James Mackay, Baron Mackay of Clashfern facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lord Mackay of Clashfern
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Official portrait, 2018
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| Lord Clerk Register | |
| In office 27 April 2007 – November 2022 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II Charles III |
| Preceded by | The Earl of Wemyss |
| Succeeded by | Lady Elish Angiolini |
| Shadow Lord Chancellor | |
| In office 2 May 1997 – 11 June 1997 |
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| Leader | John Major |
| Preceded by | The Lord Irvine of Lairg |
| Succeeded by | The Lord Kingsland |
| Lord Chancellor | |
| In office 28 October 1987 – 2 May 1997 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Prime Minister | |
| Preceded by | The Lord Havers |
| Succeeded by | The Lord Irvine of Lairg |
| Lord of Appeal in Ordinary | |
| In office 1 October 1985 – 28 October 1987 |
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| Preceded by | The Lord Fraser of Tullybelton |
| Succeeded by | The Lord Jauncey of Tullichettle |
| Lord Advocate | |
| In office 5 May 1979 – 16 May 1984 |
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| Prime Minister | Margaret Thatcher |
| Preceded by | Ronald King Murray |
| Succeeded by | The Lord Cameron of Lochbroom |
| Member of the House of Lords Lord Temporal |
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| In office 11 July 1979 – 22 July 2022 Life peerage |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 2 July 1927 Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Political party | Conservative |
| Spouse | Elizabeth Hymers (m. 1958) |
| Alma mater | University of Edinburgh Trinity College, Cambridge |
James Peter Hymers Mackay, Baron Mackay of Clashfern (born 2 July 1927) is a very important British lawyer. He held several top legal jobs in the UK. These included being the Lord Advocate for Scotland and the Lord Chancellor for the whole UK. He was a member of the House of Lords, which is part of the UK Parliament. He retired from the House of Lords on 22 July 2022.
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Early Life and Education
James Mackay was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, on 2 July 1927. He was a very bright student. He won a special scholarship to attend George Heriot's School. After that, he went to the University of Edinburgh. There, he studied mathematics and physics, earning a degree in 1948.
He then taught mathematics for two years at the University of St Andrews. Later, he received another scholarship to study at Trinity College, Cambridge. He earned another degree in mathematics from Cambridge in 1952. Finally, he returned to the University of Edinburgh to study law. He completed his law degree with high marks in 1955.
A Career in Law and Government
James Mackay started his legal career in 1955. He became a member of the Faculty of Advocates, which is a group of top lawyers in Scotland. By 1965, he was appointed a Queen's Counsel. This is a special title for experienced lawyers.
From 1972 to 1974, he served as the Sheriff Principal for Renfrew and Argyll. This role meant he was a senior judge in those areas. He also led the Faculty of Advocates as its Dean from 1976 to 1979.
Becoming Lord Advocate and Lord Chancellor
In 1979, James Mackay became the Lord Advocate. This is the main legal officer for the Scottish Government. At this time, he was also given a special title for life: Baron Mackay of Clashfern. This title meant he could sit in the House of Lords. The name "Clashfern" comes from his father's birthplace in Scotland.
He later became the Lord Chancellor in 1987. This is one of the oldest and most important legal roles in the UK. He served as Lord Chancellor for ten years, until 1997. After retiring from this role, he continued to be an active member of the House of Lords.
He also worked as the editor-in-chief for Halsbury's Laws of England. This is a huge collection of books that explains the laws of England. This job is usually held by someone who has been a Lord Chancellor. He also helped lead The Trinity Forum, a Christian group that works to develop leaders.
Family and Beliefs
James Mackay's father was a railway signalman. His mother's name was Janet Hymers. In 1958, James Mackay married Elizabeth Gunn Hymers. They had three children: a son named James, and two daughters named Elizabeth and Shona.
Lord Mackay was raised in the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland. He was an elder in the church. This church had strict rules, including not attending Catholic religious services. However, Lord Mackay attended two Catholic funeral services for his friends who were judges.
Because he attended these services, the church suspended him from being an elder and from being a member. He explained that he went to pay his respects to his friends. He refused to promise not to attend such services again. Because of this, he left the church. This disagreement even led to a new church group being formed.
Lord Mackay is known for his strong beliefs and moderation. He is also the Honorary President of the Scottish Bible Society. He supported their work to send a Bible to every court in Scotland. He believes the Bible is a very important book for Scotland's legal system. He is also a strict sabbatarian. This means he avoids working or traveling on Sundays.
Honours and Awards
| Styles of The Lord Mackay of Clashfern |
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| Reference style | His Lordship |
| Spoken style | Your Lordship |
| Alternative style | Sir |
Lord Mackay has received many honours for his work. On 27 November 1997, Queen Elizabeth II made him a Knight of the Thistle. This is a very high honour in Scotland.
In 2007, the Queen appointed him to another important role: Lord Clerk Register. He held this position until November 2022. He was also made a fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 1984. In 1989, he became an honorary fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge, where he once studied.
He has also received honorary degrees from several universities. These include Heriot-Watt University (1990), the University of Bath (1994), and Northumbria University (2017).
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