Centenary Celebrations, Functions and Events
Adele Brownlie
After attending Lathallan, Adele went on to study law at the University of Aberdeen, graduating with a First and completing her Diploma in Professional Legal Practice. She took up a training contract with UK law firm Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP which saw Adele working in Edinburgh, Glasgow and London over two years and qualifying as a solicitor in 2017, specialising in renewable energy projects.
It wasn’t long into Adele’s legal career that she realised that a path in the law wasn’t everything she hoped it would be as she wanted to be actioning, rather than advising on the exciting renewables projects. She started studying a Mathematics and Physics degree part-time (always in her mind that Mr Lyall would say, “I told you so!”) alongside working as a solicitor.
Within a couple of years, Adele left private practice to join an offshore wind farm project, initially as a lawyer, falling in love with the industry. She moved from the legal team into business development, responsible for securing new opportunities to build offshore wind farms. Adele now works for BP in London, helping them transition into renewable power generation, build their own wind farms and, in her words, “absolutely loves it.” She finished her Mathematics and Physics degree last year, graduating with a 2:1.
“I attended Lathallan from 2008-2010 which, while only a short time, were the defining years of my education. My year group at Lathallan were the “first” – first year to go through the Senior School, and so always the oldest, and the first to sit exams at Lathallan. I studied for and sat my Standard Grades and Higher exams in small classes with supportive teachers, but more than that I gained the confidence I needed to go out into the world and tackle life head-on.
Spurred on by enthusiastic teachers and a close-knit community, I tried sports, activities and subjects I’d never have otherwise tried and pushed myself in ways I never had before. That drive and comfort outside of my comfort zone has stayed with me and definitely contributed to everything I have done in my academic and professional careers. I also made friends I still have today. I have a lot to thank Lathallan for.
If I could pass on one thing to Lathallan’s current pupils it would be this: you do not need to have it all figured out right now. I remember feeling the pressure that you had to know at seventeen what you wanted to do for the rest of your life; you don’t! What you study at University, if you choose to go, does not define your whole career. Don’t be afraid to try things, you will learn something from everything that you do, and that is never a waste of time. Focus more on the type of person you want to be, the qualities you want to bring to what you do, and the rest will fall into place.”
Visit other Old Lathallians
Old Lathallians and friends of Lathallan
The Old Lathallian Association Is open to all former pupils of Lathallan, to members of staff, past and present, and to parents. Old Lathallians can expect a regular newsletter (generally four times a year) as well as invitations to reunions and events.
Old Lathallian Contact
Karen Runcie