Tumbling Lassie Seminar 2017 generates “enthusiasm to make a difference” in combatting human trafficking
The second Tumbling Lassie Seminar entitled “Trafficking in the UK: demands and dilemmas for justice” took place in the Faculty of Advocates’ Mackenzie Building on Saturday 28 January 2017. Chaired and organised by Arnot Manderson’s Eric Robertson, the seminar brought together “a great range of speakers” including the Solicitor General for Scotland, Alison di Rollo QC, acclaimed human rights barrister Parosha Chandran, Bronagh Andrew from the TARA counselling and support service and International Justice Mission (IJM) Regional Development Executive, Andy Bevan. The closing panel session also featured Pam Bowen CBE, Senior Policy Advisor and human trafficking lead at the Crown Prosecution Service in London. This prompted lively comment from a varied audience comprising legal professionals, NGO representatives and others who expressed “enthusiasm to make a difference” in this field.
The seminar formed part of the Tumbling Lassie Committee’s second special day in honour of the eponymous heroine of a late 17th century Court of Session case. The judges rejected a showman’s claim of ownership and control over “the tumbling lassie”, the report declaring that “we have no slaves in Scotland”. The Committee exists to raise funds and awareness in relation to the continuing blight of forced labour and exploitation in Scotland and elsewhere.
Please note that those who were not able to attend the excellent and popular 2017 Ball (also held on 28 January) may still now donate funds to support IJM and TARA by contacting this address
