Announcements
Find out the latest from The Listening Service Edinburgh
Death of Lord Wallace,
Patron of The Listening Service Edinburgh
The Listening Service Edinburgh is very sad to advise of the passing of their Patron, Lord Wallace of Tankerness on 29th January 2026.
Lord (Jim) Wallace of Tankerness became Patron of The Listening Service Edinburgh in 2022, having learned about their valuable work, when, as Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, he visited Edinburgh Sheriff Court.
As our patron he was an unwavering supporter of the Service rarely missing a board meeting and always helping to steer the direction of the charity. He will be a great loss to the service going forward, but also a personal loss to the trustees and volunteers who knew him as a lovely man and an inspiring figure.
James Robertson Wallace, Baron Wallace of Tankerness, PC, KC, FRSE was a highly regarded advocate and politician. He was MP for Orkney & Shetland (1983-2001), and MSP for Orkney (1999-2007). As Scottish Liberal Democrat Leader, he was Deputy First Minister of Scotland 1999-2005.
He was Justice Minister and later Minister for Enterprise & Lifelong Learning. He served as acting First Minister three times before Created a Life Peer in 2007, Jim was Advocate General for Scotland from 2010 to 2015.
He led the Lib Dem Peers from 2013 to 2016 and continued to sit in the House of Lords until his death.
Our thoughts and condolences go to his wife, Lady Rosemary, and his family, for their great loss.
Donation from The Merchant Company Endowments Trust Community Grants Scheme
The Listening Service Edinburgh acknowledges the generous support of The Merchant Company Endowments Trust Community Grants Scheme. The application process was handled by Foundation Scotland on behalf of The Merchant Company which included a review of the constitution and procedures of the charity. This funding enables the important work of The Listening Service Edinburgh to continue.
Update on Activities
Conversations:
In January and February 2026 our 34 volunteers had significant conversations with 337 people. Conversations can be with a variety of court users – whether the accused, or the family and friends supporting them. Sometimes witnesses or jurors. Sometimes they just need help finding their way about, but other times they are helped by sharing their anxieties and concerns.
A recent message to our website helps to illustrate this:
Message to the Listening Service, Thank you so much for your help and support yesterday! Especially to your volunteer for staying with me to chat. It really helped me with the situation and was such a support for the remaining time at the court as well the memories I have of it. With kind regards.
Other Activities:
Almost all our volunteers gave up a Saturday morning in February for an update training session. The theme this time was Safeguarding – as it affects both court users and the volunteers themselves. One of our trustees, Professor Jill Stavert, gave a talk entitled “The importance of listening in accessing justice”.