Obituary: Denys Andrews

Born: June 3, 1931;

Died: July 1, 2019.

Denys Andrews, who has died aged 88, was a leading solicitor in Shepherd & Wedderburn, one of Scotland’s most distinguished law firms. He also served the profession in various capacities – notably as past president of the Law Society of Scotland and a member of the Lands Tribunal for Scotland. Andrews was in the forefront of many large commercial property transactions in Scotland: notably the development of the St Enoch Centre in Glasgow and he headed the team at Shepherd & Wedderburn that represented the South of Scotland Electricity Board. Andrews and his colleagues were to play an influential role in the complex negotiations regarding the privatisation of the entire electricity industry in Scotland. The new structure of the industry in Scotland heralded the arrival of ScottishPower.

William Denys Cathcart Andrews was the fourth son of a Girvan solicitor Eugene Andrews and his wife Agnes Armstrong. He was born in Knockusion House, Girvan attended Girvan Academy, Worksop College in Nottinghamshire and read law at Edinburgh University graduating in 1950. After national service Andrews joined Shepherd & Wedderburn where both his father and grandfather had served their apprenticeships.

He concentrated on, and was recognised as, an authority on conveyancing and had a detailed and extensive knowledge of the property laws of Scotland. Andrews became a partner of the firm in 1962 and made a Writer to the Signet in 1964. He was instrumental in expanding the property department and during his time the firm expanded with offices in Glasgow, London, Aberdeen and, recently, Singapore. Andrews was particularly involved in attracting young lawyers to the firm and enthusiastically passed on his experience and legal judgement.

Tom Drysdale, who was a colleague and partner in Shepherd & Wedderburn for 30 years held Andrews in the highest regard. “Denys had a deep understanding of the law and had an immense capacity for work. He was good company with a wicked and rather dry sense of humour. In the years before he assumed a senior role in the Law Society he was closely involved in the management of the firm and pointed the way towards its success in later years”.

Andrews was elected to the council of the Law Society of Scotland in 1972 where his broad knowledge of the Scottish judicial system proved invaluable. He acted as their vice-president in 1977 and the following year became its president. Kenneth Pritchard, Secretary of the society has commented, “Denys was anxious to get things done. As convenor of the conveyancing committee he was also responsible for pioneering the introduction of new and tougher accounts rules for solicitors.

“Denys was rarely flustered at council meetings but if he became irritated, he would pick up his pipe and slowly light it. That was the signal to fall into line”.

After his time as President of the Law Society Andrews worked on behalf of the Law Society with the Registers of Scotland, to introduce a new system of registration of title which radically altered conveyancing in Scotland. It was the biggest change in conveyancing practice since the 19th century and made new demands throughout the legal profession. Andrews’ valued contributions were praised for their lucidity and clarity.

The Keeper, David Williamson wrote, “All members of the committee wish to pay special tribute to Mr Andrews for on him has fallen a great deal of the labour of re-arranging, adjusting, rewriting and questioning, to all of which he has brought his admirable qualities of mind and application.”

He retired from Shepherd & Wedderburn in 1991 and had been awarded the CBE in 1980 for his services to the law in Scotland. Andrews, although spending his professional career in Edinburgh preserved his devotion to the west coast, particularly Ayrshire. For many years he had a house at Lendalfoot close to his birthplace. After retiring he and his wife moved to Auchairne, Ballantrae, where they enthusiastically restored the walled garden.

Nick Ryden, the current senior partner of Shepherd and Wedderburn remembers Andrews with a special affection. He told The Herald, “Denys was my mentor and made me a partner. I was privileged to have benefited from his legal knowledge and wise advice. His approach to the law was thorough but blessed with an element of fun. Denys was a fine lawyer and a great guy.”

He is survived by May O’Beirne youngest daughter of Thomas O’Beirne, Burgh Surveyor of Ayr. They married in 1955. Significantly in the death notice he was described as, “Husband and life-long friend of May”. They had known each other all of their lives sharing a love for Lendalfoot, the sea, sailing and canoeing all of which became a corner stone of family life.

Their four children, Caroline, Patrick, Martin and Alison also survive him as do thirteen grandchildren.

Alasdair Steven