Bloggers approval

The Catriona Shearer Appreciation Society has a small but determined band of 22 online fans.

Another Facebook fan group – "Catriona Shearer – you get Scotland up in the morning", which has 55 members, declares the news presenter the "best in the UK".

Of more concern to the lovely Catriona, however, will be another group set up in her honour that boasts 109 members.

The "What the hell is Catriona Shearer wearing today?" group purports to be a home for people "bemused by the style choices of the BBC Scotland morning news jockey".

As well as photographs of her outfits, some of the recent comments left by her adoring fans include: "Her good looks are being cancelled out and beaten to a pulp by the WORST TV wardrobe on the planet!!!" and "her winter fashion hasn't been too bad this last few weeks".

If it's any consolation to the host, her glittery awards dress attracted some very favourable comments from onlookers on Friday.

Pronged distraction

AS PROCEEDINGS began at the EICC, most of the attendees' attention was fixed firmly on the stage.

But not the eyes of Law Society president Ian Smart, however.

The under-fire office bearer's gaze was intently fixed to his mobile phone – a modern, shiny touchscreen effort being operated with the help of … a fork.

What a racket!

IN THE absence of an official whoopometer at this year's event, it is left to us to give a special mention to two tables in particular for their oral contribution.

First was the group from Harper Macleod, who, when mentioned, issued an audible screeching sound, that Catriona Shearer described as being "like a team of pigeons."

Meanwhile, the prize for loudest table of the day must go to Nicholas J Scullion & Co, who almost lifted the roof when their paralegal Mary Anne Swan was named the winner in her category.

Musical mischief

THE organisers evidently had a bit of fun when selecting the music to play as the winners made their way forward to collect their gong.

As Ed Watt – a specialist shipping lawyer – approached the stage, did anybody notice the unmistakeable tones of The Riverboat Song by Ocean Colour Scene?

Wolffe socks it to 'em

ALL of the guests looked very smart, but the prize for the most snazzy outfit must go to Andrew Wolffe of sponsors GP Wolffe.

The head of the brand and communication design consultancy presented his firm's prize in a rather fetching pair of bright orange socks.

Comic proves a hit

IT IS fair to say that the Scottish Legal Awards has never had a speaking guest quite like young Scottish comic Kevin Bridges.

After the serious note struck by Lord Paddy Ashdown at last year's awards, young Kevin injected some verve into proceedings.

As well as calling Lord Hope, "Big Dave" and another epithet we cannot repeat here, the comic claimed his Friday afternoon stint, standing up in front of a judge in a black suit, was "just like old times".

And he called on those charged with attempted murder to get double the sentence of those accused of murder, for trying to kill someone "but making an arse of it."