Four Jurisdictions' Conference 2026
The Four Jurisdictions Conference 2026 will take place in Edinburgh from 15 to 17 May.
The Conference brings together barristers, advocates, and members of the judiciary from the Bars of Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Middle Temple, providing a forum for meaningful engagement across the four jurisdictions.
The programme is designed to encourage dialogue on issues of shared importance to the profession, including the independence of the Bar, the operation and funding of legal aid systems, and wider priorities such as diversity, regulation, and the continued development and promotion of the profession.
The Conference will open with a welcome drinks reception on Friday, 15 May at Edinburgh Castle, situated on Castlehill, Edinburgh, offering attendees the opportunity to meet and connect in a historic setting.
Register Interest
On Saturday, 16 May, the Conference will continue with four panel sessions held in the Mackenzie Building, situated just off the Royal Mile. Below are the scheduled sessions:
1. Juryless Trials
2. Family Law Cross Jurisdictional Challenges
3. Regulation of Social Media
4. Junior Bar Session
These sessions will feature leading judges and practitioners from across the four jurisdictions and will be followed by a Gala Dinner in Parliament Hall, bringing the day’s events to a close.
On Sunday, 17 May, the conference will finalise with a talk from Claire Mitchell KC and Zoe Venditozzi, co‑founders of the Witches of Scotland campaign and leading voices in uncovering the history of ‘witch’ trials in Scotland, as they explore the legal, cultural, and human legacy of one of the most significant, and troubling, episodes in Scotland’s judicial history. Drawing on their research, advocacy, and insights from their recent book How to Kill a Witch, they will discuss how the campaign has reshaped public understanding of this topic, invited broader engagement with Scotland’s legal heritage, and why these stories continue to resonate so powerfully with contemporary audiences.
Register Interest
Accessibility and Inclusion
We are committed to ensuring that the Conference is accessible and inclusive for all participants. Attendees are encouraged, where comfortable, to notify us of any accessibility requirements so that appropriate arrangements can be made to support full participation throughout the event.
Email: 4JConference@advocates.org.uk to discuss your needs.
Travel & Public Transport Information
This event venues, located at Parliament House, Mackenzie Building and Edinburgh Castle in Edinburgh’s Old Town, are well connected by an extensive public transport network. The following guidance is provided to support delegates in planning their journey efficiently and reliably.
Bus Services
Edinburgh offers comprehensive bus coverage with frequent services operating throughout the city. Several routes serve the vicinity of the Royal Mile, including 4, 26, 29, 31, and 124, all within walking distance of Parliament Square.
Delegates may use the Lothian Buses Journey Planner to access real‑time route and scheduling information.
Rail Services
The nearest major rail hub is Edinburgh Waverley Station, located approximately a 5–10 minute walk from the event venues. Services to Waverley are operated by:
- ScotRail
- LNER
- Avanti West Coast
- CrossCountry
- Caledonian Sleeper
Tram Services
Edinburgh Trams operate a frequent service between Edinburgh Airport and the city centre, with trams running approximately every seven minutes. Nearby stops include Princes Street and St Andrew Square, each within a short walking distance of Parliament House.
Travel from Edinburgh Airport
Delegates arriving via Edinburgh Airport have multiple transport options:
Tram
- Direct service from the airport to central Edinburgh
- Approximate travel time: 40 minutes to Princes Street
Airport Bus
- Direct service to Waverley Bridge every five minutes
- Approximate travel time: 31 minutes
Taxi or Private Vehicle
- Distance to Edinburgh Centre: approximately 8 miles
- Typical travel time: 19 minutes
Additional airport travel information is available via Edinburgh Airport’s transport guide. [edinburghairport.com]
Recommended Local Hotels
We’ve compiled a list of hotels located near the event venue for your convenience. Availability and rates may vary, so we encourage you to book early. Please see below
Radisson Blu Hotel,
Edinburgh City Centre
80 High St,
Edinburgh EH1 1TH
Hilton Edinburgh Carlton
19 North Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1SD
Hilton Edinburgh Carlton - Edinburgh City Centre Hotels
ibis Edinburgh Centre Royal Mile - Hunter Square
6 Hunter Square, Edinburgh EH1 1QW
Ibis Edinburgh Royal Mile | Modern Hotel in Edinburgh - ALL
Motel One Edinburgh-Royal
18 Market St, Edinburgh EH1 1BL