'Supporting future generations of Scotland's legal profession' — Royal Faculty widens scope of historic Charitable Fund

The Royal Faculty has announced ambitious plans to give non-members access to its Charitable Fund for the first time.

Previously, the Fund provided grants to members of the Royal Faculty of Procurators in Glasgow (RFPG) - past or present - and their spouses, civil partners and dependents in need of assistance.

At a recent meeting of the Faculty’s Charitable Funds Committee, which administers the James Caldwell Bequest Fund, it was decided that the eligibility criteria for its charitable fund should be broadened.

The recent expansion of the Fund reflects a tradition that has been at the heart of the RFPG for more than three and a half centuries.

When King George III granted the Royal Charter in 1796, he described the Royal Faculty as a “useful and charitable institution”, recognising that charity and public service had long been central to its purpose.

Under its expanded charitable purposes, the Fund may now also:

• provide grants to individuals who would be eligible to be members of the Royal Faculty, together with their spouses, civil partners and dependants, where the Charitable Funds Committee considers the applicant to be in need of assistance; and

• advance the education of individuals in studying or researching Scots law, or in qualifying or training as lawyers in Scotland.

Throughout its history, Faculty members have contributed generously to charitable causes, creating a legacy that continues today.

John Bett, Dean of the RFPG, said: “These changes will allow the Fund to support a wider range of people while continuing the Royal Faculty’s longstanding tradition of charity and public service and remaining true to its original charitable purpose.

“We are also delighted to continue our support for future generations of Scotland’s legal profession, ensuring the industry is accessible to as many people as possible.”

The expansion of the fund will provide greater support for legal education and training in Scotland.

One recent beneficiary added: “The scholarship has given me the opportunity to access prestigious training from the Faculty of Advocates that would otherwise have been beyond my reach. The rigorous training and invaluable mentorship I am receiving is paving the way for my future career at the Bar.

“In turn, this will allow me to contribute meaningfully to the legal profession, promote the rule of law and I hope to provide greater access to justice for wider society once I’ve called to the Bar. Devilling has been one of the most rewarding and intellectually stimulating opportunities I have had in my career, and without the Fund’s generous financial assistance, it would not have been possible. I am deeply grateful for the investment in my future.”

Individuals who believe they may be eligible for assistance are encouraged to apply.

An application form is available to download from the Royal Faculty of Procurators in Glasgow website. Prospective applicants are also invited to contact Lauren Booth, the administrator of the James Caldwell Bequest Fund(SC041067), at [email protected] for further information.

All applications are treated in the strictest confidence, and grants are awarded solely at the discretion of the Charitable Funds Committee.