Ruth Charteris named as Scotland’s new Lord Advocate
John Swinney named ruth charteris KC as the Scottish Government’s choice to become Scotland’s new Lord Advocate after Dorothy Bain KC stepped down. The nomination also put BJ Gill KC forward for solicitor general, but both appointments still need formal approval by the Scottish Parliament and the King.
Ruth Charteris KC nomination
Swinney said he was "extremely pleased" to put the lawyers forward for the two law officer positions. He described Charteris as "exceptionally well qualified" and said she had "demonstrated outstanding legal expertise and leadership throughout her career, including in her service as Solicitor General over the past five years."
Charteris said that if she is appointed, "it will be a great privilege to serve the people of Scotland." That leaves the nomination at the point where political and royal approval still stand between the announcement and the job taking effect.
John Swinney and BJ Gill KC
Swinney also called BJ Gill KC a "candidate of excellent calibre" and said he has extensive experience and expertise in public law, along with significant constitutional case experience before the United Kingdom Supreme Court. Gill previously worked for both the Advocate General for Scotland and the Home Office.
Gill said he was "delighted and honoured to be recommended for this appointment" and said he looked forward to working with and supporting Charteris if Parliament approves the nominations. The pair are being put forward together, so the outcome for one post now sits alongside the other.
Dorothy Bain KC five years
Swinney thanked Dorothy Bain KC for her five years in the job and said she was the second female Lord Advocate in Scotland. He also praised her dedicated service to the Government, to justice and to Scotland, and said she had shown a steadfast commitment to strengthening justice for all.
He said Bain had helped advance the treatment of victims of serious sexual offences and had led landmark legal reform to better equip the justice system to respond to victims’ needs. For readers, the immediate next step is clear: the nominations move forward only if the Scottish Parliament and the King give the required approval.
