Obituary: Colin Macleod, solicitor

Published on 18/09/2012 01:58

Born: 9 August, 1955. Died: 12 September, 2012, aged 57

Colin Macleod, our partner and colleague, died last week in tragic circumstances, aged 57.

Colin was simply one of the best lawyers I have ever met. He had the rare quality of combining a huge understanding of legal principles and common sense. He was a man not only with a great intellect but also a common touch. He is an enormous loss not just to Dundas & Wilson but to the legal profession as a whole.

Colin was educated at Inverness Academy and Edinburgh University, and after serving his apprenticeship here, he became a partner in our court department in January 1983.

There are few people in life who rightfully acquire a reputation as a “go to” person; Colin was such a person.

He was truly a “lawyers’ lawyer” – the person who other lawyers went to for guidance and help.

His excellent reputation as a leading lawyer, a “star individual” and “outstanding” according to Chambers UK 2012, was very well deserved.

Over the years, Colin served on various boards of Dundas & Wilson, most recently retiring as a non-executive board member earlier this year.

He performed his board duties as he did his professional practice – always displaying a keen sense of fairness and extending courtesy to others’ views.

He was understated, intelligent and the soul of discretion and kindness.

We will all miss his wise counsel and common sense approach.

LAURENCE WARD