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Lindy Patterson
returns to encourage pupils at Eyemouth High School
Eyemouth High School in the Scottish Borders
recently welcomed back a highly successful former
pupil when Lindy Patterson returned for a Question &
Answer session with pupils.
Lindy is a top lawyer and a legal expert in
construction and engineering, and can sometimes be
found on building sites wearing a hard hat and
dispensing advice. She is also a Partner in one of
Scotland’s leading law firms, Dundas & Wilson.
Her return to her old school was one of a series of
similar visits organised by the Scottish Schools
Law Project which is backed by the Law Society
of Scotland and has received support from a number
of Borders law firms including Bannerman Burke,
Olivers, Blackwood & Smith, Taits, Cullen Kilshaw
and George & James Oliver, WS.
Lindy feels that the opportunities for young people
going into the law are unlimited with so many
specialist areas such as media, equal opportunities
and human rights to name just three. Young people,
she believes, should be encouraged to understand and
respect the law and its many aspects, and was
therefore delighted to answer the questions of
youngsters from Eyemouth High.
During the session Lindy dealt with a wide range of
topics including her own experiences as a pupil and
the advice she would offer today’s pupils. She also
discussed her work as a lawyer and answered more
general questions on working in the construction
industry which is still seen as a “man’s world”, and
appearing in court. Her friendly, informal advice
was very valuable to the pupils at an important
stage in their life.
Lindy commented, “This is a thoughtful and
successful way of raising the confidence of young
people. It also encourages them to see what
opportunities they might have if they work hard at
school and aim high.”
On behalf of Eyemouth High, the school librarian
Anne Renstead said, “We are extremely grateful to
Lindy for interrupting her busy schedule to come
back and spend time with our youngsters. She is a
great example to pupils of how talented,
hard-working individuals can achieve great success
in their chosen career.”
Lindy Patterson’s return to Eyemouth High was the
latest in a series of similar visits to schools
across Scotland. Participants have included young
recently-qualified individuals through to some of
the most senior solicitors in the country.
The programme is just one element of the Schools Law
Project which the Law Society of Scotland has backed
over the past few years. The scheme is not a
government initiative. Instead, its success is due
entirely to the support of the Law Society as well
as hundreds of individual law firms throughout the
country who have nominated local schools for the
project.
Many law firms are now involved. They partner
schools of their choice by sponsoring classroom
materials and pupil prizes.
The Schools Law Project is run by former
teacher, Patrick Gaffney. In 2004, the Law Society
of Scotland presented Patrick with what he proudly
refers to as his ‘Lawscar’ for the great success of
the project.
Patrick says, “From the outset, the success of the
Schools Law Project has been due to the
remarkable support of the Law Society as well
as more than 200 law firms throughout the country.
I have been extremely impressed by the response of
the legal community.”
Any firm which would like further information on the
Schools Law Project or may wish to nominate a
school can contact Patrick Gaffney at:
Patrick Gaffney
Director
The Schools Project
61 Old Abbey Road
North Berwick
EH39 4BP
T: 05601 924975
E: patrick@schoolsproject.co.uk
W:
www.schoolsproject.co.uk
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