Vote for your Council member

I wish to stand for election to the Council for my local constituency because I believe that I have a good understanding of the challenges facing solicitors in the Highlands and Islands. Originally from Caithness, I worked in a small, local firm in Wick for ten years prior to moving to my current firm in Inverness.

I believe that the different experiences I can draw on having worked in both a small, local and a large, national firm means that I will be able to support other local solicitors within the constituency both at larger and smaller firms. I also think having had experience working in a rural community and now in Inverness I will be able to support solicitors within the constituency who work in more remote areas of the Highlands and Islands as well as those in Inverness.
If elected to the Council I hope to be able to effectively represent all constituents at the Council so that their views contribute to vital decisions and key pieces of work which will help continue to make the Highland and Islands a fantastic place to work as a solicitor.

I am seeking re-election to allow me to continue to represent the unique challenges of working in our amazing part of the word for another term.

I was brought up in Orkney, where I still live. I proudly own a high-street practice with offices in Orkney and Thurso as well as a base in Elgin. This geographical spread allows me to understand the complexities of being a Solicitor across the north of Scotland. I am aware of the challenges and opportunities that our remoteness brings and will work hard to ensure our views remain a vital part of the conversation at Council.

During my time on Council we have dealt with some very difficult issues including the impact of COVID-19 and the ongoing work around the Regulation of Legal Services Bill. During these debates, and many others, I have tried to represent the views of our constituency openly and fairly. I have always tried to secure the best outcome for us all and hope to be able to continue to do so with your vote.

I have 20+ years practice in our beautiful constituency. I believe passionately that our views & needs as practitioners (High Street, In-house, Big Firm) must be heard by our professional body & it should be accountable to us. I believe I can help make it so: I have been a vocal champion for those of us North of the central belt, working to resolve various queries & issues many of you have raised with me.

My experience to date has given me a sound understanding of the Society’s ways of working & great working relationships, so I can be effective in representing you.
I know there are challenges ahead for us delivering legal services in our area, challenges in terms of Legal Aid, & our own recruitment & succession to sustain our services - to name a couple. I’ve learned much in the last few years in this role. I have a vision for better communication with you, to hear what you want of me & to support your connection to the Society which is all of ours; to support & shape a professional body that we are a proud part of & that delivers for us.
Quite simply, I would be humbled & to have your vote & honoured to serve you.