Spring Reception
Members and guests gathered at the Signet Library for a convivial evening of conversation and making connections. A wonderful opportunity to socialise in the beautiful surroundings. Look out for future social gatherings.
Kirking of the Scottish Parliament
On 13 May, the Signet Library played its usual part for the Kirking of the Scottish Parliament represented by Lynn McMahon WS, Robert Pirrie WS and Sophie Mills WS who greeted HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in the building after attending the service at St Giles' Cathedral.
General Assembly of the Church of Scotland 2026
Sunday service at St Giles Cathedral attended by Lady Elish LT KC WS as the King’s representative and representatives of the WS Society, Kelly Hardman WS, Stuart Lynch WS and Sophie Mills WS.
WS Art Collection Tour
Members of the Society were hosted by James Hamilton for a guided tour of the Society’s art collection.
Shelley Matheson WS of Archibald Sharp LLP, Glasgow reported on the tour:
“A lovely way to spend Sunday being shown round the WS Art Collection at the Signet Library, followed by lunch at The Colonnades.
Art, architecture and Scottish legal history in one very beautiful setting.
James Hamilton, Researcher Principal at the Signet Library, led us through a fascinating exploration of the collection, including portraits in oils, busts and prints by artists including Allan Ramsay, Sir Henry Raeburn, Sir George Reid, Sir John de Medina and David Scougall.
What I loved most was that the collection is not just about the history of the WS Society. It also reflects the evolution of Scottish art, bringing together early commissioned works, gifts and bequests, and a significant collection of prints and engravings.
There were some brilliant details throughout, with every picture telling a story, including some striking legal-historical material among the prints and documents, and, best of all, Sir Walter Scott’s chaise longue.
My favourite painting of the morning was George Watson’s portrait of Sibella Boswell with her granddaughter — a beautiful and unusually tender piece among the more formal legal and civic portraits.
A real hidden treasure in plain sight, and a reminder of how much history sits quietly behind Scotland’s legal institutions.”