THE man dubbed the “father of Scottish democracy” has been restored to the roll of the Faculty of Advocates after 200 years.
Thomas Muir of Huntershill was a political reformer in late 18th-century Scotland who, during an age of revolution, promoted democratic ideas including support for universal suffrage, which were seen as subversive.
Muir practised as an advocate from 1787 until being struck off in 1793 following his indictment on the charge of sedition. While he was facing trial, and was a fugitive from justice, the Faculty expelled him.
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Muir was brought to trial, convicted, and sentenced to transportation before escaping to America and revolutionary France where he died in 1799 at the age of 33.
His restoration to the advocates roll comes after a successful plea by Ross Macfarlane QC. He said: “Muir was passionate, eloquent and charismatic, albeit perceived as anti-establishment.
“On the matter of his re-instatement to Faculty, I leave the last word to him, ‘I have dedicated myself to the cause of the people. It is a good cause. It shall ultimately prevail. It shall finally triumph’.”
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