Sir Crispin has enjoyed a 38-year career at the bar having previously served in the army.

His retirement looks set to include long-distance sailing, cycling tours and plenty of family time. He has also been made an Honorary Research Fellow by the University of Dundee and will be writing academic articles in that capacity.

Clerk Sheila Westwater said: “It has been my pleasure and privilege to clerk for Crispin for so many years. He is a great ambassador both for the Faculty and for the stable with his phenomenal knowledge across many diverse subjects, his enthusiasm about the stable and his encouragement of the more junior members. He always behaved in a kind, considerate and unassuming manner and we will all miss him.”

Junior counsel Neil MacDougall said: “The phrase ‘They don’t make them like they used to’ immediately sprang to mind when asked to describe Sir Crispin. A true example to us all. Hard-working, intelligent and measured as all advocates should be. Kind, humble and generous as all advocates should aspire to be.

“I had the pleasure of junioring to Sir Crispin at the European Court of Justice. It was a delight to see the glint in his eye and smile on his face as he took to the biggest of stages. Enjoy your retirement Crispin, you deserve it!”