Helen Ross

Ms Charteris revealed a plaque in honour of the late Helen Ross – the first female professional prosecutor in Scotland.

At a ceremony in the Crown Office’s Aberdeen office, Ms Charteris said the achievements of Mrs Ross paved the way for generations of women in law. 

She told an audience, which included three of Mrs Ross’ children: “It is fitting that we meet here to honour Helen’s legacy in Women’s History Month, having just marked the 115th International Women’s Day. 

“Times have changed enormously since Helen became the first woman to be hired as a procurator fiscal depute back in 1967. Today the leadership of COPFS is predominantly made up of women, who occupy over 70 per cent of senior legal roles.

“The fact that so many of us female solicitors are here today is testimony to that.

“But it is also testimony to the tenacity and talent of Helen Ross, who refused to be dismissed, who smashed through the glass ceiling, who juggled motherhood with her career and inspired with her compassion and encouragement. 

“We are all grateful that she led the way.”

In 1967, Mrs Ross became the first woman to be hired as a procurator fiscal depute within the Crown Office. The mother-of-five, who was born in Buckie in 1928, graduated from Aberdeen University where she had been the only woman on her law course.

And despite experiencing discrimination as she attempted to begin a legal career, Mrs Ross rose through the ranks of COPFS – becoming assistant procurator fiscal in Aberdeen in 1979.

Again, she was the first woman to achieve such a senior position.

She spent 27 years within the prosecution service and inspired generations of colleagues along the way with her formidable intelligence, quick wit and warmth.

Mrs Ross died in September last year at the age of 97. A room in Aberdeen fiscal’s office has now been dedicated to her legacy.

Alison McKenzie, procurator fiscal for Grampian, Highland and Islands, said: “I wasn’t fortunate enough to work with Helen Ross but her reputation has been carried forward as a woman who really made a difference, both within COPFS and in the wider legal world.

“The room we have dedicated in her name will serve as a permanent reminder of the challenges she faced and the achievements she made. None of us will take for granted the roles open to us as a result of Helen’s determination.” 

Mrs Ross’s daughter Elizabeth, herself a senior prosecutor for COPFS, said she was moved to see her mother recognised.

She added: “I think mum would be honoured and a bit overwhelmed by all the attention but myself and my sisters and brother feel extremely proud.

“These days, it’s hard to imagine the barriers she faced but her determination paved the way for so many women. She was passionate about the law and dedicated to her role in upholding it during her long service.

“She was also a wonderful mother and we miss her greatly.”