John Bett

This was a visit which underlined the city’s stature across Scotland and the United Kingdom – not only in a legal sense but in its wider social, cultural and economic influence. As Councillor Jacqueline McLaren pointed out, this was about connection.

The sitting of the Supreme Court in the City Chambers was only the second of its kind outside of the UK’s capital cities, the other being Manchester.

Interest in the legal proceedings was, as you would expect, considerable.

Yet, for me, this visit represented more than just the cases considered by the judges.

The fact that Glasgow was chosen as only the second city outside of the capitals in which the court has sat is a reflection not only of its size, but its commercial importance, highlighting that this is the Supreme Court for the entire UK.

That economic importance was a point upon which Lord Reed of Allermuir, president of the Supreme Court, reflected during at least one event of the week.

Glasgow is a city which never stands still. Entrepreneurship, innovation and investment are helping to shape a stronger future for it. The city region’s economy is worth tens of billions of pounds a year – accounting for about a third of the national economic output. 

Of course, the place is renowned the world over for its character and warm welcome, as visitors to this month’s Commonwealth Games will see for themselves. The city hosting yet another major event highlights the confidence and appetite to invest that those of us working here witness on a daily basis.

Indeed, that confidence is evident within Lindsays, the independent legal firm in which I am a partner. We are not only advising businesses investing in the city – and its future – but are doing so ourselves.

We recently announced a merger with Dallas McMillan which will see the size of our Glasgow-based team increase from 80 to 123. Combined with our other hubs in Edinburgh, Dundee, Perth and Crieff, our headcount will reach 417. Beyond that, we added a rural - land and business team to our Queen Street office this spring, along with senior hires in our private client and commercial property departments.

The importance of Glasgow to the wider national picture was evident as Supreme Court Justice Lord Doherty shared insights about the UK’s highest court of appeal at The Royal Faculty of Procurators in Glasgow.

Within the faculty’s striking city centre home, he delivered its biennial Lord Rodger Memorial Lecture.

The guest list of more than 100 was quite incredible. Looking out over the room and seeing five law lords – including Lord Pentland alongside the solicitor general, a number of sheriffs and KCs created a considerable sense of occasion.

It was a powerful demonstration of Glasgow’s place – its status as a city of national significance. As someone who has lived and worked here all my life, I am confident that this is a position which can only strengthen.

John Bett is a partner at Lindsays and dean of the Royal Faculty of Procurators in Glasgow