Success for Aberdeen University at this year’s Granite City Moot

The annual Granite City Moot has been sponsored by Brodies LLP for the past four years, and involves a pair of students from Aberdeen and Robert Gordon universities going head-to-head representing opposing sides in a hypothetical case in which points of law are in dispute.

It gives law students a unique opportunity to hone their practical advocacy skills in a real court, in front of a sheriff.

Held before Sheriff Stirling at Aberdeen Sheriff Court, this year’s “case” involved an appeal to the Inner House by Widget Co Ltd relating to a claim in damages for the loss of production against an industrial cutting equipment supplier, Smart Cuts Ltd.

Speaking after the moot, Sheriff Stirling said: “It was a very close competition this year, and it is clear to see that both sides have put in a great deal of preparation.

“The standard of presentation from each student was high but on balance, I decided that the Respondent students from Aberdeen University put forward a stronger argument.”

Ken Mackinnon, head of the Law School at Robert Gordon Universitysaid: “I’d like to thank the Sheriff for taking part in this year’s moot, and providing invaluable advice to the students that I am sure will serve them well in their future careers.

“Our congratulations go to Aberdeen University for taking home the shield again this year, and our thanks go to Brodies for their continued sponsorship of the event.”

Malcolm Mackay, partner and solicitor advocate at Brodies LLP said: ““Each student demonstrated an impressive level of advocacy skill and it was evident that a huge amount of work had gone into each legal argument put forth.

“Competitions like these are crucial in allowing students the opportunity to get a taste of what being a litigator is all about, and we thank the Sheriff and the Scottish Court Service for giving up their time to support this important event.”