The month of August saw the conclusion of the WS Summer Scholarship programme, after the Society welcomed its third and last cohort of students into the Signet Library. Over the course of the summer, three cohorts of students completed their placement, which consists of a two-week research project on a topical legal question which is not known to the students in advance. The programme entails an oral presentation to an audience of legal professionals, and the drafting of a written research report. The scholars are also offered a tour of the Supreme Courts building and library, carried out by the senior court librarian, as well as a tour of the Signet Library, expertly guided by the Society’s Research Principal, James Hamilton. In addition, each year scholars get a chance to interact and network with WS Members, which is an invaluable part of the students’ experience. We are very grateful to the WS Council, and the Society’s Membership, for their keen support of the students, year after year.

This year, research topics included EU environmental law, family law and international children’s rights, and the Post Office Limited / Horizon IT scandal. Around 50 legal practitioners from a variety of practice areas attended the scholars’ presentations.

“The scholarship experience was fantastic, and The Signet Library is a truly unique place to work in. I would like to give a special thanks to the Executive Team, and the countless people at the WS Society for their support, as well for the amazing tours of the Signet Library and the Supreme Courts”.

- Uzair Afzal, Glasgow Caledonian University

“It was great to get a chance to speak with legal practitioners, which helped us a lot to refine our research and understand more about our topic from a practical perspective”.

- Megan Buggy, University of Strathclyde.

The scholars’ written reports are all available on the WS Society’s website: