The new solicitor advocates will be allowed to exercise their extended rights of audience in the Court of Session, the Supreme Court and the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.

They are:

• Nicola Hogg, West Lothian Council
• Steve Matthew, Scottish Water
• Kristopher Kane, Kennedys Scotland
• Susie Mountain, Brodies LLP
• Eilidh Barnes, Scottish Legal Aid Board

Law Society of Scotland president Ken Dalling, invited Lord Turnbull to administer the declaration of allegiance to the solicitor advocates during the ceremony. It is the first time that the ceremony has been able to take place in person, since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mr Dalling said: “I am delighted that we have been able to mark this very special occasion in person once again and I am honoured to be part of the ceremony.

“It takes hard work and commitment to gain extended rights of audience and all the solicitors should be extremely proud of this tremendous achievement. We at the Society will continue to support them as they embark on the next stage of their legal careers. Congratulations to all!”