Sheriff Margaret Neilson has heard her last trial at the Inverness Justice Centre after almost 40 years in the law.

She was born in Falkirk and studied law at Edinburgh University. After working in France for a couple of years, she joined Balfour and Manson.

There she specialised in personal injury and employment, leaving after 23 years to take up a position as a part-time sheriff. In 2009, she became a full-time sheriff.

Sheriff Neilson said: “I was only supposed to be in Inverness for five years and the fact I have stayed 13 years tells its own story.

“I could be firm but I hope I have been fair in that time. It has been a difficult last two years but adjustments had to be made because of Covid. Everyone will hope it returns to normality soon and we will see jurors back in court which I believe is important.

“I have a commission as a retired sheriff so I may be back on occasion if available and needed.  I will take six months off to consider what I intend to do.”

“I will enjoy life, go walking, maybe scuba diving and, of course, reading and relaxing,” Sheriff Neilson added.