Step Up — Scottish Legal Walks are back this autumn

Graeme McWilliams of the Access to Justice Foundation Scotland Committee introduces the 2025 Scottish Legal Walks.

The Access to Justice Foundation Scotland Committee is delighted to welcome back the Faculty of Advocates and the Law Society of Scotland as national sponsors of the Scottish Legal Walks, and we really appreciate the support of our individual event sponsors.

We have five Scottish Legal Walks arranged so far this year:

• Falkirk on the afternoon of Sunday, 21 September
• Glasgow on the evening of Wednesday, 24 September
• Dundee on the evening of Tuesday, 30 September
• Edinburgh on the evening of Wednesday, 1 October
• Aberdeen on the evening of Wednesday, 8 October 

All for an important cause

It is hard to believe that the first Scottish Legal Walk was organised in Edinburgh in 2013. I asked two of those involved in organising recent events to tell us a bit more about their local walks this year.

Laura Brown of Brown Owl Legal Support, and organiser of the three Falkirk Legal Walks to date, said: “Organising the first Falkirk Legal Walk was my way of helping the legal community go the extra mile for local access to justice. I wanted to create an event that was a stroll for the soul – something that anyone could join, whether you’re a solicitor, student or just passionate about the cause. Dogs are welcome too!

“I keep putting one foot in front of the other because every year I see first-hand the impact that even a small group can make, both in raising funds and in raising awareness for local legal advice charities. There’s always a spring in everyone’s step on the day: old friends catching up, new faces joining in and everyone united by a shared purpose. 

“This year, I’m especially excited for the Falkirk Legal Walk, with a new route to explore, more local history thanks to [local historian] Geoff Bailey and more walkers stepping up than ever before. It is a highlight in my calendar, and I’d love to see even more of the legal community (and beyond!) lace up and join us, so we can keep moving the dial for access to justice in Falkirk.”

Austin Lafferty, past Dean of the Royal Faculty of Procurators in Glasgow (sponsor and host of the city’s post-walk reception) and one of the local organisers, said: “The Legal Walks have been around for a few years and are steadily growing in numbers and impact. In Glasgow, we walk as lawyers, colleagues, families, friends (and sometimes dogs) to create a focus for access to justice as an idea, aspiration and ambition.

“In this complex and harsh world, people don’t want to face litigation or prosecution, but it may be the only way to get justice. We Legal Walkers get together and all head in the same direction, collecting donations and attention for a fundamentally worthy cause. If we experience fun and fellowship on the way, it’s a win-win!”

Get involved

As well as the walks in Falkirk, Glasgow, Dundee, Edinburgh and Aberdeen, we also have the Great Legal Bake and Great Legal Quiz to look forward to in November, and other Scottish fundraising activities can be organised in aid of the Access to Justice Foundation.

The Foundation is registered as a charity in Scotland, raises funds with the support of the local legal profession, makes grants to local legal advice charities to improve access to justice, and all funds raised in Scotland stay in Scotland.

The vision of the Foundation is a society where everyone has access to justice, and its mission is to improve people’s lives by increasing the availability of legal advice and support.

Please get in touch if you are interested in arranging a new walk near you, or helping to organise, support or volunteer at our 2025 events, or if you would like to fundraise in your area or join our committee. You can read more about our work, events and how to join and support us on our website.

Written by Graeme McWilliams, Chair, Access to Justice Foundation Scotland Committee. Email: gmmcw@aol.com