The November 2025 issue of the well-known genealogical magazine Who Do You Think You Are featured the WS Society’s project to conserve and catalogue a large archive of records relating to the early year of the WS Society’s school for orphans, John Watson’s Institution. The project has been made possible by generous funding from the Old Edinburgh Club’s Jean Guild grant scheme.
Research was undertaken by Dr Kit Baston and Jo Hockey with support from our Research Principal James Hamilton.
CAROL CONCERT
Join us on Tuesday 16 December 2025 to celebrate Christmas at the Signet Library with the Choir of St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral (SC014741). With carols old and new from across the world, this year’s concert is a wonderful occasion to entertain family, friends and colleagues in the run up to the festivities.
Led by Master of the Music at St Mary’s Cathedral, Duncan Ferguson, the internationally acclaimed choir consists of choristers aged 9 - 13, university choral scholars and professional musicians, and is described as ‘one of Scotland’s musical jewels.’
Not to be missed, this unique event brings together two of Scotland’s oldest charitable institutions in an atmospheric chemistry of music, architecture and Christmas tradition.
Doors open at 5.30 pm for a 6.00 pm start. The event will finish by 6.40 pm.
This event is open to all.
Tickets: £20.00 inclusive of VAT. Children under 14 free of charge.
Colonnades at the Signet Library will be open throughout the afternoon and until 8 pm for drinks before or after the carol concert. Contact Glenn D'Costa, Maître D on 0131 226 1064 to book.
For more information, contact membership.
BRIDE OF LAMMERMOOR & VISCOUNT STAIR
“We do not pretend to be amongft the Great and Rich Kingdoms of the Earth, yet we know not who can claim preference in Antiquity and Integrity,,”
2026 will mark the 110th anniversary of the 1916 donation of the manuscript of Sir Walter Scott’s 1819 novel Bride of Lammermoor which was displayed to guests at our Annual Dinner 2025.
Lammermoor tells the story of the madness that descends upon a young woman forced into marriage and separated from the man she loves on political grounds. It’s an extraordinary narrative — and one, incredibly, based on fact, rooted in real events in the life of the great pioneer of Scots Law, James Dalrymple, 1st Viscount Stair.
Stair’s Institutions of the Law of Scotland is indisputably the most important text in Scots Law. First written in 1659-62, it circulated in handwritten copies from twenty years before being printed. The Signet Library owns four of the early pre-1681 handwritten copies, and a 1667 copy was displayed at the Annual Dinner.
Stair wrote his institutions in the aftermath of the conquest of Scotland by Lord Protector Cromwell, the only successful invasion in the nation’s history. Stair’s remarkable, enduring celebrations of the “Antiquity and Integrity” of Scots Law helped see it through the 1707 Union negotiations and into its current day status as one of the great European jurisdictions. The book remains the greatest of the institutional writings of Scots Law and remains a core authority in court pleadings today.
SIG ROUND UP
AI SIG
The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 14 January 2026, 12.30 - 1.00 pm. Please register for the Zoom meeting here.
ART SIG
Valerie Paterson WS, ART SIG lead, is delighted to announce the much-awaited visit to Dundee, not only historically the home of Jute, Jam & Journalism but also The McManus gallery and the V&A.
Date: Saturday 29 November 2025, 11.00 am.
Gallery visit: The McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery and Museum and V&A Dundee. Both venues are mobility friendly.
You will have the opportunity to visit the painting discussed in an earlier meeting : “Two auld wifies, Dundee” by Ron Stenberg as well as eight beautiful open gallery spaces housing stunning exhibitions of art, history and the environment including the Tay Whale.
Please confirm attendance to Valerie Paterson WS.
BOOK CLUB
Book Club’s final meeting of 2025 will be on 9 December, 5.30 - 6.30 pm. The group will meet to discuss The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
New members are welcome! Register for the Zoom meeting here.
CHARITY AND THIRD SECTOR SIG
Next meeting date: Thursday 27 November, 2.00 - 3.00pm.
This will be a special session where the group will be joined by a group of final-year law students from Robert Gordon University, currently studying charity law.
The theme for the meeting is “The Life Cycle of a Charity: The Professionals’ View.”
We’ll be inviting the group to share their insights on charity formation, regulation, and dissolution, offering students a real-world perspective.
Your participation will be key to making this a valuable and inspiring experience for the students. By sharing your knowledge and experiences, you’ll help bring the subject to life and offer students a unique opportunity to engage directly with professionals working in the sector.
Sarah Brown WS hopes you can join and contribute to an engaging and impactful session.
Register for the Zoom meeting here.
AUTUMN DIET OF ADMISSION
On Thursday 13 November, the WS Society proudly held the November Diet of Admission. We welcomed 32 new members across all our membership categories, who were joined by their families, friends and colleagues.
The ceremony was presided over by The Keeper, Lady Elish Angiolini LT, and Deputy Keeper, Jim Cormack KC WS, who formally admitted our newest members into the Society.
The evening began with the swearing-in ceremony, in the Signet Library, followed by a celebratory drinks reception.
It was a wonderful occasion to recognise achievement, mark new beginnings, and celebrate the ongoing strength of our professional community.
Congratulations to all who were admitted!
Photos of the Diet can be viewed here.
FESTIVE DRINKS
We are pleased to invite all Full, Associate and Affiliate members to a relaxed evening of conversation, good company and festive cheer.
The Festive Drinks will take place on Tuesday 2 December, in the Signet Library, from 5.00 pm – 7.00 pm.
Please RSVP to membership@wssociety.co.uk by Friday 28 November.
NEW WS FELLOWS
The Right Honourable Patrick Hodge, Lord Hodge, retires at Deputy President of the UK Supreme Court. The son of a Writer to the Signet, Lord Hodge was admitted to the Faculty of Advocates in 1983 and became a QC in 1996. He served the Scottish Law Commission, was a Judge of the Courts of Appeal of Jersey and Guernsey, before being appointed a Senator of the College of Justice in 2005. He succeeded Lord Hope of Craighead as a Justice on the UK Supreme Court in 2013 and became Deputy President in 2020. Universally admired for his intellect and courtesy, the Society was delighted to welcome Lord Hodge as a Fellow within what is the professional home of the Hodge family, among Writers to the Signet.
The Right Honourable Colin Sutherland, Lord Carloway, has been a commanding figure on the Scottish bench for 25 years, most recently as Lord President from 2012. He was admitted to the Faculty of Advocates in 1977 and served as an Advocate Depute in the 1980s. He was Treasurer of the Faculty of Advocates before his appointment as a Senator of the College of Justice in 2000. He succeeded Lord Gill as Lord Justice Clerk in 2012 and then as Lord President in 2015. He was the author of the Carloway Review which looked at key elements of Scottish criminal law and practice in the light of the decision of the UK Supreme Court in Cadder. As Lord President, Lord Carloway has overseen major changes in the justice system, not least those accelerated by the Covid pandemic. Truly, a giant of Scots law, the Society is delighted to have Lord Carloway as one of its Fellows.
ANNUAL DINNER 2025
“To be ignorant of what occurred before you were born is to remain always a child. For what is the worth of human life, unless it is woven into the life of our ancestors by the records of history?”
It was a delight and honour to host our Fellows, members and esteemed guests for this year’s annual dinner on Friday 14 November.
We are grateful to our guest speaker, The Right Honourable Lord Hodge, Deputy President of the UK Supreme Court, who spoke on the themes of change and continuity in the era of AI and populism.
Deputy Keeper of the Signet, Jim Cormack KC WS said: “It was a massive honour to chair my first Annual Dinner as Deputy Keeper last Friday evening. The lovely audience were very kind to me and laughed….in the right places!
Both Lord Hodge and former Lord President, Lord Carloway, were admitted Fellows at the dinner. As always, it was a great pleasure to have our fantastic Keeper, Lady Elish Angiolini close the evening with her remarks.
Thank you to the wonderful team at Heritage Portfolio for outstanding hospitality.”
Among many plaudits, one guest commented “[A] top evening at the WS Society annual dinner last night. A truly snazzy junket from start to finish. It was a privilege to hear Lord Hodge’s thoughts on AI and the law!”
Photos of the evening can be viewed here.
BOOK LAUNCH: A LOST SCOTTISH TREASURE UNEARTHED
We're thrilled to see the long-anticipated publication of Dr Godfrey Evans' definitive book: 'Hamilton Palace: The Dukes of Hamilton and their Collections' (NMSE Publishing Ltd).
This monumental, lavishly illustrated volume finally tells the full story of Scotland's lost magnificent stately home. Once a rival to the British Royal Collection, the palace was home to thousands of outstanding works of art amassed by twelve Dukes over three centuries, before its contents were famously auctioned off and the building itself demolished.
Dr Evans, Principal Curator of European Decorative Arts at National Museums Scotland, meticulously reconstructs the Palace's former splendour, celebrating its architecture and the legendary collections it once held.
The book is now available to purchase from National Museums Scotland and book retailers.
Members can reference the book in the Upper West Library. Please contact library@wssociety.co.uk with any enquiries.
NO TRUE SCOTSMAN: THE TRIVIALISATION OF SCOTTISH HISTORY
Chief Executive, Dr Robert Pirrie WS returns to the Curious Histories lectures series to dismantle some of the myths and prejudices in the work of the pre-eminent Victorian historian, Thomas Babington Macaulay. Delving back into the early modern period, Robert demonstrates how Macaulay's perceptions were based on surprisingly limited evidence about Scotland's development and national identity.
CAROL CONCERT
The WS Society invites you to a festive evening of outstanding choral performance and seasonal celebration at the historic Signet Library.
Join us for our annual Christmas Carol Concert on Tuesday 16 December 2025. This distinguished event, featuring the glorious voices of the Choir of St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, is a hallmark of our calendar.
Held within the magnificent architecture of the Upper Library, the concert offers a perfect respite during the busy holiday season.
Booking will open soon. To reserve a place, please contact membership@wssociety.co.uk.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT — DAVID FORD WS
This month’s Member Spotlight features David Ford WS, Senior Associate at Brodies LLP. David spoke of life as a solicitor advocate, mentorship and his role on the WS Society Council.
MEMBER NEWS — AN INVITATION FROM THE 1977 CLUB
A long-established aspect of the Society is the ability of members to join (or establish) a group or club who meet once a year for dinner, these days in the splendour of the Commissioners’ Room. These are convivial evenings for a delicious meal and good conversation. The 1977 Club, originating among members who became WS in that year, now extends to all ages and areas of practice. The 1977 welcomes hearing from any WS interested in joining their company. Contact Adrian Bell WS, adrian.bell@mfmac.com.
AUTUMN DIET OF ADMISSION
We are looking forward to our November Diet of Admission where we will welcome 32 new members of different categories, and their families and friends.
Lady Elish will preside over the ceremony. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet Lady Elish and new members of the Society. We welcome all members who wish to attend.
The Diet of Admission will take place on Thursday 13 November at the Signet Library. The evening starts at 5.30 pm with the swearing in ceremony followed by a drinks reception.
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP ROUND UP
‘Lest We Forget’, taken from Rudyard Kipling’s ‘Recessional’, is the theme for the next Art SIG meeting on 11 November 2025, 5.30 – 6.30pm.
The group will discuss the role of art including poetry in war, the war artist and consider works including: ‘Gassed’ sometimes known as the ‘Blind Leading the Blind’ by the artist, John Singer Sergeant.
The SIG will discuss the next quarter, including the upcoming visit to the McManus Galleries, Dundee, the annual Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour (RSW) exhibition tour in January 2026 and Burrell Collection & Glasgow Art Club February 2026.
Register for the Zoom meeting here.
The Book Club continues to meet regularly. This week, the group met for an engaging and energetic discussion of James Robertson’s award-winning Joseph Knight. The next meeting will be 9 December, 5.30 – 6.30 pm, to discuss The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald. Register for the Zoom meeting here.
The Charity and Third Sector’s next meeting will be held on Thursday 27 November, 2.00 - 3.00pm. This will be a special session where the group will be joined by a group of final-year law students from Robert Gordon University, currently studying charity law. The theme for the meeting is “The Life Cycle of a Charity: The Professionals’ View.”
The SIG will be inviting the group to share their insights on charity formation, regulation, and dissolution, offering students a real-world perspective.
All Charity and Third Sector SIG members, alongside all WS Society members, are encouraged to participate. This will be key to making this a valuable and inspiring experience for the students. By sharing your knowledge and experiences, you’ll help bring the subject to life and offer students a unique opportunity to engage directly with professionals working in the sector. Sarah Brown hopes you can join and contribute to an engaging and impactful session.
Register for the Zoom meeting here.
The Golf SIG have hit it off to a great start. There are now two WS Beginners Golf groups who have been enjoying lessons at Dalmahoy Golf Range, with the Pro Scott Dixon.
There are plans for an upcoming Student SIG – please keep an eye on our website for updates.
If you have any questions, regarding the SIGs, please contact Sarah Leask.
WS BOOK CLUB
The Society is pleased to invite its members to participate in our established Book Club. This forum is dedicated to expanding critical thinking, engaging with other members and foster intellectual growth. The group is chaired by Caroline Docherty OBE WS and meets regularly. All are invited to join the next meeting. Details below.
October meeting: Tuesday 28 October, 5.30 - 6.30 pm
October book: Joesph Knight by James Robertson
November meeting: Date TBC
November book: The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald.
REDISCOVERY OF THE VANS HATHORN PORTRAIT
As reported in previous editions of Signet Post, a project is underway at the Signet Library to map and conserve our early records of John Watson’s School (founded by the Society in 1828). The project is proceeding well with Dr. Kit Baston and Jo Hockey having now accounted for over 200 school entrance applications and over 400 administrative minutes and memoranda. One mystery that the project hoped to resolve was the current whereabouts of a portrait of the school’s founding father, Vans Hathorn WS, painted by Sir John Watson Gordon on commission from the school and present at the school until its closure in 1975. We are delighted to report that the current owners have come forward. The portrait is owned by direct family of Vans Hathorn and has itself recently been conserved and reframed.
ANNUAL DINNER 2025
Deputy Keeper of the Signet Jim Cormack KC WS and his fellow trustees are delighted to announce that The Right Honourable Lord Hodge, Deputy President of the UK Supreme Court, will be the Society’s guest speaker at its Annual Dinner when he will be admitted as a Fellow of the Society, marking the occasion of his retirement from the Supreme Court at the end of this year. After a distinguished career at the Bar, Lord Hodge was appointed a Senator of the College of Justice in 2005, and succeeded Lord Hope of Craighead on the UK Supreme Court in 2013. He was appointed Deputy President of the court on 20 January 2020.
We are also delighted that the Keeper of the Signet, The Right Honourable Lady Angiolini KT, is able to attend the dinner, which will be Jim Cormack’s first as Deputy Keeper.
OPENING OF THE LEGAL YEAR 2025
The Society was pleased to be represented at the Opening of the Legal Year ceremony, where the Lord President, Lord Pentland, delivered a compelling address which can be read here.
The Society was represented by Deputy Keeper Jim Cormack KC WS, Treasurer Tony Jones KC TD WS, Chief Executive Robert Pirrie WS, Carole Hope WS, and David Ford WS, all of whom can be seen listening with keen interest to the address by the Lord President, The Right Honourable Lord Pentland, particularly his topical remarks on the importance of both the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary. The proceedings in court were followed by the usual Service in St Giles’ Cathedral attended by representatives of the College of Justice, including, of course, the WS Society as one of the original constituent bodies of the College (the others being the Senators and the Faculty of Advocates).
The annual Red Mass, took place on Sunday 21 September, to mark the beginning of the new legal year in Scotland. The mass was celebrated at St Mary’s RC Cathedral, with the principal celebrant the Most Reverend Leo Cushley, Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh. The WS delegation were Kenneth Cameron WS, Jamie Kerr WS, Peter Walsh WS and Joyce Cullen WS, photographed with Archbishop Cushley, Cecilia Timmons, and Susan Murray.
NEW DISCOVERIES ON A GEORGIAN MURDER CASE
When Katherine Nairn fell in love with the dashing Patrick Ogilvie in 1765, it would have been the perfect match – but for the fact that she was already married to Patrick’s older brother, Thomas. In Scottish law, the relationship was more than adulterous: it was incestual, and when Thomas banished Patrick from the family home, it became murderous. Patrick bought laudanum and arsenic, which Katherine used to poison her husband. The trial that followed was chaotic, and, following a number of short reprieves, so was Patrick’s execution. Katherine, also sentenced to hang, pleaded pregnancy, and shortly after giving birth to a girl in January 1766, escaped from the Edinburgh Tolbooth. She was never recaptured. Now fresh material from the Signet Library’s collection of historic trial literature has shed new light on the case.
The new material includes the manuscript warrant for Katherine’s arrest in the hand of the Lord Justice Clerk Sir Gilbert Elliot, a diagram of the house in Perthshire where the murder took place drawn by the Macer of the High Court of Justiciary and two unique broadsides about Patrick’s execution. Also present is a news clipping from the Westminster Magazine of June 1777 stating that Katherine had become a penitent in a convent in Lille, Belgium, pasted onto a note with a handwritten eyewitness account confirming her presence there. The new finds are in an appropriate place, as the chief account of the trial was written by the great Writer to the Signet William Roughead, who appears to have come across them himself whilst researching his book in the mid-1920s.
