Women of Faculty: from 0 to 121 in 100 years

A DRINKS reception to celebrate the achievements of Dame Margaret Kidd KC, as well as those of all other female members of the Scottish Bar, will be hosted by the Faculty of Advocates in Parliament Hall later this month.

Margaret Kidd was the first woman to call as an advocate in Scotland, in 1923. In 1926, she was the first woman to appear in an appeal in the House of Lords.  In 1948, she became the first woman in the United Kingdom to take silk.  As Keeper of the Library from 1956 to 1969, she was also the Faculty’s first female office-bearer.

The drinks reception, where a new image of Margaret Kidd will be unveiled, will mark the centenary of her calling, as well as celebrating her achievements and those who have followed – and those who are yet to follow – in her footsteps.

“Dame Margaret Kidd was a true trailblazer and her many achievements played a significant role in carving out a career path for other women wanting to join and flourish at the Bar. Today there are 121 practising female members of the Faculty of Advocates, all of whom make significant contributions to the promotion of access to justice in Scotland and beyond. This reception will celebrate all of them,” said Laura Dunlop KC who, with Ann Inglis, who called in 1975 and Emma Boffey, who called last year, will speak at the reception.

Guests from across the justice sector will attend, along with members of Margaret Kidd’s family.  Faculty members, solicitors, law students, academics and any others working in the legal sector are also welcome.  

Funds raised through ticket sales for the event will go to the LawScot Foundation, which supports academically talented students from less-advantaged backgrounds in Scotland through their legal education journey, and to Womankind Worldwide which supports women’s rights organisations.

The event attracts 0.5 hours CPD Practice Development.

Event details:

Date: Thursday 22 June 2023

Time: Drinks and canapes will be served from 5.30pm

Venue: Parliament Hall, Parliament House, Edinburgh

Tickets: Tickets at £20 per person can be booked here