This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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New Sheriffs appointed
29/09/2006
The appointment of nine new sheriffs for Scotland's sheriff courts has been approved by HM the Queen.
First Minister Jack McConnell nominated the candidates for appointment on the basis of a report by the independent Judicial Appointments Board.
The new appointees will have commissions enabling them to serve where required throughout Scotland's 49 sheriff courts, although a number will serve in specific sheriffdoms where help is most needed.
Those appointed are: Ruth Anderson QC, Maxwell Hendry Solicitor, Martin Jones QC, Desmond Leslie Solicitor, Elizabeth McFarlane Solicitor, Alan Mackenzie Advocate, Charles Macnair QC, Thomas Millar Solicitor and Nigel Ross Advocate.
First Minister Jack McConnell said:
"These appointments will bring the complement of sheriffs up to a record level of 142. I am sure that they will make an early impact in reducing delays in criminal trials and civil cases being heard.
"We have already introduced and implemented legislation to modernise our High Courts. These changes are now delivering real benefits, particularly for victims and witnesses.
"We are determined to build on that success with the Criminal Proceedings Bill. Around 96 per cent of court cases in Scotland are heard in the non-jury summary courts and these reforms will enable us to drive forward reform to ensure they operate as efficiently and effectively as possible.
"In addition to these permanent appointments, I have asked the Judicial Appointments Board to recommend a number of new part-time sheriffs and I await their report in due course."
The appointment of a new part-time sheriff is also announced. Derek O'Carroll, Advocate, was appointed from July 3.
Ruth Anderson QC (59) admitted as a solicitor in 1972, to the Faculty of Advocates in 1991 and took silk in 1999. Miss Anderson served as an Advocate Depute from 1998 to 2001. She is currently a self employed QC and has been serving as a part-time sheriff since June 2002.
Maxwell Hendry (50) appointed as a part-time sheriff in May 2003, and admitted as a solicitor in 1981. He was a member of the Council of Law Society for five years and acted as a Curator ad Litem to assist sheriffs in reaching a view on matters relating to children.
Martin Jones QC (50) on admission as a solicitor in 1984 practiced both criminal and civil cases. He was admitted to the Faculty of Advocates in 1994 and took silk in 2003. Since May 2003 Mr Jones has been serving as a part-time sheriff.
Desmond Leslie (51) served his legal apprenticeship with Jno Shaughnessy Quigley & McColl from 1980 until 1982 when he was admitted as a solicitor. Between 1995 and 1998 Mr Leslie was a part-time chairman of the Child Support Tribunal and was appointed as a part-time sheriff in June 2004.
Charles Macnair QC (51) was admitted as a solicitor in 1982, to the Faculty of Advocates in 1988 and took silk in 2002. His practice at the Bar both as Junior and Senior Counsel has been mainly in family law. In September 2005 Mr Macnair was appointed as a part-time sheriff.
Alan Mackenzie (50) was called to the Bar in July 1993 and served as an Advocate Depute from 2003 to 2006. He was an apprentice solicitor with Courtney, Crawford & Co and was admitted as a solicitor in June 1980.
Elizabeth McFarlane (45) was admitted as a solicitor in 1985. She was a trainee, assistant and partner with Gallen & Co until 1992. She is now a sole practitioner specialising in family law. Mrs McFarlane was appointed as a part-time sheriff in May 2003.
Thomas Millar (52) is accredited as a specialist in family law. Mr Millar was admitted as a solicitor in November 1976. He was appointed as a part-time peer reviewer by the Law Society and in July 2005 appointed as a part-time sheriff.
Nigel Ross (43) was admitted as a solicitor in September 1988 and to the Faculty of Advocates in December 1991. Mr Ross has also been an external reporter to the Scottish Legal Aid Board and was appointed as part-time sheriff in July 2003.
The Judicial Appointments Board was established by Ministers in 2001 as part of their commitment to making the process of appointment to the Bench more transparent and fair.
The Board is an advisory body whose role is to recommend names of new judges, sheriffs principal, sheriffs and part-time sheriffs to the First Minister who retains the statutory responsibility for making nominations to the Queen.
Ministers invited the Board to run a recruitment exercise to fill vacancies for "floating" sheriffs whose commissions enable them to serve where needed throughout the country. The Board advertised vacancies and interviewed a shortlist of candidates before submitting recommendations to the First Minister. As required by statute, the First Minister consulted the Lord President of the Court of Session before making nominations to the Queen.
The First Minister has also invited the Board to recommend the appointment of a number of new part-time sheriffs.
The part-time sheriffs must have the same qualifications for office as permanent sheriffs and the Board will apply the same criteria before making recommendations. Part-time sheriffs cover for the absence of the full-time sheriffs on annual or sick leave or attendance at training events or expert committees. The Board report on part-time recommendations is expected before the end of 2006.