The Edinburgh Branch has had a busy and rewarding few months, and we are delighted to share the highlights.
In October, we were thrilled to host our Branch Graduation Ceremony at the Law Society offices in Edinburgh. The event was very well attended, with 25 participants, nearly all 12 graduates, and a number of new members joining SOLAS as part of the celebrations. Certificates were proudly presented by SOLAS President David Hamilton and our Edinburgh Branch President, Natalie Cooke. It was a memorable evening filled with celebration, refreshments and the support of family and friends.
In November, we had the pleasure of attending the Dundee Branch Annual Dinner and AGM at the Apex Hotel in Dundee. It was a fantastic evening of great conversation, familiar faces and new connections.
Looking ahead, next year the Annual Dinner will be hosted by the Edinburgh Branch, and we are already excited to welcome even more members. Whether you are newly qualified, long standing or considering joining, it is a brilliant opportunity to meet colleagues from across Scotland, celebrate our profession and be part of a friendly and vibrant community. We hope to see many new faces in 2026.
This season also brought a special honour. Paul McRobb had the pleasure of representing SOLAS at the Institute of Legal Accountants of Ireland Conference. It was a standout event, featuring insightful presentations from Anne Heenan on probate, Paul Mee and Claire Gibbons on partner succession, Jim Power on the economic outlook for Irish law firms, and Sharon Sheehan with timely updates on employment law, hybrid working and pensions. Our sincere thanks to the Institute for hosting such an excellent conference and for inviting SOLAS to take part.
Over the past 12 months, the Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen branches have worked together to deliver a strong programme of seminars, with consistently high attendance reflecting their value. We will continue to deliver sessions through Microsoft Teams and record them whenever possible to support ongoing development. This flexible approach helps members engage even when working hours are busy or unpredictable.
If you have ideas or suggestions for future seminars, please contact us at [email protected]. We are always keen to hear what would be most useful.
We are also very happy to welcome new members to the Edinburgh Committee. The commitment is light, with only a few short meetings and occasional emails, but the impact is meaningful. Joining the Committee is a great way to help shape events, support the profession and connect with colleagues across Scotland. New perspectives are genuinely appreciated, and you are warmly invited to attend a meeting on a trial basis if you would like to see what is involved.
Warmest wishes for the festive season from the Edinburgh Committee:
Melissa Blackwood, Lindsay Murray, Natalie Cooke, Mandy Gibb, Gillian Forsyth and Paul McRobb.
