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.
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