Today marks his last official day in practice before retiring with effect from 1 May. 

Mr Skinner called to the bar in 1987 and over the past 35 years he has developed a successful practice specialising in licensing. Happy to combine business with pleasure, his vast experience in this area includes liquor licensing, civic government licensing, security industries act licensing, firearms, betting and gaming, adult entertainment and the licensing of most other well-known vices.

The latest edition of Chambers and Partners UK ranks him Band 1 for Licensing, describing him as “an outstanding advocate best known for his commercial and robust style of advocacy”. It also says he is “an excellent advocate” whom clients find “personable and pragmatic”. He was a member of the Law Society of Scotland Licensing Sub Committee and a consultant editor of Scottish Licensing Law and Practice.

Although best known for his work in the field of licensing, he also undertook a wide range of commercial and administrative law work, including contract law, judicial review, land law, professional negligence and reparation.

Terra Firma’s Scott Blair said: “Robert was one of my devilmasters and later became someone I often locked horns with in licensing litigation. Robert was a pleasure to know in both of those roles and indeed as a much valued friend and colleague. 

“He brought passion, drive and a keen intellect to his work and was never scared to use his razor sharp wit to drive home a point before the Bench. I for one will very much miss these encounters and my licensing memory bank is all the richer from having worked with him. I wish him a long and happy retirement indulging his love of golf and opera and no doubt accompanied by a fine beer or two!” 

Terra Firma wished Mr Skinner a long and happy retirement.