SLAVERY AND THE SCOTTISH ENLIGHTENMENT – JOHN D O FULTON WS BOOK LAUNCH

Join John D O Fulton WS and Edinburgh World Heritage at the Signet Library on Thursday 13 June. 

The new ideas and values that emerged from Scotland between the mid-eighteenth and mid-nineteenth century were shaped by the moral dilemmas of the day. As such, the story of the Scottish Enlightenment is intertwined with that of slavery and the slave trade. 

John D O Fulton WS in his new book explores this nuanced and conflicting relationship via the compelling life stories of an extraordinary cast of characters—from Jamaican plantation owners to America’s original private eye, Glaswegian merchants to London revolutionaries, escaped American slaves to indomitable female crusaders fighting for America’s soul. They lived in a period of seismic historical events, legal reforms and moral shifts, with slavery at the centre. From a Scottish perspective, Slavery and the Scottish Enlightenment gives a rich, diverse and dramatic account of this momentous period, while examining its relevance to our society today. 

John will be presenting his book and expanding on his research. Robert Pirrie WS, Chief Executive will host a Q&A after the presentation.  

Doors open from 17.30, the event will start at 18.00. 

Tickets are £12. WS members can use discount code WSEWH. All funds raised will be donated to Edinburgh World Heritage (Scottish registered charity SC037183). 

TEXAS A&M COMES TO THE SIGNET

Visit from law students at Texas A&M. 

In May, The WS Society hosted law students from Texas A&M University during their field trip to the UK, led by WS Associate member Randy Gordon, partner of Duane Morris, Dallas, TX. 
 
The students enjoyed two days at the Signet Library. They spent time with Dr Robert Pirrie WS, our Chief Executive and James Hamilton, Research Principle gave them a tour and put on an exhibition for them in the Upper West Library. They also met with The WS Society members Rob Wilson WS and David Hardie WS to hear about energy law arbitrations and their experience with energy regulators. 
 
A wonderful time was had by all. 

THE WS SOCIETY ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Follow us on social media to stay updated on all things WS.

The Society is active on LinkedIn, Instagram (@thewssocietyeh1) and X (@thewssociety) and history and heritage on X (@signetlibrary).  Please do follow us, like and share our updates.  To date, we have been sharing upcoming CPD news and Member updates on LinkedIn, images of the beautiful Signet Library on Instagram and legal news updates on X.   

We encourage members to share their news with us, be this career related or personal achievements relevant to legal.  We are keen to feature this information across our social media. Please send relevant news to Sarah Leask, Director, Engagement and Membership 

VISIT FROM THE ASSOCIATION OF BRITISH THEOLOGICAL AND PHILOSOPHICAL LIBRARIES

Last week we were delighted to welcome delegates from the annual conference of the Association of British Theological and Philosophical Libraries for a tour of the Signet Library and a viewing of a selection from the Signet Library’s collections. These included a vast 1843 facsimile of the Act of Separation and Deed of Demission that was the climax of the Disruption of the Kirk, a climactic event in Scottish social and religious history. Amongst the items on display were a 1534 edition of the works of Richard of St. Victor (d.1173), the only Scot to be in Dante’s Paradiso, John Duns Scotus (1265-1308)’s commentary on the Sentences of Peter Lombard in a Venetian edition from 1597 and John Viccars’ extraordinary 10-language edition of the Psalms in the 1655 London edition. We would like to thank Dr. Sarah Mann of the Open University for arranging this visit.

EASTER GREETINGS

Please note the Signet Library will be closed to visitors on Monday 1 April.

WS SUMMER SCHOLARSHIP

Applications are now open for the Society's Summer Law Scholarship programme 2024.

Designed for law students to enhance their professional and personal development, this is a unique opportunity for participants to spend two weeks as a WS Summer Scholar with the resources of the Signet Library at their fingertips.

The programme empowers participants to raise their profile and sharpen their research and presentation skills in preparation for the world of legal work.

Participants will join a team-based research project on a contemporary legal issue, working towards a digital presentation to external delegates and written report for publication.

The programme is open to 3rd and 4th year students from the Scots LLB undergraduate degree, 2nd year students from the accelerated Scots LLB degree, and Diploma students.

For further information and how to apply please see here.

Please submit questions and applications to Diana Stoica, dstoica@wssociety.co.uk.

WS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CONFERENCE

Intellectual property as a legal specialism has come a long way since this 18th century case on perpetual copyright. Brush up on the latest developments at the WS Society's Intellectual Property Conference on 25 April in the home of law and literature, the Signet Library. Book now!

AUTISM AWARENESS WEEK

World Autism Acceptance Week takes place from 2 to 8 April 2024. This is a time to celebrate the incredible diversity of the autistic community and raise awareness about the ways we can create a more inclusive world.

The WS Society’s Governance and Charities team provides administrative services to two charities which pay particular attention to children and young people with autism.

Trefoil exists to support the development of children and young people with additional needs in Scotland, to enable them to maximise their capabilities and achieve as much independence as possible. Trefoil provides grants to organisations and individuals. Read an example of how a personal development grant allowed a young person with autism to access tutoring in the link below:

John Watson’s Trust is a local charity which services Edinburgh and the Lothians. The Trust awards grants for educational purposes to children and young people up to and including the age of 21 who have a physical or learning disability or who are socially disadvantaged.

For more information about the charities, please contact Sophie Mills.

SIGNETCPD PROGRAMME

Dates announced

Dates have been fixed for the Society’s 2024 CPD conference programme — see the ‘departure board’ below.

Announcing the programme, the Society’s Principal Solictior, Sophie Mills, said:

‘We’re looking forward to another year of first class events in the splendour of the Signet Library. We’ve re-branded as SignetCPD with an airport departures theme. We are also making changes to promote networking and sustainability. We will be launching paperless conference packs, relying on digital materials which will improve accessibility and reduce the Society’s carbon footprint. We’ll advertise conferences by email and by Signet Post when bookings open for each ‘departure’. Meantime, those looking to attend should save the date. A highlight this year is a repeat of the Immigration & Asylum Symposium which we introduced last year’.