In Summer 2025 we were delighted to welcome nine bright law students to the Signet Library. The students join a team-based research project on a contemporary legal issue, working towards a digital presentation to external delegates and a written report for publication on the Society’ website. With the resources of the Signet Library at their fingertips, WS Scholars have access to the latest materials fundamental to any career in law, while at the same time being able to experience over 500 years of legal history.
Maria Taciuk-Cabrolier (University of Edinburgh), Struan Macdonald (University of Dundee) and Charles Phillips (University of Edinburgh) explored The Land Reform (Scotland) Bill — Stage 2 and provided an analysis of Part 1 of the Bill relating to large landholdings. Read their research here.
Duaa Ali (University of Dundee), Kaitlin Bastow (Abertay University) and Sam Etchells (University of Edinburgh) analysed The Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Act 2025. Their analysis can be read here.
Duaa, who is going into fourth year in September, recalls her time with us: “I have had the most amazing and insightful two weeks at The WS Society participating in their Summer Scholars Programme. The history behind the society and its intensive collections are beyond impressive. I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the library and its books. It is not everyday you get the opportunity to hold a first edition of Stair from 1681! My inner bookworm was very happy.”
The final group, Honor Logan (University of Aberdeen), Katie O'Brien (University of Strathclyde) and Emma Naylor (University of Aberdeen) studied the Salt Path Scandal and potential legal repercussions for factual inaccuracies in memoirs. Their research can be read here.
Honor will start the DPLP in September and is a Student Member of the Society. She recalls: “Throughout the placement, I learned so much about the history of law and the legal profession, both through my research and through the many engaging conversations I had with legal professionals. I’m especially grateful to have attended several insightful networking events — thank you to Kelly Hardman WS, Nicholas Peter Oprescu-Havriliuc and Zoe Hamilton WS for your time and perspectives. Most of all, I feel very fortunate to have worked alongside such warm, capable, and supportive fellow Scholars Emma Naylor and Katie O’Brien. I gained so much knowledge, confidence, and appreciation for the profession which have provided me with many lessons I will take forward.”
Kelly Hardman WS was delighted to meet with the students: “In advocating for the incredible work the Society does for our profession, I was delighted to meet a lovely group of current WS Summer Scholars — right in the middle of the Edinburgh Fringe buzz. We talked about career journeys, the space sector (big hit!), and the real life of working in an international firm like Fragomen. I hope our chat inspired them to be bold and brave.”
The students are poised to make significant contributions to their chosen fields and their time at the Signet Library will undoubtedly shape their academic and career paths. We are proud to support their journey and look forward to welcoming students back in 2026.
The programme takes place annually in three blocks of two weeks across July and August. Applications for next year will open in Spring 2026. For more information, please contact Sophie Mills WS.