SOLAS Newsletter Issue 67 December 2019

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.