The study of the law is often thought of as the preserve of the country’s prestigious universities.

But 19 HND students at New College Lanarkshire have been involved in a project which has “far exceeded [the] expectations” of the highest ranking law officer in Scotland.

The Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland commissioned the legal services students to create a layman’s guide to Scottish law for refugees and others coming to the country.

The legal officer said he had approached the college students after meeting them at a trial they were observing.

‘A useful insight for all’

He said: “The Guide to Scots Law they have produced has far exceeded my expectations. What was initially envisaged as an aid for refugees and immigrants arriving in Scotland will now no doubt prove to be a useful insight into Scots law for all.”

“The lord advocate could have gone to any university,” lecturer Eleanor Lafferty said. “Our students have learned they are as good as anyone else. It was a wonderful experience and it was all about teamwork and working together.”

The finished product, launched last week, covers a wide range of legal issues, from marriage to anti-social behaviour, as well as providing advice about crime and who to turn to as a victim of an offence. Two of the college students on the course also supplied the artwork for the publication, which will be available in a range of languages. 

The project was welcomed by the Scottish Refugee Council. Chief executive John Wilkes said: “Explaining Scottish law in plain and clear language can be used by anyone arriving to Scotland and even Scots that might not be so familiar with our laws.”

Want to keep up with the latest education news and opinion? Follow TES on Twitter and like TES on Facebook