Best bar none – a legal high for writer Alexander McCall Smith

Published on Friday 26 March 2010 22:02

AUTHOR Alexander McCall Smith yesterday joined the legal profession.

He was called to the Bar during a ceremony as a non-practising member of the Faculty of Advocates.

The Emeritus Professor of Medical Law at Edinburgh University, whose best-selling books include the No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency and 44 Scotland Street stories, said that he was "honoured" by the appointment.

Speaking at the ceremony in Parliament House in Edinburgh, he said: "I am delighted to be joining, on a non-practising basis, so distinguished a body as the Faculty of Advocates.

"Scotland is immensely fortunate to have such a fine organisation as this and I am very honoured to be joining its ranks."

Richard Keen QC, Dean of the Faculty of Advocates, said: "I am sure all members will join with me in welcoming such a distinguished addition to Faculty membership as Professor McCall Smith.

"His work as a prolific and popular author is, of course, well known; perhaps less so his achievements as an academic lawyer who has made a significant contribution to the disciplines of medical law and criminal law over many years."