Ruth Charteris named as next lord advocate

Ruth Charteris KC is to become Scotland’s next lord advocate.

The position, which is the most senior law officer in the Scottish Government, was previously held by Dorothy Bain, who announced her intention to stand down last month.

Charteris has been the solicitor general for the last five years, the lord advocate’s deputy.

Brian Gill KC will succeed for in the junior role.

First Minister John Swinney said: “I am extremely pleased to be seeking parliament’s agreement to recommend Ruth Charteris KC and BJ Gill KC as Scotland’s law officers.

“Ruth Charteris brings a wealth of experience, having demonstrated outstanding legal expertise and leadership throughout her career including in her service as solicitor general over the past five years. In that capacity she has earned widespread respect across the legal profession and beyond, making her exceptionally well qualified to serve as Scotland’s lord advocate.

“BJ Gill KC is a candidate of excellent calibre. Having previously been standing junior counsel to the advocate general for Scotland and the Home Office, he also has extensive experience and expertise in public law, including in significant constitutional cases before the United Kingdom Supreme Court.”

The lord advocate holds to the dual responsibility of being the government’s top lawyer and head of criminal prosecution in Scotland.

A perceived conflict of interest between these two roles had been the subject of debate in recent years, with some calling for them to be separated.

Bain stands down from a five-year term amid questions about her decision to inform Swinney of charges against Peter Murrell, who last month was convicted of embezzlement, a year before they were made public.

Her predecessor, James Wolffe, also came under fire during a row with the Scottish Parliament over documents thought to be relevant to an inquiry into the handling of complaints against former first minister Alex Salmond.

The SNP, while having made a commitment in its 2021 manifesto to separate the dual roles, has said it is a matter reserved to the UK Government. The Scottish Government has since argued the arrangement was "approppriate". 

The two candidacies will first go to the Scottish Parliament for approval, before a warrant is sent to the King to formally make the appointment.

Charteris said: “I thank the first minister for nominating me to the office of lord advocate. I recognise the importance and the responsibility of this role and if I am appointed, it will be a great privilege to serve the people of Scotland.”