HAMILTON PALACE TALK BY DR GODFREY EVANS

Hamilton Palace in South Lanarkshire was once one of the premier country houses in the British Isles. This month Dr Godfrey Evans (Principal Curator of European Decorative Arts at National Museums Scotland) gave a fascinating talk, explaining and illustrating how the Dukes of Hamilton enlarged the palace and amassed their great collections of outstanding works of art, furniture, and furnishings.

Dr Evans was introduced by Dr Robert Pirrie WS, Chief Executive of The WS Society and trustee of the Virtual Hamilton Palace Trust.

We were joined on the evening by His Grace, The Duke of Hamilton, trustees of the Virtual Hamilton Palace Trust and members of the public. Thank you to all who attended.

TROTTER SOFAS RETURNED

Last week saw the return of the three Signet Library William Trotter sofas after restoration and reupholstering. The sofas date from the early 1820s and form part of a complete set of pieces acquired to furnish the Upper Hall. William Trotter was one of the greatest cabinet-makers in Scottish history – a Scottish Chippendale, whose work is prized and collected, and sets of this kind are few and far between (the Signet Library’s set is the most famous surviving Trotter commission alongside that of Paxton House). His workshops on a site now occupied by Waverley Station and the North British Hotel. Not long after the completion of the Signet Library set, Trotter served two years as Lord Provost.

The sofas were last reupholstered in the early 1960s as part of the then-new colour scheme and carpeting, and during the restoration evidence of this work and earlier reupholstering and repairs has been gathered and will be kept as documentation of the sofas long career. In their original form, they were upholstered in a pale blue silk which would usually have been obscured by a cloth cover as seen in their depiction by Thomas Shepherd in his famous 1829 engraving. For most of their lives, however, the sofas have been upholstered in leather in a variety of shades, including oxblood, the 1960s green, and the new shade.

The presence of sofas – let alone sofas large enough to accommodate five people – in a library might surprise some, but it reflects the different tradition of a Scottish lawyers’ library which were intended as places for sociability and society as well as learning and study, more comparable with the Long Library at Blenheim Palace in use and intent than academic or clerical foundations like Chetham’s Library in Manchester or the Chained Library at Hereford. 

LORD HIGH COMMISSIONER RECEPTION

On Monday 19 May, the Society hosted a special Reception for Her Grace The Right Hon. Lady Elish Angiolini LT KC, Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, and her official entourage. Jim Cormack KC WS, Deputy Keeper of the Signet, gave an address praising Lady Angiolini for her outstanding career and her many ‘firsts’ in the legal profession and beyond.

The theme of the event was ‘Law and History’ both of which are core to the life of the WS Society. We were honoured to host faith representatives, prison chaplains, law school faculty, historians, and museum curators. Among the guests were Fellow of the Society, Sir Alexander McCall Smith and Lady McCall Smith, Sheriff Principal Nigel Ross, and Lord Advocate The Right Hon. Dorothy Bain KC.

Please find photos of the evening here.

DIET OF ADMISSION

On Friday 16 May, the Society welcomed over 30 new members of different categories. 17 members attended in person along with their families and friends, at our Diet of Admission.

Deputy Keeper of the Signet, Jim Cormack KC WS conducted the ceremony. Jim commented “It was a joy to admit such a fantastic group of new members and to celebrate with them and their families and friends.”

Our new members also had the opportunity to take part in a tour of the Signet Library with Principal Researcher, James Hamilton.
 
We would like to say a warm welcome to all our new members.

Click here for photos of the evening.

WS SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS

 
 

Charities and Third Sector SIG hosted their ‘The view of the CEO - common charity board challenges' meeting this week. They were joined by guest speaker, Lucinda Godfrey, Chief Executive of ACOSVO. In July they will be joined by Mark Wilson, co-founder of TrusteeConnect, to discuss 'Trustee Recruitment and Induction'. If you would like to join, please register for the Zoom meeting, here.

This weekend, the Art SIG will meet at the Glasgow Art Club. Keep an eye on our Special Interest Groups page for updates on future meetings.

Next week, our Student SIG, have their inaugural meeting on Tuesday 3 June, at 16:30. The Student SIG is open to all WS Society Student members. Please register for the Zoom meeting, here.

The AI SIG will meet on Wednesday 25 June, 12:30 - 13:30, for their second meeting. You can register for the Zoom meeting, here.

Future Book Club and History dates will be confirmed over the next few weeks, check Special Interest Groups page for updates and register your note of interest by emailing membership@wssociety.co.uk.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Latasha Kirimbai Aff WS

Meet Latasha Kirimbai, a Junior Associate at Ashurst in the Digital Economy team and an affiliate member of the WS Society. From debating as a child to navigating the fast-paced tech law world, Latasha shares insights into a dynamic typical week and the value of the WS Society for professional growth and community in the Scottish legal sector.

A TOAST TO THE WS SOCIETY

The Annual Dinner of The Edinburgh Walter Scott Club held on 1 May 2025 offered a toast celebrating Walter Scott's legal roots as the son of a Writer to the Signet, tracing how his legal background informed and enriched his literary career. On the evening Dr Robert Pirrie WS was invited to respond and did so with a personal reflection on his journey from corporate lawyer to historian, revealing how his appreciation for Scott deepened after taking his role as Chief Executive of the Society.

The full speeches can be read here.

JUSTICE SCOTLAND LECTURE WITH PHILIPPE SANDS KC

We were delighted to welcome writer and lawyer Philippe Sands KC to give the JUSTICE Scotland Human Rights Lecture at Edinburgh’s Signet Library on Tuesday evening.

Sands delivered a powerful and thought-provoking lecture entitled ‘38 Londres Street: Writing on Impunity, Pinochet and Patagonia’. Drawing from his forthcoming book, he shared reflections on justice, memory, and international law to an audience of legal professionals, academics, and human rights advocates.

Following introductory remarks from Almira Delibegovic-Broome KC, Jim Cormack KC WS (Deputy Keeper of the Signet), and Catherine Smith KC, Sands delivered a fascinating lecture diving into the rule of law, impunity and accountability on the world stage. A particularly interesting point discussed was the consequences decisions on impunity can have in allowing history to repeat itself.

Following the lecture, guests enjoyed a drinks reception and the opportunity to continue discussions sparked by the evening’s themes.

We are incredibly grateful to Philippe and all our speakers, as well as to Pinsent Masons for their continued support of the JUSTICE Scotland Human Rights Lecture.

This article was originally published on Justice's LinkedIn.

WS SOCIETY REPRESENTED AT GENERAL ASSEMBLY CHURCH SERVICE

The General Assembly of the Church of Scotland begins with a meaningful services at the historic St Giles' Cathedral. This year the Society was represented at the service by Chief Executive, Robert Pirrie WS, David Ford WS, Stuart Lynch WS and Sophie Mills WS. It was a particular delight to attend alongside the Society’s Keeper and Lord High Commissioner, Lady Elish Angiolini who was accompanied by Purse Bearer, Tomas Murray WS.

WS/STEP PRIVATE CLIENT CONFERENCE

Join us on 9 October for the WS annual joint conference with STEP for private client lawyers. The conference will be chaired by Susie Tweedie, Shepherd + Wedderburn.

This year the WS Society & STEP Scotland are excited to bring you another conference, looking at some of the key developments across the private client sector. This essential event will explore crucial and evolving areas impacting your clients, from navigating complex estate matters and tax challenges to understanding the implications of recent legislative changes and landmark court decisions. Join us to gain valuable insights, practical strategies, and connect with peers to enhance your expertise and better serve your clients in today's dynamic legal landscape.

Speakers

  • Susie Tweedie, Partner, Shepherd & Wedderburn (Conference Chair).

  • Roddy Macleod, Terra Firma Chambers.

  • Joseph Slane, Turcan Connell

  • Alexa Payet, Michelmores

  • Karin Shanks, PwC

  • Ben Roseff, PwC

  • John Martin, Fraser & Fraser

  • Morna Grandison, Law Society of Scotland

  • Fergus Colquhoun, Terra Firma Chambers


Sessions

  • Assisted Dying Panel, Discussion to include forfeiture issues

  • Tax Disputes

  • International probate

  • Judicial Factors (Scotland) Act 2025

  • Key cases from 2024 - 2025


Delegate Rates

  • Writer to the Signet/STEP members: £140 plus VAT

  • Standard rate: £170 plus VAT

  • Student/Trainee solicitor: £100 plus VAT

All rates include lunch and refreshments at the Signet Library.

Further information

CPD/TCPD: 3 hours (Law Society of Scotland)

The conference will be held in the Upper Library which is only accessible by stairs.

If you have any questions, please contact Sophie Mills WS.

HISTORY PAPER GIVEN IN LONDON

Dr Robert Pirrie WS gave a paper in early April at a Symposium of senior academic historians held at King’s College London in memory of Professor Arthur Burns, one of the two professors who supervised Robert’s PhD. Robert’s paper was entitled Community, Church and King in Scotland, 1746-1830 in which he presented evidence of how church forms of worship, particular occasions of special national worship (thanksgiving days, fasts, special prayers), encouraged communities to see themselves as both Scottish Presbyterian and British. The Symposium was held to co-ordinate contributions to a volume of essays to be published by Boydell & Brewer in honour of Professor Burns. Robert is contributing a chapter to the book.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Stuart Clubb WS

This month’s Member Spotlight features Stuart Clubb WS, a Society Council member and Partner and Joint Head of Shoosmith’s Dispute Resolution & Litigation team in Scotland.

Sarah Leask spoke to Stuart about being a commercial litigation lawyer, career highlights and his work in building and promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace.

SEALS AND SURVEILLANCE

A major addition to the WS Society’s Heritage Portal was posted on 14 April. This essay by the Signet Library’s conservator, Jo Hockey, traces the use of the historic wax seals used to close letters and how they were covertly broken by those wishing to look inside the envelopes. Hockey’s research highlights the key role played by the Post Office in intercepting and opening letters deemed to be sensitive: “The Post Office and its predecessors had always operated some form of espionage, indeed the earliest systems for the purpose of Royal communications were carefully monitored to ensure security of information and intelligence of potential threats”.

Hockey also considers key examples and cases of letters being opened, such as Entick v Carrington [1765] EWHC KB J98, and the ‘Mazzini case’, where a political activist for the unification of Italy brough a case against the Home Secretary, Sir James Graham, to protest the tampering of his correspondence. As knowledge of espionage against letter writers in the 19th century grew, reports into Post Office practices encouraged moves to respect writers’ privacy and balance the interests of State security against personal privacy.


The materials used to research this essay are held at the Signet Library, including reports, newspapers and, of course, many historic wax seals. Hockey’s research shines a light on the collections of the Signet Library and the previous scandals involving the Post Office, which continue to resonate in the 21st century.

UPCOMING CPD

The Society is delighted to be collaborating with some fantastic partners to bring you conferences on agricultural law, private client and professional negligence. These conferences are designed to equip you with the latest knowledge, skills, and strategies to excel in your field. All conferences are held in person at the Signet Library. Find more details in the links below.

ALA/WS Society 28th Joint Annual Conference on Agriculture | Friday 6 June, 9:00 am 4:30 pm

STEP/WS Private Client Conference | Thursday 9 October, 9:30 am 1:00 pm

PNLA/ WS Professional Negligence Conference | Thursday 23 October, 9:00 am 5:00 pm | Keynote address by The Hon Lord Lake

Please contact Sophie Mills WS with any questions.

ANNUAL DINNER 2025

Booking is now open for the highlight of the legal year, the Society’s Annual Dinner on Friday 14 November in the splendour of the Signet Library. The individual ticket price is £140 (plus VAT) or £1,400 (plus VAT) for a table of 10.

You can book here or email Sarah Leask on sleask@wssociety.co.uk

If you have already requested tickets or tables, we have your booking and no further action is required.

The guest speaker for the dinner will be announced soon.

WS SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS

 
 

The modern WS Society supports legal careers and well-being. We aim to enrich life both inside the legal world and in outside interests, such as history, literature, arts, and culture. This is what it means to belong to a lawyers’ institution where law, history and culture converge.

We therefore encourage all members — from student to employment to retired — to join our Special Interest Group (SIG) initiative.

We are pleased to be hosting six SIGs and welcome proposals for others.

Simply register via the link below for any meeting you would like to attend. FAQs are answered here.

 
ART

Next meeting date: Tuesday 13 May, 18.00 – 18.30

Register for the Zoom meeting here.

Join us for a short but stimulating half-hour meeting where we will:

  1. Discuss Two Artworks
    The selected pieces will remain a surprise until the session to keep perspectives fresh. No prior art knowledge is needed. New and curious minds especially welcome!

  2. Plan Upcoming Outings
    Help us choose the best dates over the next three months for:

    1. A private gallery viewing on the East Coast near Elie.

    2. A guided visit to the Glasgow Art Club, including lunch
      (just a 10-minute walk from Glasgow Queen Street station).

Bring your calendar, your curiosity, and an open mind!

BOOK CLUB

Next meeting: Tuesday 27 May, 17.30 – 18.30 

Fifth book: On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong

Register for the Zoom meeting, here.


CHARITY AND THIRD SECTOR

Next meeting date: Thursday 29th May, 12.30 – 13.30

Meeting theme: 'The view of the CEO - common charity board challenges'

Guest speaker: Lucinda Godfrey, Chief Executive of ACOSVO, who will share her insights. 

Register for the Zoom meeting, here.


*NEW* STUDENT

First meeting date: Tuesday 3 June, 16.30 – 17.30

Register for Zoom meeting, here.

Theme: This SIG will provide a forum for student members to prepare for life in the profession, network with lawyers and learn how The WS Society can facilitate collaboration amongst its members.

AI

Next meeting date: Wednesday 25 June, 12.30 – 13.30.

Register for the Zoom meeting, here.


HISTORY

Next meeting date TBC.

Note interest in joining this group: email membership@wssociety.co.uk

If you have an idea for a new SIG or would like to become involved in leading a SIG, please contact Sarah Leask.

YOUR WS MEMBERSHIP

Contact details

We kindly ask all members to keep their contact details up to date with us to ensure you don't miss out on important Society news, events, and opportunities. Please let us know if there are any changes to your information so we can stay connected.

Please contact Sarah Leask or Sandra Morel with any changes to contact details.

We are keen to stay updated on your professional journey. If you've experienced a change in your career or recently graduated, please let us know so we can keep your details current and continue to support you. Career changes may also mean your membership category has changed, if you would like to discuss the transition to another membership category please contact Sarah Leask.

Member benefits

We want to ensure that members fully benefit from their membership. Members can enjoy access to designated working space in the renowned Signet Library, subject to availability, and can participate in a variety of Special Interest Group meetings and sessions.

Additionally, members benefit from discounted rates for CPD conferences and other events, along with regular updates through the Signet magazine and monthly Signet Post e-bulletins. Writers to the Signet and Associate members also enjoy reduced rates for venue hire at the Signet Library.

The Signet Library is a world class centre of knowledge and learning in law and legal practice. We offer Writers to the Signet and other members of the Society a law library and research services, both online and hard copy. They are at your disposal.

If you would like to learn more about your membership benefits, please contact Sarah Leask.

HAMILTON PALACE

THE TREASURES OF HAMILTON PALACE

Wednesday 21 May 2025, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Signet Library

Hamilton Palace in South Lanarkshire was once one of the premier country houses in the British Isles, replete with fabulous collections of outstanding works of art, furniture, and furnishings.

Beginning in the 16th century, leading authority Dr Godfrey Evans (Principal Curator of European Decorative Arts at National Museums Scotland) traces the architectural development of the palace down to the 19th, when extraordinary interior works of black marble, copious gilding, vibrant furnishing, and exotic ornamentation created a truly majestic whole. This fascinating talk will explain and illustrate how the Dukes of Hamilton — premier peers of Scotland — enlarged the palace and amassed their great collections to create one of Europe’s grandest, most ostentatious statements of power, wealth and taste.

The Virtual Hamilton Palace Trust’s project is to bring the palace alive online for scholars, researchers, and everyone to marvel at this lost magnificence.


There is still time to book. The event is free to attend, however a voluntary donation can be made to support the work of the Trust.

Please note the event is held in the Upper Library which is only accessible by stairs.

Please contact 0131 220 3249 if you have any questions about the event or venue.