Lord Mackay to speak at free Edinburgh event

Hosted by the WS Society as part of the bicentennial commemoration of the Signet Library, the event will take place on Wednesday 7 September at 6pm.

Born and educated in Edinburgh, Lord Mackay is one of Britain’s most distinguished public figures. After studying mathematics and physics at the University of Edinburgh, he taught mathematics at the University of St Andrews before taking up a postgraduate scholarship at Trinity College, Cambridge.

Returning to Edinburgh to study law, Lord Mackay was admitted to the Scottish bar in 1955. He became Sheriff Principal of Renfrew and Argyll 1972-4, then Dean of the Faculty and Lord Advocate in 1979.

After serving as a Senator of the College of Justice, he was created a life peer, taking Eddrachillis in the District of Sutherland, taking as his territorial designation father’s birthplace in Sutherland. Lord Mackay joined the Cabinet as Lord Chancellor of Great Britain and served from 1987 to 1997. In 1977, he was created a Knight of the Thistle by HM The Queen.

As Lord Chancellor, Lord Mackay introduced the no-win, no-fee regime for civil claims, which was borrowed from a Scottish model. He also legislated to give solicitors rights of audience in higher courts in England and Wales and to allow judges to speak to the media without the permission of the lord chancellor.

Opponents at the time suggested the changes would cause the Bar to decline, but he pressed ahead with his reforms.

A champion of women in the law, Lord Mackay’s support was crucial in the appointment of Lady Hale to the Family Division of the High Court of Justice, from where she rose to the Court of Appeal and from there to the UK Supreme Court.

In 2007, Lord Mackay was appointed Lord Clerk Register and Keeper of the Signet.

“Lord Mackay’s exceptional memory and renowned dry humour guarantee that this will be a richly rewarding and enjoyable evening,” the WS Society said.

Tickets for the event are available through Eventbrite.