He becomes the 21st person to be given the award of lifetime membership of the society since the organisation was founded in 1949.

Law Society of Scotland president Sheila Webster said: “Honorary membership of the Law Society is the highest accolade we can bestow and I am delighted to award it to Peter for his passion and dedication to the profession.

“His diligence, commitment to impartiality, and attention to detail have shone through his work over the past 20 years, making the Journal a hugely valued and important resource for our members. As he looks towards retirement later this year, he will be sorely missed and a hard act to follow.

“I congratulate Peter on joining the prestigious list of honorary members. It is justly deserved and a fitting tribute to his career.”

Mr Nicholson said: “This came right out of the blue and I am a little in awe at finding myself in the company of such a distinguished list of past recipients. It is a huge honour and I am, in equal measure, extremely grateful to the Law Society of Scotland and deeply touched at being thought worthy of it.”