following her marriage in September 2018.

Edinburgh

• Held a student reception and graduation ceremony for nine successful students.
• Reported strong examination results, with several students achieving distinctions in all three subjects.
• Continued a varied seminar programme covering family law, professional discipline, financial compliance, wellbeing and powers of attorney.
• Paid tribute to retiring former National President Richard Murray, recognising more than three decades of service to SOLAS as lecturer, committee member, branch president and national president.

Glasgow

• Celebrated the graduation of twelve successful students.
• Published its 2019 CPD programme, including GDPR, estate planning, cashroom management, pensions and regulatory updates.

Inverness

• Celebrated local graduate Eilidh Anderson, who received her diploma at a ceremony held in Inverness.

Key Themes

This issue focused on:

• The Glasgow Branch’s 60th Anniversary.
• Leadership transition from Richard Murray to Shirley Green.
• Expansion of member accreditation opportunities.
• Major governance changes to professional training and examinations.
• Continued investment in CPD, education and member development.
• Recognition of the contributions made by volunteers and long-serving members across Scotland.

The Summer 2018 SOLAS newsletter provides updates on professional development, mental wellbeing initiatives, branch activities, and plans for the Society’s 60th anniversary celebrations.

President’s Message

President Richard Murray reflects on one of Scotland’s warmest summers and reports a relatively quiet period for SOLAS. Key topics include:

• Encouraging members to apply for vacancies on Law Society of Scotland committees, helping strengthen SOLAS representation within the profession.
• Continued involvement with Legal Wellbeing Scotland, focusing on mental health, workplace culture, and tackling issues such as bullying within the legal profession.
• Concerns about the uncertainty surrounding Brexit and its potential impact on law firms and legal professionals.
• A reminder that SOLAS is available to support members facing professional or personal difficulties.

Administrator’s Report

Administrator Dorothy Nicholson highlights:

• Improved compliance with annual CPD and subscription requirements.
• A successful National Seminar in March 2018.
• Plans for the Autumn Seminar on 19 September 2018, featuring an update from the Law Society of Scotland.
• The importance of GDPR compliance and keeping member contact details up to date.
• Reminders that members must complete:
  • 5 hours structured CPD
  • 5 hours unstructured CPD by 31 October each year.

60th Anniversary Annual Dinner & AGM

The newsletter announces the SOLAS Annual Dinner and AGM celebrating the Glasgow Branch’s 60th Anniversary:

• 9-10 November 2018
• Grand Central Hotel, Glasgow
• Subsidised dinner and accommodation rates for members and guests.

Branch News

Dundee

• AGM held in May at the Queens Hotel.
• New committee member Nikki Scott was appointed.
• Members participated in a charity fundraising challenge for Alzheimer Scotland, climbing multiple Munros and raising awareness.

Edinburgh

Several significant changes were announced:

• Natalie Cooke became Branch President.
• Long-serving President Richard Murray stepped down and left the committee following his move to TC Young.
• Tracey O’Brien became Branch Secretary.
• The branch moved its seminar venue to RICS Meeting Rooms on Princes Street following the closure of the Royal Overseas League.

The branch reported another successful seminar programme covering:

• Executries and Powers of Attorney
• Scots vs English Law
• Money Laundering Regulations
• Cashroom Procedures
• Inheritance Tax issues
• Regulatory challenges facing law firms.

Glasgow

• Paid tribute to former members Margaret Irving and Anna Robertson, both of whom had made significant contributions to SOLAS.
• Announced a date change for a September CPD seminar on Income and Capital Gains Tax in Executries.
• Celebrated Glasgow committee member Janette Cooley’s 60th birthday.

Inverness

• No branch report was submitted.

Key Themes

This issue focuses on:

• Professional development and CPD.
• Member wellbeing and mental health.
• Succession and leadership changes within branches.
• Increased collaboration with the Law Society.
• Preparations for the Glasgow Branch’s 60th anniversary celebrations.

The December 2017 edition of the SOLAS newsletter celebrates a successful year for the Society, highlights member achievements, and reflects on key developments across Scotland’s legal accounting community.

Highlights

President’s Review President Richard Murray reflects on representing SOLAS at legal finance and legal accounting events in England and Ireland, and reports positively on discussions with the Law Society of Scotland regarding the continuing importance of the SOLAS qualification. He also reiterates the Society’s commitment to mental health and wellbeing initiatives within the legal profession.

Professional Development The Society hosted two successful national seminars during 2017, with strong attendance from members. Plans were announced for a further Private Client Seminar in March 2018 covering inheritance tax, beneficiary tracing, pensions and financial searches.

New Members and Graduates A significant number of new Associate and Full Members were admitted across all branches. Graduation ceremonies took place throughout Scotland, recognising successful completion of SOLAS qualifications in Cashroom Accounting, Executry Administration and Feeing.

Distance Learning Success SOLAS’s first fully delivered distance-learning programme was hailed as a success, enabling students from remote locations including Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles to complete qualifications without travelling to classroom sessions. Several students achieved distinctions.

Branch News

• Dundee celebrated new diploma graduates.
• Edinburgh hosted its diploma ceremony and continued its active CPD programme.
• Glasgow recognised graduates, honoured long-serving members including Tom McCafferty, and prepared for its upcoming 60th anniversary celebrations.
• Inverness successfully hosted the 2017 Annual Dinner and AGM and reported a strong year despite administrative challenges.

Annual Dinner & AGM The SOLAS Annual Dinner at the Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness was described as a great success, attracting members from across Scotland for networking, celebrations and entertainment. Extensive photographic coverage of the event fills much of the newsletter.

Summary of SOLAS Newsletter (Issue 62, July 2017)

This edition of the Society of Law Accountants in Scotland (SOLAS) newsletter focuses on member wellbeing, professional development, society news, and upcoming events.

Key Messages from the President

President Richard Murray highlights the importance of mental health and wellbeing within the legal profession. Drawing on his own experiences with stress and depression, he encourages members to seek support when needed and raises awareness of the work being done by Legal Wellbeing Scotland and LawCare to support legal professionals facing mental health challenges. He reminds members that SOLAS and colleagues are available to help and emphasises that seeking support should never carry stigma.

Administrator’s Report

Administrator Dorothy Nicholson reflects on a busy year, including the successful spring seminar and personal milestones. Members are reminded of their annual CPD requirements:

• 5 hours structured CPD
• 5 hours unstructured CPD

These must be completed by 31 October each year. Attending SOLAS national seminars can contribute significantly toward these requirements.

Distance Learning Success

SOLAS reports a successful pilot of its distance learning programme:

• All students completed the three modules.
• The programme achieved a 100% pass rate.
• Feedback from students and lecturers was overwhelmingly positive.
• The model is expected to help students in remote areas access training more easily.

Celebrating Peter McMenemy

A substantial section is dedicated to Peter McMenemy, described affectionately as “Mr SOLAS,” in recognition of his longstanding contribution to the society and legal accounting education.

Highlights include:

• Helping establish SOLAS educational classes with the Law Society.
• Lecturing and examining students for many years.
• Supporting Glasgow branch activities and promoting professional education.
• A special tribute was made around his 70th birthday celebrations.

Peter also contributed a thank-you message expressing appreciation for the gifts, messages, and surprise celebrations organised by members.

Annual Dinner and AGM

The SOLAS Annual Dinner and AGM was announced for:

• 3-4 November 2017
• Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness

The dinner cost was subsidised, and members were invited to bring guests. Accommodation options and booking details were provided.

Branch News

Dundee Branch

• Congratulated member Natalie Holden on the birth of her son, Lukas Delroy Chung.

Edinburgh Branch

• Reported a successful AGM and seminar programme.
• Highlighted strong attendance at CPD events.
• Praised the continuing value of the SOLAS qualification in the legal sector.
• Confirmed committee appointments and welcomed new committee members.
• Invited suggestions for future seminar topics.

Glasgow Branch

• Published its 2017/18 CPD programme, including topics such as:
  • Office party conduct
  • Commissary practice
  • Family law
  • Social media misconduct
  • Anti-money laundering
  • Taxation in executries
  • Guardianships

Aberdeen and Inverness Branches

• No reports submitted.

Administrative Reminders

Members were reminded to:

• Submit CPD records and membership subscriptions by 30 November 2017.
• Include membership numbers when making BACS payments.
• Notify the administrator of any changes to contact details.

Overall Theme

The newsletter balances professional updates with a strong focus on member wellbeing, education, and community, celebrating the contributions of long-serving members while promoting ongoing training and engagement across the Scottish legal accounting profession.