Mr Bett, a partner and head of dispute resolution and litigation at Lindsays, steps up to the role from vice-dean, a position he has held for the past two years.

He succeeds Stephen Vallance, of Harper Macleod, who has been made an honorary member in recognition of his significant contribution to the work of the Faculty. He will remain on its governing council as immediate past dean.

The new dean’s appointment was confirmed at the body’s Annual General Meeting, held in its historic Faculty Hall home at Nelson Mandela Place in Glasgow city centre last night.

Craig Donnelly, a consumer and business litigation lawyer who is a director at Holmes Mackillop, was chosen as successor to Mr Bett as vice-dean.

The Royal Faculty was incorporated prior to 1668 and represents the interests of the legal profession across Glasgow and West Central Scotland, as well as being home to an extensive law library, running highly regarded professional development programmes and supporting charitable causes and bursaries.

Mr Bett, a member of its council since 2020, said: “I am incredibly proud to be part of the Royal Faculty and the work that it does, so to become Dean is a huge honour. I am very much looking forward to being in the role.

“This is an organisation which is a notable constant in the history of professional and civic life in Glasgow, playing a vital role in representing the interests of our legal community over hundreds of years.

“While it is steeped in history, as the law evolves so too does the Faculty. It is ever-changing. Our role in ensuring our members have access to insight and analysis of the latest legislative changes, rulings or technological advancement are as important and relevant now as it was in the 1600s.”

Mr Bett, who is Glasgow born and raised, has worked in the city for the entirety of his 20-year career so far, joining Lindsays in 2014. He works from the firm’s Queen Street offices.

The Royal Faculty’s dean serves in office for two years.

Speaking about his term, Mr Vallance said: “It has been a true honour to have held the office of dean of the RFPG over the last two years. In a fast-changing and competitive world, I am proud to have been involved with such an historic organisation with collegiality at its heart, membership benefits as its focus and with an eye always to the future.”

Last night’s AGM also saw special recognition for Aisha Anwar, Sheriff Principal of Glasgow and Strathkelvin and President of the Sheriff Appeal Court.

She was granted honorary membership of the Royal Faculty in recognition of her distinguished and continued contribution to the legal profession in Glasgow, West Central Scotland and throughout the country.

Mr Bett said: “Sheriff Principal Anwar is a significant figure in Scotland’s legal community and a great supporter of the work our organisation does, not least by encouraging the new generation of solicitors through the Sheriff Principal’s Mooting Competition, as well as supporting our seminar programme. It’s a privilege for the Royal Faculty to recognise that with this well-deserved honorary membership.”

Eight new Royal Faculty council members were also appointed last night. They are: E-Ming Fong (Harper Macleod), Shirley Rhynd (Glasgow City Council), Stephanie Christie-Carmichael (Curle Stewart), Eileen Sherry (Beale & Co), Ahsan Mustafa (Aberdein Considine), Hilary Steer (WJM), Andrew MacQueen (DWF and Robert Gordon University) and Craig Armstrong (Arnold Clark).