Biography

With a firm foundation in public service, Matthew brings notable professional experience in criminal and public law to the Bar.

Matthew served as a police officer for a decade. He also held roles in the Scottish and UK parliaments, and in university governance. Alongside his legal career, he continues to serve as an officer in the Royal Navy Reserve. He qualified as a solicitor at the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in August 2024.

As a Depute, he prosecuted a broad range of criminal cases through numerous Sheriff Court trials, and prepared high-profile appeal cases on behalf of the Crown.

As a Devil, he appeared before senior judges on three occasions through a pro-bono appeals scheme.

Graduating with distinction, Matthew was the winner of the Hastie Stable prize for advocacy; winner of his university’s negotiation prize; and represented Scotland as an international semi-finalist in the Client Consultation Competition.