While nicotine-deprived lawyers were last week puffing in the rain as the nationwide smoking ban came into force, another smoke-related issue got tongues wagging north of the border.

Donald Findlay QC, one of Scotland’s top barristers, has been cleared of bringing the profession into disrepute after reportedly telling the audience at a Rangers FC supporters’ club dinner in Larne, Northern Ireland: “It’s very smoky in here tonight. Has another f*****g Pope died?”