The news of the death of James Rust, the Society’s Clerk, on 10 August, after a short illness, has come as a shock to all of his friends and colleagues within the WS Society. I know that all fellow WS, and others associated with the Society join with me in sending their deepest condolences to Janet, Josephine and Callum, and his wider family.

James’ service to the Society was unique, in that he not only held two important roles, but did so concurrently - as he served as Collector of the WS Dependents’ Annuity Fund from 2004 to 2014 and as Clerk from 2008.

Being close contemporaries, I followed just behind James throughout our careers. From Aberdeen University to training in Edinburgh, achieving partnership, admission as a Writer to the Signet (in James’ case in 1985), membership of one of the Society’s dining clubs – The 1977 Club, to serving as office bearers together, and ultimately as Deputy Keeper and Clerk/Collector at the same time. James was quite literally by my side throughout our deepening association with the Society. He spent his whole professional life with the firm of Morton Fraser, and when I joined as a consultant in 2010 I was delighted that one of the accidental benefits was that James and I became colleagues, and he involved me in the business of many of his clients. In one relationship I was “boss”, in the other he was. It was perfect. As, quite simply, James was a delight to work with, in whatever capacity you encountered him. Over recent weeks I have spoken to clients, partners, junior colleagues, solicitors who encountered him in transactions, fellow office bearers, contacts from other organisations with which James was associated, and they have all said the same things. He was charming, unfailingly courteous, considerate, kind, loyal, supportive, generous and great fun. A true gentleman, in all of the best senses of that word.

In his roles with the WS Society James was often the measured and cautious voice round the table, but when he was satisfied on a matter, he was an enthusiastic and encouraging supporter. His kindness was often displayed when he would take time to mull things over after a difficult meeting. He enjoyed meeting new members, including students, at the admission ceremonies twice a year. In his role as Clerk he was the first to shake their hands to congratulate them as they signed the Roll, and would always take time to chat with everyone in the room, along with their families, after the formalities were completed. He was a stalwart of the annual dinner, always happy to say grace, and host a table of the Society’s guests. It was in this role, though, that he performed one of the functions that I appreciated most. His position on that “top” table meant that when I was speaking I could see him out of the corner of my eye, smiling, and his laugh was always one of the first, and most recognisable, that I heard. He was always one of the first to come over as the evening wound down, and we would enjoy a chat and debrief later in the evening. All of these WS duties, James performed while not only managing his hugely demanding practice as an agricultural law specialist, but while holding numerous other roles – with the Consular Corps in Edinburgh, and as a session clerk for example. No surprise then, that he occasionally arrived in the Commissioners’ Room with seconds to spare, describing himself as “hauden doon” – before quickly getting his papers out of his vintage, well-worn briefcase.

When news of James’ death broke, a socially distanced gathering of his colleagues in the Meadows was immediately organised. There was a desire to spend time that afternoon remembering him and talking about him. And of course, we spoke about his humour, and indeed some of the jokes we made at his expense. He tried to look grumpy, but he always took teasing in good part. Where did he get his very “traditional” sports gear? Was it true that he would accept an invitation to the opening of an envelope? And how could he enjoy salt and vinegar peanuts?

Over recent years Council of the Society and the management group have spent a lot of time in thinking about what it means to be a Writer to the Signet. Excellence in legal practice, an interest in things outside the law, a desire to use one’s talents to help others, especially through charitable organisations, someone who is respected in his community as having integrity and a person who embraces the opportunity to enjoy and learn from the company and society of his fellow lawyers. Oh – and in these modern times, that has all to be done in an “unstuffy” way. A tall order perhaps. But I have just described our dear friend and colleague James Rust. As we had discussions round the table, the perfect example was sitting with us.

We will remember him with the greatest affection and miss him sorely.

Caroline Docherty OBE WS
Former Deputy Keeper of the Signet

I join Caroline in paying tribute to James and I share in the sadness and shock we are all still feeling as we come to terms with losing James as both a friend and colleague. James was so closely associated with the Society and for so long that his absence will be felt keenly for a long time to come. We held him in the highest esteem as unfailingly courteous, good humoured and considered in his approach. Whether undertaking his duties as Clerk at our diets of admission, saying grace at the annual dinner or attending Society meetings, James was a model of calm and composure. He was an immense source of support and counsel to me when I took office as Deputy Keeper. I will never forget his kindness and friendship.

Mandy Laurie WS
Deputy Keeper of the Signet

The whole of the executive at the WS Society was shocked and saddened at the death of James Rust WS. It was typical of James that even in his last days he remained interested in the affairs of the Society. We will remember him as unfailingly courteous, thoughtful and humorous. We regarded him as a stalwart of the Society and we will miss him very much. I was admitted as a WS at the same diet as James and it will be as Clerk, welcoming new WS at admission ceremonies, that I shall always remember him. James was a reassuring and calm presence at Society meetings and a great representative of the Society at the annual dinner and other events in the calendar. Our loss is as nothing compared to James’s family to whom we extend our deepest condolences.

Robert Pirrie WS
Chief Executive, The WS Society