Harald Leslie, Lord Birsay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lord Birsay
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| Chairman of the Scottish Land Court | |
| In office 1965–1978 |
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| Preceded by | Lord Gibson |
| Succeeded by | Lord Elliott |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Harald Robert Leslie
8 May 1905 |
| Died | 27 September 1982 (aged 77) |
| Spouse | Robina Margaret Marwick |
| Residences | Edinburgh and Birsay, Orkney |
| Alma mater | University of Glasgow |
| Profession | Advocate |
Harald Robert Leslie, Lord Birsay (born May 8, 1905 – died November 27, 1982) was an important Scottish lawyer and judge. He was best known for being the Chairman of the Scottish Land Court. This court helps to solve disagreements about land in Scotland. When he became a judge, he took the special title "Lord Birsay".
Contents
Early Life and Education
Harald Robert Leslie was born on May 8, 1905. His father, Robert Leslie, was a Master Mariner, which means he was a skilled ship's captain. Harald went to several schools, including Earlston School, Berwickshire High School, and the High School of Glasgow.
He then went to the University of Glasgow. First, he studied Arts and earned a Master of Arts (MA) degree in 1927. After that, he studied law at the University's School of Law, getting his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree in 1930.
Joining the Legal World
After finishing his studies, Harald Leslie became a solicitor in 1930. A solicitor is a type of lawyer who advises clients and prepares legal documents. In 1937, he became an Advocate. Advocates are lawyers who can speak in higher courts in Scotland.
Military Service During World War II
Harald Leslie was part of the Officers' Training Corps when he was at school and university. This program trains young people for military leadership. During the Second World War, he served in the Royal Scots, which is a famous Scottish army regiment. He was recognized for his service and bravery during the war.
Legal Career and Achievements
After World War II, Harald Leslie continued his legal career. He was appointed as a lawyer for the Department of Agriculture. This department deals with farming and food in the United Kingdom. In 1947, he became an Advocate Depute, which means he worked for the Crown (the government) in legal cases.
Becoming a Queen's Counsel
In 1949, Harald Leslie was made a Queen's Counsel. This is a special title given to experienced lawyers who are considered experts in their field. It shows they have a very high level of skill and knowledge in law.
He briefly returned to working for private clients in 1951. He also tried to become a Member of Parliament for Orkney and Shetland in the 1950 election, but he was not successful.
Serving as a Sheriff
In 1956, he was appointed as a Sheriff. A Sheriff is a judge in Scotland who deals with many types of legal cases in a local area. He later became the Sheriff for a larger area, including Caithness, Sutherland, Orkney, and Zetland, in 1961.
Chairman of the Scottish Land Court
In 1963, he was awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his public service. Then, in April 1965, he was given a very important role: Chairman of the Scottish Land Court. This court is very important for resolving disputes about land in Scotland. When he took on this role, he also took his judicial title, Lord Birsay.
In 1973, Lord Birsay received an even higher honor. He was made a Knight of the Thistle. This is Scotland's highest award for chivalry, given to people who have made a great contribution to Scotland. He retired from his role as Chairman in 1978.
Personal Life
Harald Leslie married Robina Margaret Marwick in 1945. She was a doctor. They had a son and a daughter together.
Lord Birsay had homes in both Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, and Birsay in Orkney. He was a member of two social clubs: the Caledonian Club and the Scottish Arts Club in Edinburgh. From 1965 to 1966, he also served as the Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. This is a special role where he represented the King or Queen at the annual meeting of the Church of Scotland.
Lord Birsay passed away on November 27, 1982, when he was 77 years old.
