Douglas Brown
Rights of Audience Committee
New Convener
Following the elevation of Grant McCulloch to the Shrieval bench, Douglas Brown was appointed Convener of the Committee. Mr Brown in turn was appointed to the Shrieval bench in December 2004, and a new Convener will be appointed in 2005.
New Solicitor Advocates
In 2004 a total of 29 solicitors were granted rights of audience in the higher courts. Fifteen became solicitor advocates in the High Court of Justiciary and 14 in the Court of Session. One High Court solicitor advocate already had the right to appear in the Court of Session. The total number practising in Scotland rose to 179 of whom two have rights of audience in both the High Court and the Court of Session; 105 in the High Court only; and 72 in the Court of Session only. The Committee was gratified at the continued interest among solicitors in seeking rights of audience and was pleased to note that this interest continued with another large number sitting and passing the examinations in November 2004. They will all have the opportunity of proceeding to the training courses in early 2005.
Advocates Depute
The Committee was again pleased to note the appointment of Alex Prentice as an Advocate Depute towards the end of 2004. Mr Prentice is the first solicitor advocate from private practice to be appointed an Advocate Depute.
QC Status
Towards the end of 2004 the Scottish Executive announced a revised procedure for consideration of applications for the rank and dignity of Queen’s Counsel, and the Lord President asked those interested to apply by 29th December 2004. It is hoped that the ranks of solicitor advocate QC’s will be increased in early 2005.
The late David Williamson QC.
It is only right to record the Committee’s sadness at the untimely death of David Williamson QC in January 2004. The Committee was represented among the very large congregation at his funeral service, where a moving tribute was paid by the Right Honourable Lord MacKay of Drumadoon. David’s memory will live long among those who knew him.
| Committee membership | |
| Douglas Brown | (Convener) |
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| Ian Angus | |
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| Anthony Jones | |
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| Murray Macara | |
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| Frank Maguire | |
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| David Pirrett | |
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| Alex Prentice | |
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| Alayne Swanson | |
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| Mark Thorley | |
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| Bruce Ritchie | (Secretary) |
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