Alan McLean KC, who is stepping down as chair, said: “The Tumbling Lassie Appeal has been, from the outset, a team effort between those on the committee and our many supporters, and such a worthwhile one to be involved in.

“It has been a real privilege to chair the committee and to see the Appeal become so well established amongst the charitable activities in which members of the Faculty of Advocates are involved.

“Under Maryam’s guidance, our work and impact can step up to another level in the years to come.”
 
Sheriff Labaki is resident sheriff at Falkirk. An Edinburgh University graduate, she called to the bar in 2010, where she practised principally in criminal law. She was appointed as a full-time advocate depute in 2017 and served a three-year commission, before returning to the defence bar in 2020. She was appointed as a sheriff in 2021.

Commenting on her appointment, Sheriff Labaki said: “As a founding member, I have been part of the organisation since its inception and have witnessed its growth and success.

“It’s a huge honour and privilege to take the helm from Alan and I intend to continue to steer the organisation in a positive direction in these troubled times, where conflict and displacement fuels the scourge of human trafficking.”

The committee of the Tumbling Lassie Appeal has also announced the dates of two key events taking place this year, with tickets now available to book.

On Thursday 9 May, Richard Blake will speak on the life of John Grant, who was the Chief Justice of Jamaica from 1783 to 1790.

John Grant was born in Scotland. He travelled as a young teenager to Nova Scotia, and then on to Jamaica. His manuscript records of legal decisions form the earliest set of Caribbean case reports. John Grant was one of the famous Grants of Kilgraston.

Mr Blake’s recently published book, Sugar, Slaves and High Society – The Grants of Kilgraston, charts the story of the Grant family, who purchased and renovated Kilgraston estate near Perth with funds derived from enslaved labour in Jamaica.

On Saturday 16 November, the Tumbling Lassie Ball returns to Prestonfield with a “Snow Ball” theme.

Both events will help raise further funds for the Tumbling Lassie Appeal, in aid of International Justice Mission (IJM) and Survivors of Human Trafficking in Scotland (SOHTIS).