Craig Watt

Craig Watt, a solicitor advocate at Brodies, said on Twitter that he was “very proud” to have appeared in the hearing, over which Sheriff Principal Pyle presided.

Mr Watt said that the clerk and judge lacked full remote access to the court process.

“Agents were able to furnish interlocutors/productions relevant to the submissions in advance. Remote access is needed for the clerks, at least, to overcome this minor issue,” he tweeted.

The substantive hearing was “distilled down to the crux” as written submissions were submitted in advance, he noted.

He added: “Lists of authorities were lodged and intimated. It was not expected, initially, that the authorities themselves would be lodged and intimated. My own agent did so. The other side did so after being directed to do so as the judge did not have them.

“I think it is essential to share actual authorities to ensure they can be considered. We are lucky to have access to a wide range of legal databases to access almost all authorities, but one case from 1735 was referenced that these platforms did not have.”

Mr Watt suggested that “A joint bundle of necessary documents might usefully be created, so that all appearing can usefully refer to using the same page numbering etc.”

He concluded: “My thanks to Sheriff Principal Pyle and Mr Bell for a very pleasant and rewarding introduction to a virtual future.”