A panel selected by Glasgow based solicitors Ross Harper have appointed a "star" applicant from a field of over 500 applicants to receive fully funded training and a guaranteed traineeship with the company.

The package, which the company value at up to £70,000, was designed to facilitate the entry into law of a candidate with a “life barrier” to overcome.

17 year old Claire Heggie of Bannockburn High School was selected from the final shortlist of six who attended a final interview day in Glasgow.

"The strength of the final six applicants was overwhelming. We were all humbled by the determination, courage and potential of all those who had made it as far as the final selection," said The Firm's Editor Steven Raeburn, one of those judging the selection process alongside Glasgow Bar Association Chief Executve Moira Deeney and Chairman of the Global Media Group, Paul Cooney.

"In the end though, the judges' decision was unanimous. We all recognised that Clare possessed an exceptional balance of skills that we are certain would not have been able to achieve their full potential without the benefit of this opportunity. She has a unique star quality, and I am certain she will make a powerful mark as her career and life develops.

"She is already possessed of a powerful social conscience, and we were impressed by her courage, determination and humility."

Ross Harper said the aim of the initiative was to "help empower an individual who has a life barrier to further education”.

"Ross Harper have made a brave and insightful decision in initiating this process to mark their 50th anniversary," Steven Raeburn said.

"Traditional routes to recruitment do not necessarily guarantee that every capable candidate will succeed, especially as financial barriers to further education erode the options available to those without resources. Without fair opportunity, the cream can curdle, rather than rise to the top as it ought to. Clare will now have the opportunity to fulfil her potential as her talent deserves."

The company mark their 50th anniversary with a gala dinner at the Thistle Hotel in Glasgow next week.