Dr Joe Morrow KC

It was announced at the college’s international congress in Edinburgh that Dr Morrow, the Lord Lyon King of Arms, will receive the fellowship for his outstanding work in mental health law at a ceremony in London later this year.

The fellowships are awarded annually to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the profession. Dr Morrow was president of the Mental Health Tribunal for Scotland between 2008-2019.

He previously served eight years as Her Majesty’s Commissioner for the Mental Welfare Commission in Scotland and three years as president of the Additional Support Needs Tribunals for Scotland.

Dr Morrow was appointed King’s Counsel in 2015.

He said: “The honour of this Fellowship means a great deal to me as it is recognition from a profession, I have had a long-term working relationship with and for which I have the greatest respect.

“This recognition reflects the quality of the professionals who work together on the Tribunal with unstinting focus on the patients’ care.”

Dr Jane Morris, chair of RCPsych in Scotland, said: “We were delighted to hear this news. Dr Joe Morrow, the Lord Lyon King of Arms has made enormous contributions to mental health law in Scotland and ultimately the work of the psychiatry profession.”

Dr Lade Smith CBE added: “I would like to take this opportunity congratulate Dr Joe Morrow, the Lord Lyon King of Arms, for his outstanding achievements in mental health law. He has committed himself to working in this area of mental health bringing huge experience in legal, charitable, mental health and leadership roles. This work has been invaluable to our patients. The award is much deserved.”