Solicitor Stuart Murray under investigation over financial activity

Stuart Murray

The former Aberdeen Bar Association president and vice president of the Scottish Solicitors Bar Association is being investigated over his financial activities at his last firm, which was dissolved earlier this year.

The Law Society of Scotland Client Protection Sub-Committee withdrew Mr Murray’s practising certificate because of “breaches of the accounts rules that apply to all Scottish solicitors”.

A spokesman said that the decision was made “in accordance with section 40 of the Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980, which provides the Law Society with statutory powers related to accounts rules, including to ensure that proper records are kept and that client funds are protected.

“As the professional body for Scottish solicitors, we take our regulatory duties very seriously to ensure that people have confidence in the legal profession. In any case where we have reason to believe that one of our members has not met the standards expected of them, we will take action to ensure that clients are protected.”

The Aberdeen Bar Association said he was “not a current member”.

In a statement it said: “The regulation and oversight of solicitors in Scotland is the exclusive responsibility of the Law Society of Scotland and we trust that the appropriate steps are being taken.

“Given that investigations may be ongoing, it would not be appropriate for the Aberdeen Bar Association to provide commentary on the specifics of this matter.”