Tributes paid to prominent Edinburgh lawyer who died aged 45

Tributes have been paid to respected Edinburgh lawyer Kathleen Ferrier who died aged 45.
Kathleen Ferrier. Picture: ContributedKathleen Ferrier. Picture: Contributed
Kathleen Ferrier. Picture: Contributed

Kathleen Ferrier passed away very suddenly at her home in the Capital last month.

Described as “masterful in front of a jury” the solicitor represented both footballers Derek Riordan and Leigh Griffiths during several criminal cases at Edinburgh Sheriff Court over the past decade.

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The court was brought to a stand still last Friday morning as sheriffs, solicitors and staff gathered to pay their respects as a live stream of her funeral service was played on screens.

Known as Kath, she attended George Heriot’s School and graduated in Law with Honours from Edinburgh University in 1997.

She married Magnus Ferrier in 2007 and used her maiden name of More during her professional career.

Kath was also a popular lecturer at Edinburgh University where she enjoyed teaching the next generation of lawyers in criminal court practice.

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Online tributes flooded in from family, friends and clients following the news of her death on February 16.

Nikki Stobie posted: “So sorry Magnus - been thinking about you lots. Kath was such a great person and so much fun to be with.”

Lesley More Robertson said: “There are no words to describe how we all feel. My family send all their love to you Magnus at this incredibly sad time.”

And Lisa Clarkson added: “Kathleen was such a good friend to me over the years as my lawyer since I was 16. I can’t imagine not seeing her again. Deepest condolences.”

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The solicitor was also considered “a club legend” at Watsonian Hockey Club where she played and captained for many years.

A club statement said: “Everyone at Watsonian Hockey Club was devastated to hear the tragic news that Kath Ferrier (nee More) had passed away suddenly.

“It’s no exaggeration to describe Kath as a club legend.

“Although she hadn’t played for a few years, Kath starred for all the ladies teams at various stages of her hockey career and was also an integral part of club socials, tours, and summer hockey where she could invariably be found orchestrating the mischief and match-making.

“Our collective loss however is incomparable to that of those closest to her, and our hearts go out to them, especially Magnus, at this time.”

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The experienced lawyer represented Celtic and Scotland striker Leigh Griffiths when he was fined £100 after admitting a breach of the peace charge at a Tesco store in 2013.

The football player was back in the dock the following year where the lawyer argued the Crown had failed to bring the case to court in time and Griffiths walked free after the complaint against him was deserted.

Kath also defended former Hibs and Celtic forward Derek Riordan during several court appearances in the Capital over the past decade.

She represented the Scotland cap when he was fined £800 for shouting homophobic abuse at bar staff in 2012, and defended him when he was fined for separate pub assaults in the years 2014 and 2015.

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