Summer 2014 } the Leader 03
Classy Kids at the Free Kicks and The New 40 - Two Traverse Theatre Changing Lives Presidents Celebrate the SYLA’s birthday 2 3
+ Time present and time past
Walter McGill, s that rare beast, a poet who A feature in this edition on Sarah Kemp and her Chairperson and Kenny loved working with numbers brand of training within Scott + Co reminds us too Cameron, Youth during his time at the bank, that the future of this company, like all others, rests Work Manager – keeping goal at ATS Eliot is a favourite of this on the constantly developing skills and enthusiasm Spartans FC column. And who can argue with of its staff. Sarah is, of course, involved with slightly those sentiments. Our future is more mature learners than the Traverse or Spartans, forming all around us and it takes but she brings the same principles of challenge and a particular brand of northern engagement to her work. fatalism to believe that we aren’t The economic prospects of this country depend part of the process of shaping our on many factors, but without our brightest and best personal destiny. young professionals we start to look more Celtic In a summer full of raging debate about our national tabby than Celtic tiger. Alex Lamley, Rising Star at destiny, questions about where our future lies have the 2014 Scott + Co Scottish Legal Awards, has David McLaughlin never been more stark or urgent. And while there the glass-ware to prove he’s in the brightest and has often been more foam than facts, the options best category. His story shows how imagination and are being considered very seriously indeed. social skills are as vital as traditional professional So, no better time for the Leader to examine training in making a first class contribution. what the future means and how best we can The 40th Birthday party of the Scottish Young Cover prepare for its inevitable surprises. Lawyers Association was an excuse for reminiscence, Fiona McAllister No better place to start than with young people among other social activities. The SYLA’s story is a & Emma Boffey 10 and it is, after all, on the next generation that we microcosm of the Scottish economy and its twisting Out-going and in-coming out on the streets course through the past four decades. But also a Presidents of the Scottish Young depend for our future prosperity. Scott + Co have Football and youth reminder of how vital the Law is to our economic Lawyers Association look to the work with Spartans FC supported the Traverse Theatre’s Class Act project future of the profession. for two years. In that time professionals from the and civic life. 14 Traverse have brought out the best ideas and energy Which brings us to Les Robertson, and another
03 The new 40 { from pupils from schools across Edinburgh. Taking reminder from the IRRV that the feasibility of the Time Present and Time Past SYLA hits a significant birthday seasoned writers, actors and directors into schools, future comes down to very practical things – like David McLaughlin – and they all look so young! Class Act has helped to give a voice to dozens of collecting revenues. And to Bill Drummond, who 04 teenagers. It may, or may not, have discovered from his unique position as Managing Partner of 18 dramatists of the future, but that isn’t necessarily one of Scotland’s most successful law firms and traversing the boards Starry Night “Time present Classy first acts at From green room to board room the point. Chairman of the Scottish Council for Development the Traverse Theatre – Rising Star Alexander Lamley and time past What Class Act does is to give young people a and Industry, scans our immediate and longer term direct experience of the power of words – the thrill prospects. In the uncertain world ahead he sees 08 20 Are both much change – but change for the better, provided take the ‘a’ train of an auditorium full of people silently listening to Top Boss we keep our sights firmly on the global. Training and the art Leader meets Bill Drummond – perhaps present an actor speaking your words. Not to mention the of business maintenance Managing Partner of the Year confidence that comes from a full-house applauding I’m confident that this edition of the Leader will in time future something you made. leave you much more optimistic about our future - 22 Developing confidence in our young people is whatever happens. Paying Dues And time future Les Robertson, IRRV also at the heart of what goes on at the Spartans Have a fantastic summer. Scottish President contained in Club in North Edinburgh. While Scott + Co is a explains corporate debt long-term supporter of the Women’s football team, time past.” we’ve always been impressed by the youth work that David McLaughlin burnt norton, takes place around the first teams. Young people Managing Partner t.s eliot who often face difficult circumstances are given a trusted environment, friendship and inspiration by a set-up that goes far beyond all-weather pitches and passing drills. { C{contents} 4 5
“Our idea came out of things we’d learned in school about the 1970s and 1980s the time of the National Front and skinhead violence against immigrants”
Ashleigh hibberd
+ Words Words Words
he Arts mean different then suddenly there it is – their work live on We couldn’t have begun to turn a white sheet things to different stage presented by professional actors and of paper into a play that a hundred people people. You might thrill directors and in front of a full house. sat and listened to without the help of Nicola Tto a perfect Turandot. Scary or life changing? We spoke to only a McCartney and Roseanna Hall. Nicola is an Or you might think, as Groucho handful of the people involved to find out. experienced playwright with productions for Marx may or may not have said children as well as adults and Roseanna is + Ashleigh Hibberd and Georgie in A Night at the Opera, ‘I’ve had a young writer who’s part of the Traverse’s Strachan professional playwrights and a perfectly wonderful evening. Emerging Writers Programme. They gave students at Wester Hailes Community But this wasn’t it.’ us the tools to allow us to make a structure High School Edinburgh. Which is the great, lovely, flexible thing around our ideas. They showed us that there ‘We started with an idea. Our idea came about the huge sweep of activities that were different types of conflict and how we out of things we’d learned in school about comes under the heading of the arts. could dramatise them and keep the play the 1970s and 1980s, the time of the moving forward. But you would be brave to argue it has no National Front and skinhead violence against But the big moment was when we heard real function in a civilised society. Indeed the immigrants. It seemed as if some of those live actors speaking lines that we had written definition of an uncivilised society might tensions were still around - not in our - that we’d made up out of our heads! And include one where there were no arts and school but in society generally and we felt it that’s when we suddenly discovered the only propaganda and entertainment. was important to show the human side of words that just didn’t work – that didn’t fit Scott + Co has a long track record in arts immigration - the challenges of coming to the characters and that were just getting in sponsorship. Our approach has been to a new country and integrating – coping with the way. More chopping! reflect the environment that we often positive and negative reactions. Nothing much could prepare us for the work in – more the gritty realism than the We also loved the series This is England feeling of sitting in the dark with the grand opera end of the arts rainbow. We’ve – the characters looked tough but were audience waiting for our work to come supported writing in prisons and we’ve really kind and thoughtful. worked with the Community Company at the onstage. Or of seeing our names in That was the start - we wanted to make Citizen’s Theatre in the heart of the Gorbals. print in the book of the Class Act plays. a point. But then the people took over, We’re not necessarily going to have But we’re also aware that without new artists the characters. It was as if they had a life careers in the theatre – but working there are no arts. Or at least there will just of their own. And so as the play grew it on this has given us real confidence. be lots of old artists hanging around. Not became more of a human story than a way Nothing else could seem as scary - a bad thing perhaps in itself, but not a of making a point. We hoped that we were but with work and help we did what dynamic future for the arts. still making a point of course – but that the we thought was going to be just For the last two years Scott + Co has been audience would also care about the people. about impossible.’ sponsor of Class Act - the Traverse Theatre’s Not that our play grew – it shrunk as we cut well established writing programme for more and more bits out of it. You don’t have secondary school students. lots of time on stage and the last thing we To mark the Traverse’s 50th Birthday Class wanted to do was to bore people, so what Acts extended its reach to 10 schools over seemed like a very simple thing to do – tell the two years. Each participating school is a story in a few minutes – became one of Young Playwrights, supported by a professional playwright - but the hardest things we’ve done. Ashleigh Hibberd & Georgie Strachan continued over} 6 7
Left: The Traverse has been a key player in British theatre for 50 years Far left: Ashleigh and Georgie with proud teacher Mrs MacLennan
heir teacher Mrs Through the Class Act period there was he thing that drives me Class Act is unique as it brings young MacLennan watches perfect attendance. Even the students who as a director is telling people into the theatre who would often Georgie and Ashleigh were wary and intimidated by the idea of stories, telling stories normally say ‘it’s not for me’. As a writing Ttell their story while writing for the public became engaged Tthat people want to project it empowers not the loudest, giving off a quiet glow. and enthusiastic. hear, and that changes how or most confident, individuals, but the ‘As you see these girls aren’t too quiet and Making something from scratch and then they see the world in some thinkers, and the story tellers, giving them “Class Act was nothing retiring. In fact, it boosted the confidence watching a theatre full of people respond small way. I love Class Act for an amplifier, and a chance to be heard. short of a Class Act! It was this reason. of all the students who took part. Another to it – it’s not something we do every week All the pieces I directed were of a so much fun to be a part of, in education – but perhaps we should!’ phenomenal standard, and would not of the great things about this project is that Every single script, is unique, well in lots of aspects. Getting to it gives pupils experience of dealing with conceived, developed, quirky, funny, be out of place in one of the Traverse meet so many young people adults they don’t know well. It’s a skill that “The Class Act poignant, truthful, emotive, nostalgic, productions at any other time of the year. applies to any line of study or work that the witty, observant, and fresh. It is harder I don’t want to speak for them, but thank who had stepped up to the students might go into. And who knows, they process means than you think to write a new script, you, your support has made a unique and challenge of writing a piece may well come back to their writing later. that students challenge an audience with new ideas, unforgettable experience possible for every of work, which was of an Class Act fits the new curriculum perfectly characters, and create truthful tales that writer, and on behalf of each member of excellent standard, seeing the the audience over the two nights, thank so it’s a great way to develop skills that will learn about haven’t been told before. The Class Act excitement of having actors writers, every single one, embrace that you also. They have each taken away immediately be useful in their drama and read and perform their work English modules. In fact we see immediate working together, challenge. When we workshop the scripts something new, something just for them, that they wouldn’t otherwise have at the Traverse Theatre. benefit in terms of prelim exam marks for deadlines and not with them it is great to see them thinking students who take part in Class Act. on their feet, making edits, and articulately experienced, and I include myself in that, I think this is a superb project answering questions from the actors. and would jump at the chance to direct But education shouldn’t just be about prelim letting others that can ignite a younger The skills they take away from the project for Class Act writers again.” marks. The Class Act process means that audience into playwriting down.” are easy to list off, but seeing the impact students learn about working together, Caro Donald Class Act director first hand is a privilege. I secretly try and going to the theatre. deadlines and not letting others down. mrs maclennan ” and find them in the auditorium when Scott Reid - Class Act their scene is on stage, and watch their Actor – CATS 2014 Nominee reactions. It’s hard to describe but seeing for Best Male Lead. them see their work come to life in front of them is just fantastic. 8 9
+ Fully Engaged How Sarah Kemp Scott + Co’s Compliance and } Performance Manager keeps the lines open.
here are many job verse and sub-paragraph number people do not like being in arrears and + Feedback on your training is always titles that are the of these regulations. they want a solution. They are brushing up positive, so the question remains – secret to a quiet And we need to be efficient. Our clients against the law - it’s never a fun experience, how on earth do you make compliance Tevening at a party. have hired Scott + Co to do a job. But but it doesn’t have to be traumatic. training riveting? Compliance and Performance efficiency in recovery is not a matter of We try to be non-judgemental, we try to treat Well, the first thing to say is that motivated Manager might have you peering relentless badgering. It’s about building customers as if they were our relatives – how learners find all training interesting. over shoulders wondering a connection and rapport with our would your mum or dad like to be treated if Professionals who want to work more how you can make a break customers and finding a solution. they were in this situation? effectively will be keen to find out more. for the kitchen. Letters from Sheriff Officers are not the + What are the special challenges of dealing Compliance and regulatory frameworks are If you made this snap decision after asking best find on a doormat. People can be with customers who may be in distress over constantly evolving - it’s just not possible to Sarah Kemp what she did for a living you’d anxious, frightened, hostile or confused. a non-human medium like the phone? sit back and think that you know it all. be making a big mistake. What she does They rarely make contact with us in a For a start the phone isn’t really inhuman, But the more interesting the training is, the between 9 and 5 (or usually a lot later than neutral frame of mind. For our call centre but many of our customers specifically opt more engaged the learner and the more they that) is a very long way from the dry territory staff particularly, knowledge of the human for less human contact through text and will learn. I use a variety of techniques – trusty suggested by the word compliance. spirit is as important as familiarity with the email. But telephone contact, with skilled old Power-points to get the key information The environment that Sarah inhabits means Financial Conduct Authority’s regulations. people can be very empathetic and when across, video material to make it more human she has great stories to tell and fascinating In fact, you can learn the FCA’s regulations you get the sense that someone is there to and, most importantly, group work and insights into nothing less than the human out of a book. Building trust, reading people help it can make all the difference. scenario training to connect with the day to condition. day reality of people’s jobs. you have never met over the phone but still Phone calls lack all the rich non-verbal Much of her focus over the last year or so getting the job done, that takes more than communication that makes up about 80% of All training has to be relevant and it has has been in establishing the state of the a good memory. It takes an understanding our normal interactions. So we have to make to be challenging. The best training equips art Galashiels call-centre, an operation she of what makes humans tick and while we the remaining 20% work hard. professional staff to do their own learning says is the ‘voice of the organisation.’ But can develop it in training you have to have every day, to analyse their practice and Luckily it’s a rich 20%. Accent is important the call-centre is one part of a complete fundamentally positive view of the human build their skills. Stop learning and you go in empathy. So is pitch, tone, speed of web of customer contact linked by real- race to come to work for us! backwards! Our people, like the Company delivery and silence. Silence can time technology. The two key dimensions of as a whole have to be constantly evolving + So traditional images of debt collectors be particularly effective - giving people Scott+Co’s work are technology and people. and improving. are out of date? space, allowing them to voice their Sarah is responsible for ensuring that the I’m not sure that aggressive styles of debt concerns and worries. debt recovery service that Scott + Co offers collection were ever part of the work of Lots of our callers are vulnerable, often its customers is accurate and compliant with “At heart it’s about responsible and effective Sheriff Officers. at stages in their lives where it all seems an exceptionally tight regulatory framework. It’s a responsible and vital job. The entire overpowering. Our call handlers need to be treating every She’s also responsible for ensuring that all workings of society are based on credit and able to recognise all the different types of the contact Scott + Co has with customers is so ultimately on debt. Most people will find difficulty our customers face and respond customer as an effective but sensitive. themselves in arrears. We don’t hang the accordingly. individual. There + Are these not a collection of label of debtor on our customers. They’re At heart it’s about treating every customer contradictions? Compliant and sensitive, in a hole and our staff are there to help as an individual. There is no value in is no value in efficient and caring? them out of it. You don’t have to lose classifying people. Not one bit. For a start the bulk of the your dignity too. classifying people.” regulatory framework around debt is there If you are cynical you have no place in debt sarah kemp to protect the person owing money, ensuring recovery. Our staff are no pushovers – they that they are listened to and respected. It’s spot duplicity and deception coming a long vital that our staff know exactly the chapter, way off – but they do believe that most
Scott & Co’s Compliance and Performance Manager, Sarah Kemp 10 11 {
The Leader The Women’s, Men’s and Youth teams are “And you don’t really even have to be good talks to big players in the leagues, but the heart of the operation is the Academy - the social at or even like football much, there’s arts Community and educational activities that make an Programme immense contribution to improving life and crafts for those who can’t hit a barn in North Edinburgh. door with a football.” & Youth Hence the boys, the shoes, the chat, the banter. Something so small, but kenny cameron so important. Work social problems then Kenny would have put Kenny works on the basis that one pound Manager, ‘Saying you’re glad to see people when an end to deprivation single handed. But spent on positive intervention gets seven they turn up is a tiny thing but is so vital, of course that’s the trick. Enthusiasm CAN pounds’ worth of return in social benefits. Kenny explains Kenny. ‘For most of the kids who solve social problems, or at least set in The old medical joke is that if you think come here, it can be a very novel experience motion a train of events that can go some prevention is expensive then you should Cameron to feel welcome anywhere. We need to create way to making things better. see what treatment costs. The same is a sense of family here – especially for our ‘There’s a huge amount of goodwill true of creating circumstances which can members who aren’t lucky enough to have and generosity here. When Mikaeel Kular take people away from crime, drugs and a fully functioning family at home.’ went missing at the beginning of 2014 desperation. There will be costs, and there { North Edinburgh is a tough part of town. the whole community were shoulder to will be failures, but it’s better than mopping The constituency profile bristles with social, shoulder. Kids that the police knew only as up, or locking up the consequences of doing economic and health related indicators all someone to keep an eye on were out there nothing at all. at the wrong end of the scale. According doing their bit. Our job is to harness that ‘Of course we have failures,’ says Kenny, ‘it to the Scottish Government’s Indicators of goodwill, give people a way to get involved would be strange if we didn’t. But we never Multiple Deprivation, some parts of this in a positive way.’ give up and we never, ever turn anyone away. area are in the 5% of poorest communities If you were being casual and lazy you’d We’re on the case of trouble makers. We in Scotland. That in a city which only trails see the work of the Academy as about leave them in no doubt when their behaviour behind London in terms of economic + The Club keeping the kids off the street, that slightly is out of line. One of the reasons why kids vibrancy and growth. dismissive description of youth work that come here is because they feel safe. So we’re But don’t let any thoughts of Benefits Street summons up images of trendy vicars and not about to turn a blind eye to behaviour style stereotyping get in the way of your view ping pong in church halls. that disrupts that sense of security. of North Edinburgh. To say Spartans Academy is keeping kids off ‘But we never bar anyone. Where will they go s we talk to Kenny Spartans football club is well known to those haven for the children and young people From the prosperous days when the docks the streets is like saying Lionel Messi is good if we bar them? All you do is put someone Cameron, Community who follow the non-professional leagues in of the area. They can come in, kick a ball boomed, through a Trainspotting era when with a football. True, but a bit inadequate as who is at risk of getting into trouble at even Programme & Youth Work Scotland. Many argue that this is where the around or get more actively involved. 7-11 North Edinburgh became an international descriptive writing. more risk of getting into trouble. Manager at Spartans FC true spirit of Scottish football lies. In keenly year olds can get involved in FootTea – by-word for drugs and related mayhem, A The impact of Spartans Academy is subject What people own, they don’t vandalise. a couple of boys come off the fought matches on well equipped grounds football and tea, a hot meal cooked by apparently rivalling the Bronx as a model for to constant evaluation and monitoring. Even What people are part of, they respect. pitch and pause at the door of there is skill and determination aplenty volunteers. There’s also a homework club urban terror, through to its current mixed though Spartans is largely self-financing, it is This sense of community ownership is the sleek social facilities. but a conspicuous shortage of boardroom in 5 of the local schools. economy of cappuccinos and tattoo shops, dependant on rigorous public accountability. vital to what goes on. They are eleven or twelve, with a street kid shenanigans, financial liabilities and And you don’t really even have to be good at this area has carved out its own image. But two numbers jump out. There has been ‘One day when we had high winds this mix of toughness and vulnerability. Without violent language. or even like football much, there’s arts and Kenny has no illusions of the strengths a 30% fall in petty crime around the area winter, a huge bin blew over. Paper anything being said, they very carefully take Scott + Co have been involved with the club crafts for those who can’t hit a barn door and the struggles of this community. He’s since Spartans opened their facility five streaming everywhere across the pitches,’ off their wet shoes - the artificial turf here for over seven years as kit sponsors of the with a football. It’s much more about having a Muirhouse boy and feels privileged to be years ago, and in that time there has been Kenny remembers, ‘before I’d finished does not generate mud – and pad across the Women’s Team. The women’s, men’s and somewhere to go, where you’re welcome and able to use his skills and experience in sport two acts of vandalism. Two. And one of swearing, under my breath of course, a immaculate floor in their stocking soles. youth teams are forces to be reckoned with where there are good role models of both and youth work to help put something back those was an Alex Ferguson style assault couple of the boys had started picking up in their respective leagues. genders. Not surprisingly in a club with such ‘Hi boys’, says Kenny, ‘good to see you. into the community. on the managerial dugout at a moment of the mess.’ a competitive women’s team, the users of And thanks for taking off the shoes.’ But while the competitive teams bring an ‘The people who live here don’t need to be high stress. The perpetrator apologised the Academy facilities are almost exactly Treating two boys who remember to take A brief exchange that sums up much of aspirational dynamic to the club, at the core told how tough they have it or how much and provided a block of voluntary hours 50/50 male/female in most of the youth their shoes off with respect is repaid in the positive work going on in this corner of the club is its social programme. crime there is.’ Kenny warms to his theme equivalent to the replacement value of provisions. actions like that. of North Edinburgh. Monday to Friday the club is an after school easily and often, if enthusiasm could solve the glass. 12 13
+ The People The Values + The Alternative
he club is full of tales. The less obvious success stories are going both for the competitive semi Recently, in the wet winter of 2013- more difficult to write up as neat case professional teams and for the youth 14, the outreach team had to decide School Of course it is. Clubs studies. But good youth work like the type work of the Academy. whether to venture out one evening aren’t an amalgam of enny is that goes on at Spartans is about thousands with their portable football pitch. tfacilities and turf and Walter is a Craigroyston High former pupil full of of tiny opportunities, things said casually The mobile pitch means that a car park changing rooms. They are a too. Like Kenny he’s done well, got away. praise for that make someone stop and think, an or waste ground can be turned into construct of the people who Except he hasn’t gone anywhere. the local go there. option opened up and a casual remark a temporary stadium. K ‘It’s a great selfishness,’ he says, ‘to primary schools that suddenly opens up a door into a What Spartans are adept at is taking people escape from a community like this and They looked out at the flooded streets of North and the local different world. in off the streets and turning them around. to put nothing back in. This is a place with Edinburgh. It would be too dangerous to play on the high school, Giving them meaning in a world that might What is noticeable around Spartans are great reserves of strength and endurance. concrete. But they set off anyway. A few boys emerged Craigroyston. seem a bit meaningless. the number of people who didn’t think of There are thousands of young people where out of the downpour. The workers explained about the ‘The high school is There are obvious success stories. Kids in pulling up the ladder. Take Walter McGill. with untapped skills and insights. We’re all weather, the risk. There was chat, some laughs, and now getting results trouble who end up on the books as staff In his smart suit Walter takes care of much poorer if we close off that talent and lose then the boys wandered back into the liquid evening. that rival many and volunteers with no track record of of the business and promotional matters at the contribution they could make.’ No football, but no one had been let down either. Edinburgh schools positive schooling end up on college courses Spartans. He secures sponsorship support, No trust broken. A small inconvenience for the youth in much more that will qualify them as the next generation the kind of finance that keeps the work workers, well, quite a wet inconvenience actually, affluent areas. The of youth workers. but a big statement of values of the club. As Kenny primaries are great explains, ‘we’re reliable. Never underestimate that, and we work closely especially for kids that have been let down by with them all.’ Badge of honour: The kids Walter McGill and everyone. Same time, same place, same face, at Spartans are proud to But there are always some Kenny Cameron – both same values. We call that the S-Factor.’ be part of the programme covering the near post kids for whom no school is suitable. Who don’t fit. Spartans is experimenting with an alternative school where kids can come, get involved with the work of the club but continue their education. A retired head- teacher will provide the lessons. The rest of the club The state of the art will provide the enthusiasm. all weather pitch at Spartans FC +{ he Spartans Academy doesn’t confine itself to North Edinburgh. ‘What The rules + The Trips would that say,’ Kenny suggests, No swearing The Pitch T‘that there’s nowhere else?’ The hallowed turf of Spartans FC is a Each year a group from the FootTEA club of 7-11 year No fighting state of the art compound. It has to be olds goes to HopScotch near Fort William. The exploits, groomed almost as often as you’d have particularly the big game sea fishing, are legendary. No climbing to cut real grass. But it is up for all But in 2013 a group of older club members got as into neighbours’ weather abuse no matter what the far as Tanzania. That’s Tanzania in Africa not a club gardens infamous micro-climate of North in South Edinburgh. Edinburgh throws at it. ‘What is a clearer way of saying you can make things No litter It has also been host to the All Blacks happen, that you can be in control of your destiny? ‘Kenny Rugby Union Football Club and describes the moment of sitting down with a group and
Manchester United. The Red and the { suggesting you can get to another hemisphere provided The Spartan Academy rules Black - arguably the two biggest team- you all work together. ‘The trip certainly put their views are not the rules made sports clubs in the world. of what poverty was into context. But it was also a strong up by the youth workers { political lesson. You can make things happen.’ themselves. They are the rules agreed by the young people who use the club. 14 15
Emma Boffey SYLA’s new president and speaker Collette Paterson get convivial early in the evening SYLA turns + When I grow older... {}40 Yes, well, we all know where the rest of that lyric goes to.
ut age and the passing of time build into a heritage and there’s no denying Bthat the Scottish legal profession has more heritage than most. By that of course I mean a long and distinguished history full of characters and held together by a narrative that collectively makes the profession distinctive. Boswell, Lord Cockburn, RLS, there is no shortage of distinguished contributors to the profession in Scotland. But it was a unique opportunity to support history being constructed before our very eyes that led Scott + Co to sponsor the Scottish Young Lawyers 40th birthday party in May 2014. Leaving aside the clear oxymoron of having Young Lawyers celebrating a fortieth birthday, the occasion was a vivid encapsulation of the last four decades as seen through the possibly narrow but certainly colourful perspective of one profession. It was also a lot of fun. Drinks flowed, cakes were cut and the full sweep of those decades were represented across the guest list. There was dancing too, I’m told, but the representatives of the first two decades had had to go home long before then. The genuinely youthful current Presidents, outgoing and incoming respectively in Fiona McAllister and Emma Boffey, brought just the right tone to the proceedings: A celebration but also an acknowledgement of the underlying seriousness of the SYLA’s mission over the decades. We bring you some of the flavour of the evening courtesy of the four distinguished speakers who took the gruelling task of summing up a decade in 5 minutes with sparkle and insight. What follows is a flat black and white print of their full colour, continued over} high definition accounts.
16 17
Inflation was at 17.2%, { Watergate rocked the { + Martin world, there was a recession (watch out for a 1994 theme here) and the word Dawbney Pint of + David Hoey milk processor had just gone ‘The SYLA had a radical, upstart The Channel Tunnel ‘Is it relevant to mention that this on the market to a few culture in the early days. Something 0.36p opened, facilitating more was the decade when Viagra was
1974 crazy early-adopters. that helped propel one of the first European coach travel by invented? Or that almost the entire Presidents, Gerry Malone, into Mrs the SYLA executive, the decade went by without the internet? Scotland’s whole legal position took Thatcher’s cabinet. Our energy was ‘Early invoices show a modest National Lottery pulled ‘Accelerating change is a factor a major shift in a decade bookended focussed on the ridiculously low expenditure by the association on its first ball, and began sherry, but by 1979 there was more of modern life and the last decade by the 1990 Referendum Act and the salaries paid to apprentices in the Gallon a process that would egalitarian entertainment to be had of the last century was full of 1999 Scottish Parliament. 1970’s. There had been a three of 4 star ultimately fund the quest Pint of Gallon House turbulence. day week and the economy was at the Beer and Skittles evening in for Scottish Independence ‘Grunge, hip-hop, the cultural waves milk of 4 star £2.22 fragile to say the least, but it didn’t the Sheep’s Heid Inn. and genetically modified The continuing focus for the SYLA on all swept through the SYLA and its 0.5p £0.42* £10,990** justify a starting salary of £600 ‘The importance of education, a food was first approved education was increasingly vital as training weekends and parties. But continuing priority for the SYLA, landmark pieces of legislation - the perhaps the last word is best left to * Did they have stars then – was it not just petrol? rising to the fat-cat heights of £700 for human consumption, paraphrasing the famous Edinburgh ** Average for UK – multiply by 2 for Merchiston, 4 for London. by year two. The consequence of was established early with training the outcome of which it Employment Rights Act, the Children those Dickensian pay-scales was a at Stirling University, weekends that is still far too early for (Scotland) Act, not to mention the philosopher, Irvine Welsh - ‘Choose profession effectively cut off to large would quickly pass into legend. House judgement. And there Bingo Act, came on the statute book. Life. Not Law.’ sections of the population. ‘The Association was also a key £52,114 was a recession. ‘By the end of the decade we had partner in establishing the first wrestled a substantial pay rise out Diploma in Professional Practice of the profession and apprentices in in 1980.’ Ten new members joined the European Union creating a challenge that 1979 were on a salary nudging into even a 50-seater school bus and Billy Joel couldn’t tackle, hunting with the £2000 bracket. dogs was outlawed in the UK and Facebook started a process that would put the careers of countless young lawyers in jeopardy around the world.
A short line goes here... 2004 Pint of Gallon House + 40 Years of SYLA milk of 4 star 0.26p £3.54 £152,464 Thanks to That’s more o, a night to remember; or not, { de-regulation like it! as the case might be. What was left apart from lots of dirty + Sheriff Sglasses and many hangovers was the sense of an organisation + Collette Paterson that has come through much with its The year of the Ray Small vision and focus still clearly fixed on ‘By a new century the relationship between strand through every trainees’ life Brighton bombing, ‘This was, of course, boom time for the needs of its members And with a the Law Society and SYLA had evolved into Band Aid and Apple’s the profession as it was for everyone ‘It’s a sign of how established SYLA is remarkable ability to organise a good first personal computer a full and close partnership. as a trainer that at the 2012 Scott + Co night out. else. Men and women in suits were { - so ‘1984 won’t be the heroes of the age with their ‘Progress had been made on so many Scottish Legal Awards they took on their different levels – the typical Scots Lawyer (if old mentors at the Law Society and won 1984’ – as the snappy aluminium briefcases and those neat ‘Better documented was the such a thing was possible) was female, 30 the ‘Legal Trainer of the Year Award. advertising had it. little mobile phones. legendary tour of the European 1984 and had been educated at a state school. ‘There was a distinct power shift to Union, or at least of the key ‘The recession has given the SYLA a new the West in the mid-1980’s. Not due institutions in The Hague, Brussels ‘And then suddenly it was 2008 and there seriousness of purpose but there is still
to the waning strength of the Soviet and Strasbourg. As the 50-seater were people queuing outside Northern Rock. room for the odd night with no end. 2014 economy, but because the SYLA school bus made its way around ‘The relationship between the Law ‘And it’s nice to complete the circle of (for the record)
{ Committee had many more trainees Europe, the existential torture Society and SYLA suddenly took on much European ventures by hosting the European from Glasgow! This brought more of of Billy Joel’s Greatest Hits on a deeper significance – it became all about Bar Association Annual Conference in 2014
a party culture to the Association. continuous loop only softened by supporting young lawyers in a completely - certainly classier than the bus and just as { liberal application of carry out ‘It was also a period of growing uncertain world - a world where trainees much fun. alcohol significantly more exotic internationalism. It was claimed, were being made redundant before they had ‘It’s important not to forget that all the than sherry, friendships were made but never verified, that a Committee fully joined the profession. conferences, lectures, seminars and and stories were forged that live on Pint of Gallon House member had reached Honolulu on ‘In this environment training as well as symposiums are all organised in its Pint of Gallon House in the annals of the profession.’ milk of 4 star a legitimate fact-finding trip to the support was vital and the SYLA played an members’ free time. And for junior lawyers, milk of 4 star 0.21p £1.83 £37,182 American Bar Association. important role in establishing CPD as a core as you know, that isn’t extensive.’ 0.49p £5.95 £172,069 18 19
Rising Star ou know you’re destined for a dynamic. ‘The expectations are raised whether it’s a yes – Alexander career in the law when your first or a no vote in the referendum. Whoever wins will have to Lamley public appearance is as Duke Orsino deliver a more dynamic economy and that expansion has to Yin Twelfth Night. Not dressed in come from growth areas where science and creativity and doublet and hose. No. Dressed, rather, in technology come together.’ the manner of Ozzy Osborne of the non- He is a great admirer of Skyscanner and the way that Shakespearian popular musical group a company which breaks the rules a bit can galvanise a Black Sabbath and crashing out the whole generation and create a hub for other similar start opening riff of Paranoid. up ventures. ‘It’s the Californian model where one powerful Quite an entrance - they speak of it still in Aberdeenshire. player can seed skilled people out into the economy to Not that his skills were only exposed to the notoriously start up their own operations. It just needs nurturing and a discerning audiences of the North East. Alexander’s collection of skilled but sympathetic professional services dramatic career took him to the National Theatre in that can become part of the creativity and not stifle it.’ London and nation-wide touring. He doesn’t dismiss the core lawyerly values of experience Even by the standards of the law, where lively back-stories and expertise, ‘we still have to be the experts, we still have and non-traditional career debuts are more common than to know the case-law and be able to quote page numbers popular culture would have you believe, it’s a big leap to from the regulations, but lawyers work more effectively with corporate law. entrepreneurs when they understand how entrepreneurs But for Alexander Lamley of McClure Naismith and recently think. A business isn’t just one brilliant, big idea. It would crowned Rising Star at the 2014 Scott + Co Legal Awards, be easy if that was the case. It’s about bringing together a a first love of the theatre is a natural route into the whole range of skills and insights. The professional – whether profession. Not in the obvious sense either, he only briefly lawyer, accountant or marketing consultant have their own considered a part in the melodramatic spotlight of criminal box of tools to bring along – but if they understand where law, before developing a specialisation in the corporate the entrepreneurs and their ideas are coming from then the and capital markets team at McClure Naismith helping to sum can be much bigger than the individual parts.’ get start ups going and support the ambitions of the more His belief that professionals can learn from entrepreneurs mature company. and vice versa has led to the formation of Connections. One What the theatre taught him was not just confidence and of the reasons that the judges of the Scott + Co Scottish the ability to perform in a boardroom. Let there be no doubt Legal Awards felt that he had Rising Star status was not just that the corporate stage is as demanding an arena as any, because of his day job. He has a parallel but sadly unpaid, where being able to hold an audience is as important as it second career as the founder of Connections, a Scottish is on the South Bank. What Alexander learned from the networking venture that brings professionals together theatre is more profound. Alexander has a passionate belief with new and more established movers and shakers of the in the importance of creative skills in law and especially economic tree. + Rising star Alexander Lamley business law. ‘We’re well established in Edinburgh and Glasgow and we’re Alexander’ s specialisation is entrepreneurship, both in keen to develop across the rest of the country,’ explains nurturing and developing individuals and teams who want Alexander. ‘We deliberately didn’t set out to be for young professionals. What could be more important than bringing to make something unique happen, but also within the { profession itself. together the energy and fearlessness of youth with the wisdom and insight of established professionals? All our Take one of Alexander’s few spare time Did we mention the Royal Overseas League, ‘There are many parallels between putting on a play and members have the same status and the inter-generational, activities as an example - he’s learning to where Alexander is the head of young driving forward a business’ says Alexander. ‘You harness inter-sectoral and inter-professional debates are what it is speak Dutch. What might be considered to members in Scotland? The word count creative energy and let ideas bounce around between you, all about.’ “What could be be one of the world’s minority languages might run out here before we got to the working hard with teams to build and deliver something and also one of the most difficult to master. end of Alexander’s commitments. The together to an audience. Knowing your role and playing The benefit to Alexander and to his employer too is of course more important But as Alexander points out, you can’t Rising Star accolade is recognition of his your part in the production is key in both situations. that he is at the centre of one of the most powerful networks than bringing imagine how pleased someone from the professionalism and his energy. But there’s Partnership working is something we take very seriously in the country, and having a mobile phone full of contacts together the Netherlands is when they discover an English no sense of Alexander being merely a young at McClure Naismith. For instance, our recoveries team is vital in any professional services company. It’s a pay-off speaker has taken the trouble to learn their professional in a hurry. He may be a stranger recently won an industry award with an entry written in for the energy and commitment Alexander has shown to energy and language rather than relying on the inverse. to his television set but there is a genuine collaboration with a client.’ establish Connections. fearlessness So if working in a particularly fast moving sense that he is out and about so much His work with McClure Naismith has taken him deep into Learning from others, and indeed the whole process of of youth with part of corporate law while running because he is a real social animal, some of Scotland’s key growth areas. The biosciences sector learning itself, is a bit of mantra for Alex. He believes firmly the wisdom Connections wasn’t enough, Alexander is and that he does it because he likes people. where the economic drivers of the future will be crafted at that everyone needs mentors through their careers. ‘We learn also on the Banking Law Sub-committee of It’s a long way from Ozzy Orsino to the the molecular level is one key area of work for Alexander and by doing and we learn by listening. I’ve always had mentors and insight the Law Society’s Law Reform Committee. boardroom, but Alexander has taken his the rest of the team among other sectors such as technology - some have been older than me and much more senior and of established energy, creativity and focus from one role and food and drink. others have been younger. But I’ve never stopped learning And if the Banking Law Sub-Committee was from them. I’m lucky to work in a culture where learning is professionals?” ever once considered sleepy and of no great to the other without losing any star quality. Whatever happens in September, Alexander believes that encouraged and people don’t judge you on what you know, interest to anyone you can be pretty sure the country will have to become more entrepreneurial and but on what you’re prepared to learn.‘ those days are long in the past. { 20 21
But we wanted to look beyond small matters doesn’t have a will, for example. But while 1970s. Understanding the sector, and like the constitutional destiny of a nation an expanding market is to be welcomed, having a depth of experience and knowledge, and examine the global challenges and lawyers will have to find a business model is more significant than the borders we opportunities facing the legal business. that balances commercial skills with more operate across.’ Speaking in a sun-filled boardroom in traditional lawyerly values and strengths.’ Bill is clear that meeting challenges like the West End of Edinburgh, the smell of Bill is very proud of the fact that the this is not a matter of good luck. Brodies polished wood all around and portraits of Scottish legal business generates £1bn-plus has continued to grow through the recession, distinguished partners from the expansive for the Scottish economy – and of Brodies’ a fact related to good functions not good nineteenth century looking on, the setting record through the recession of retention fortunes. ‘We’ve kept our eye firmly on what underlined Bill’s first hurdle for the industry. and creation of jobs at all levels in the firm; adds value to the clients - how to provide ‘The key challenge is how we can stay a lawyers and non-lawyers alike. the right mix of services to solve their profession and at the same time compete ‘The Law is a huge business on its own, problems.’ in the global economy – how can we and worth even more in terms of the His own leadership style is a balance of maintain our core professional values but contribution it makes to starting, rigour and collective responsibility. The still maintain a competitive advantage as consolidating and supporting the growth of emphasis is on team work – the sum being businesses? other companies in the economy. It provides bigger than the undoubted skills and ‘Look at commercial bankers, once a by- the opportunities and the protection that experience of the individual parts. It’s a word for professional integrity. Successive economies require to function.’ no blame culture, fostering openness and de-regulation and the sort of competition But he is equally aware of how small the an effective early warning system. But that that this engenders, have led to a profession Scottish profession is in a globalised market. is matched by rigour and discipline, not to mention the vital professional values of fighting to re-claim its values. ‘The other big challenge facing the Scottish being a lawyer. ‘We’ve lots of very clever ‘It isn’t inevitable that de-regulation of a legal sector is the internationalisation of people here,’ he says, ‘but it’s my job to professional sector will erode values built up business. We have clients who operate in try and get them all to work together in the over centuries, but it is necessary to guard thirty countries world-wide. To provide most effective way.’
+ Bill’s Excellent Adventure “It’s about the clients, not geography.”
ill Drummond isn’t for Development and Industry (SCDI), those values in the face of a different sort of advice across such a range of jurisdictions But, for all of the challenges that lie Scotland’s Managing exactly short of Bill is in a unique position to identify competitive environment. requires a huge body of expertise. Around ahead, Bill is very optimistic about the Partner of the Year accolades. There have the issues looming over the horizon. ‘Our first responsibility as lawyers is to the world there are probably only forty law future. Whether it is close to home in post- firms that have significant international referendum Scotland or out in the vast been many well deserved And by future we don’t just mean the bit represent the interests of our clients. We B operational capability. turbulence of the global economy, Bill sees Bill Drummond charts prizes in a stellar career. But of local business in September. Brodies have to do so with integrity and precision. huge opportunities for the legal profession, that doesn’t mean to say that has run a series of seminars on the likely If we don’t have those core professional ‘To compete with huge global multi- the way ahead. based on expertise and imagination. being named Managing Partner impact of either outcome following the values, then we abandon the thing that nationals, to provide cross-border of the Year in the 2014 Scott independence referendum. These briefings makes us unique.’ solutions for our clients, we have had to be ‘Lawyers have always been good at finding + Co Legal Awards was just have been widely praised for their objectivity Not that Bill takes a negative view of the imaginative and nimble. Our approach is to new answers to old problems within the another bit of glass for the and depth. Bill recently hosted Mark Carney de-regulation of the ownership of legal establish networks of expertise, developing confines of tight legislative frameworks. Brodies trophy cabinet. on a fairly significant visit to Scotland and services per se – partnerships with other lawyers around At the SCDI table I can see how vital the SCDI provided the Governor of the Bank of the globe. It makes sense to have flexible, legal profession is to the entire economy The recognition of your peers will always ‘Lawyers’ training gives them a particular England with a briefing on what either vote reliable partners rather than face the of Scotland. We can help to find solutions carry extra weight in such a connected and view of the world and that enables them might mean for the economy. expense of opening our own network that allow companies to thrive and to take transparent professional grouping as the to add value to clients’ business,’ he says. of offices. We benefit too from the trust on the world. Whether it is energy or food Scottish legal community. Bill is pleased For the record, Bill believes that whatever ‘But the entry of retailers and others with these firms have already developed with and drink, Scotland has amazing business to have won, he’s warm and thoughtful and the will of the Scottish people, settled their brand-led understanding of consumers their clients. sectors. They can compete anywhere.’ there’s no hint of swagger. It’s not his style. or otherwise, there will be an upsurge of isn’t necessarily a bad thing. There is a And besides, he doesn’t have to. economic activity after Referendum Day huge under-developed market out there for ‘It’s about clients, not geography. We have It’s a huge but appropriate vision to bring As Managing Partner of Scotland’s biggest as the winning side feels the weight of personal legal services. It can’t be a good considerable expertise at Brodies in the to a West End board room. The nineteenth law firm and Chair of the Scottish Council expectation fall upon them. thing that two-thirds of the population energy sector built up since the early century partners would have approved. 22 23
hen I took up my post in debt collectors like Scott & Co. This seems an inefficient Collecting income on behalf of Fife Council is one of the June 2013 the team had process and begs the question - would it not be better for two main roles of the Revenues Service - the other is to responsibility for collection the customer if they could deal with one person from the Wof Council Tax, Non Domestic Council regarding all the income/debt payments? ensure we assist as many Housing Benefit and Council Rates, Sundry Income and Housing I have looked at the areas where there is the most potential Tax Reduction customers to receive their benefit as Benefit Overpayments. Being the third for synergies between the different income streams. An early largest Local Authority in Scotland (and study of tenants with rent arrears has indicated that 99% quickly and accurately as possible. eleventh overall in the UK) the amounts have also fallen behind with their Council Tax payments. collected every year are sizable. Clearly there seems to be a significant case for taking + The Introduction of a Corporate Debt Approach within Fife Council
Like all Councils, Fife has to deliver services in the most a more joined up approach to income collection - Les Robertson, IRRV efficient manner possible and this includes the collection of but what do we need to do to make this a reality? Scottish Association President and Service income. One of the first challenges I was set was to look at Manager – Revenues at the collection function and consider if it could be done via a Fife Council a) Agree the transfer of resources to Revenues; more corporate approach. So as well as my role as Service b) Agree the project budget; Manager, I have taken on the additional role of Project Sponsor for the “Integrated Income Collection and Debt c) R edefine the collection and recovery Recovery Project”. process for multiple debts The aims of the project are to ensure that all monies due d) Obtain an IT system that will be used to to Fife Council are collected in the most efficient manner manage income on a corporate basis; possible whilst at the same time ensuring our customers e) Agree a corporate debt policy; receive the best service. To that end the project has been f) Seek staff “buy-in” and undertake a created using formal, structured project management and is major training exercise; thus being led by a project manager. It is also overseen by a g) Deploy new technology across all project board and - as part of a wider program of function income streams; consolidation - all project sponsors must report to the program board. It is envisaged that it may take around h) Manage the risks and be aware of the 2 years to have the fully developed new service in place. future proofing needed for such issues as Universal Credit being introduced. The main change in moving forward for the organisation is that the Finance and Resources Directorate will assume responsibility for rent collection (including all associated This is a major project and we are just embarking on incomes) from the Housing and Neighbourhood Service. the journey – and will see where it takes us. The Revenues + So why take this approach to income collection? Service has already assumed responsibility for the collection We did not jump straight into this project and do not know of Rents from April 2014. It is envisaged that there will be quite yet what the final structure will look like - but we have some thorny issues to deal with along the way as well as the vision. This can be exemplified by looking at a mythical risks to be mitigated - however we aim to provide a better Council Tenant who has fallen behind with his rent and also income collection service for Fife Council and for has Council Tax arrears. His children receive music tuition the customers we serve. at school but he has failed to pay his sundry debt invoice for Success will mean a streamlined income collection this. Two years ago he also had an overpayment of Housing process that will deliver improved performance with Benefit and his partner runs a sole trader business from less resource deployed and - to give that context - an adjacent premises and hasn’t paid the rates. At present this improvement in the collection rate of just 0.5% over all household will be pursued for payment from five different income streams will generate a further £2.2 million per teams within the current structure - as well as from external annum in increased revenue. Locations
+ Head Office + Dundee + Inverness 12 Drumsheugh Gardens Unit 1B 29 Innes Street Edinburgh 63 Brown Street Inverness EH3 7QG Dundee IV1 1NP Telephone: 0845 345 8980 DD1 5AQ Telephone: 0845 129 5163 Fax: 0845 129 5160 Telephone: 0845 129 5167 Fax: 0845 129 5164 Email: [email protected] Fax: 0845 129 5168 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
+ Aberdeen + Perth 16 Queen’s Road + Dunfermline 1 Charlotte Street Aberdeen 22a East Port Perth AB15 4ZT Dunfermline PH1 5LW Telephone: 0845 129 5161 KY12 7JB Telephone: 0845 129 5175 Fax: 0845 129 5162 Telephone: 0845 129 5169 Fax: 0845 129 5176 Email: [email protected] Fax: 0845 129 5170 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
+ Ayr + Orkney Suite 3 + Edinburgh 3 Anchor House Beresford Court 9 Melville Crescent 10 Bridge Street 6-8 Beresford Lane Edinburgh Kirkwall Ayr EH3 7LZ Orkney KA7 2DW Telephone: 0845 345 8980 KW15 1HR Telephone: 0845 129 5173 Fax: 0131 220 2928 Telephone: 0845 129 5181 Fax: 0845 129 5174 Email: [email protected] Fax: 0845 129 5182 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
+ Galashiels + Dumfries 50/52 High Street + Stirling 15 Bank Street Galashiels Viewfield Chambers Dumfries TD1 1SE Viewfield Place DG1 2NX Telephone: 0845 129 5179 Stirling Telephone: 0845 129 5165 Fax: 0845 129 5180 FK8 1NQ Fax: 0845 129 5166 Email: [email protected] Telephone: 0845 129 5177 Email: [email protected] Fax: 0845 129 5178 Email: [email protected] + Glasgow 276 St Vincent Street Glasgow G2 5RL Telephone: 0845 129 5171 Fax: 0845 129 5172 Email: [email protected]