It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the 2008 Scottish Legal Awards. Bank of Scotland Corporate has been involved in this event since its inception six years ago, and we are delighted to continue this association. These awards emphasise the breadth of talent in the Scottish legal community and have evolved into one of the highlights of the legal calendar. That’s why, at Bank of Scotland Corporate, we’re looking forward to this year’s intense competition between innovative firms to find the 2008 winners.

Bank of Scotland Corporate believes, no matter what profession you operate in, there is always scope for invention and achievement. The legal profession, like that of banking, has consistently demonstrated a willingness to adapt and challenge convention by looking at things differently. The Scottish Legal Awards reward innovation and success. That’s exactly why we continue to back these awards – we also recognise fresh thought and creativity.

We have built our reputation as the Bank for business by working with companies brimming with vision and ambition - companies unafraid to think outside the box and challenge preconceptions. Companies who maintain an entrepreneurial spirit. Companies like ourselves. Our unprecedented support has not only served to enable us to appear as the number one Bank for Business, it has also provided us with a few awards of our own to prove it.

Best wishes to all entrants to this year’s Scottish Legal Awards.

Donald Kerr
Head of Corporate Banking
East of Scotland