STEP UP FOR CHARITY WALK AND EXPERIENCE A UNIQUE GLIMPSE OF GLASGOW’S LEGAL HISTORY

The monument where capital convicts were hanged and the site of Glasgow’s old jail are just some of the unusual highlights of the city’s annual Legal Walk.

The fascinating tour delves into the history of justice in the city going back hundreds of years.

The Glasgow Legal Walk is a popular date in the legal calendar and a great opportunity to raise money for The Access to Justice Foundation while catching up with friends or meeting someone new in the legal sector.

This year’s event on 30 September will once again begin at Glasgow Sheriff Court before finishing at the Royal Faculty building in Nelson Mandela Place.

Walkers can look forward to Sheriff Stuart Reid (Temporary Sheriff Principal of Glasgow and Strathkelvin) giving the pre-walk address from the steps of the Sheriff Court.

They will then set off under the guidance of Past Dean of the Royal Faculty Austin Lafferty, who will provide a guided tour of some the city’s historical landmarks during the 5km walk.

He said: “For many lawyers in Glasgow we go about our business in the city and it’s only if we look up that we get a real appreciation of Glasgow architecturally.

“You get a real sense for the place while doing the Legal Walk and how much history there is, not just legally but also socially.

“Glasgow is a big city, but the historic parts are confined to a relatively small area.

“The walk is not for athletes or people with climbing boots, it’s an old-fashioned walk and talk with friends and a chance to meet new people.

“The core aim is to raise money for charity and an opportunity for those taking part to re-centre themselves physically and mentally.”

The Glasgow Legal Walk – sponsored by The Law Society of Scotland and the RFPG – is a focal point for members of the legal community and supporters of access to justice to walk in aid of the legal advice charity sector in Scotland.

Around 40 people took part in last year’s Glasgow walk, and with growing interest in the event, an even stronger turnout is anticipated this year.

Among the many highlights is a monument at the entrance to Glasgow Green, near the former city mortuary, where capital convicts were hanged.

Nearby is a tunnel under the road along which the convicts were taken to reach the ‘gibbet’ – the gallows-like structure.

At Mercat Cross, Jesuit Martyr Saint John Ogilvie was tried and executed for treason for sticking to his Catholic faith before the tour moves on to the Tolbooth Steeple, which was originally part of the city’s old jail where witches, thieves and murderers were summarily tried and hanged if necessary.

The tour also features ‘Number 7 Blythswood Square’, which was the home of the Smith family, specifically Madeleine Smith who was acquitted of murder by poisoning her lover Pierre L’Angelier.

Austin added:

“For those living and working in the city, the Legal Walk it’s a space to walk and have a relaxing chat at the same time. The event is not just for lawyers, but sheriff clerks, Advocates, students, paralegals and anyone really who has a connection to the law. You can even bring along your pet dog if you like.

“The route takes around an hour, but it’s not a race and people can go as slow as quick as they like. Hopefully we will get some decent weather on the day but if not, we have a shorter route we can take.”

Those taking part should arrive at the front steps of Glasgow Sheriff Court for registration. Following a group photo, the walk will then set off at 5.30pm and end with a reception held in the hall of the RFPG building at Nelson Mandela Place.

Anyone unable to make the walk can still donate to the Access to Justice Foundation through the RFPG’s dedicated Glasgow Legal Walk 2026 JustGiving page here.

To register and for further details, please contact Emily Morton of The RFPG (emily@rfpg.org or 0141 332 3593).

Similar walks are taking place in Paisley, Aberdeen and Dundee to raise awareness of the essential work being done by the Access to Justice Foundation.