James Mackay, Baron Mackay of Clashfern facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lord Mackay of Clashfern
|
|
|---|---|
Official portrait, 2018
|
|
| Lord Clerk Register | |
| In office 27 April 2007 – November 2022 |
|
| 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 |
|
| 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 |
|
| Prime Minister | Margaret Thatcher John Major |
| 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 |
|
| Preceded by | The Lord Fraser of Tullybelton |
| Succeeded by | The Lord Jauncey of Tullichettle |
| Lord Advocate | |
| In office 5 May 1979 – 16 May 1984 |
|
| Prime Minister | Margaret Thatcher |
| Preceded by | Ronald King Murray |
| Succeeded by | The Lord Cameron of Lochbroom |
| Member of the House of Lords Lord Temporal |
|
| In office 11 July 1979 – 22 July 2022 Life peerage |
|
| 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 and judge. He held several top legal jobs in the UK government. These included being the Lord Advocate (Scotland's chief law officer) and the Lord Chancellor (a senior judge and government minister for the whole UK). He was also a member of the House of Lords, which is part of the UK Parliament. He retired from the House of Lords in 2022.
Early Life and School
James Mackay was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, on 2 July 1927. He was a very bright student and won a special scholarship to attend George Heriot's School. After school, he went to the University of Edinburgh. There, he studied mathematics and physics, getting his degree in 1948.
He then taught maths for two years at the University of St Andrews. Later, he received another scholarship to study at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he continued his maths studies. After that, he returned to the University of Edinburgh to study law, finishing with high marks in 1955.
A Career in Law
After finishing his law studies, James Mackay became a member of the Faculty of Advocates in 1955. This is a group of specialist lawyers in Scotland. In 1965, he became a Queen's Counsel, which means he was recognised as a very senior and experienced lawyer.
From 1976 to 1979, he was the Dean of the Faculty of Advocates. This made him the leader of all the lawyers in Scotland.
In 1979, he was given the important job of Lord Advocate. This is the main law officer for Scotland. At this time, he was also made a "life peer." This meant he became Baron Mackay of Clashfern and could sit in the House of Lords for the rest of his life. He chose the name "Clashfern" from his father's birthplace in Scotland.
Lord Mackay later became the Lord Chancellor in 1987. This is one of the oldest and most important legal roles in the UK. He held this position for ten years, until 1997. As Lord Chancellor, he was a senior judge and also a government minister.
He is also the editor-in-chief of Halsbury's Laws of England. This is a huge collection of books that explains the laws of England. This job is usually given to someone who has been a Lord Chancellor.
Family and Beliefs
James Mackay's father was a railway signalman. In 1958, James Mackay married Elizabeth Gunn Hymers. They have three children: a son named James and two daughters, Elizabeth and Shona.
Lord Mackay was raised in the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland. He was an elder in the church, which is a leadership role. This church had strict rules, including not attending Catholic religious services. However, Lord Mackay attended two Catholic funeral services for fellow judges. He said he went to show respect to his dead friends.
Because of this, the church suspended him from his elder role and from being a member. When the church asked him to promise not to attend any more Catholic services, he refused. He later left the church. This event caused a split in the church, leading to a new group called the Associated Presbyterian Churches.
Lord Mackay is known for his belief in moderation and simple living. 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 also believes in strict Sabbatarianism, which means he avoids working or travelling on Sundays.
Awards and Titles
| Styles of The Lord Mackay of Clashfern |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Reference style | His Lordship |
| Spoken style | Your Lordship |
| Alternative style | Sir |
In 1997, Queen Elizabeth II made Lord Mackay a Knight of the Thistle. This is a very high honour in Scotland.
In 2007, the Queen appointed him to another important role called Lord Clerk Register. He held this job until November 2022. He has also received many honorary degrees from different universities, recognising his achievements. He became a member of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 1984.
 |
|
