Ruther Charteris to be Scotland’s next lord advocate

Subject to Parliament agreeing the motions, draft warrants will be offered for His Majesty’s consideration and signature to formally make both appointments.

Prior to her appointment as solicitor general in 2021, Ms Charteris held a variety of posts including as standing junior to the Scottish government and as a full time advocate depute at the Crown Office. BJ Gill is currently a full-time senior advocate depute with responsibility for prosecuting the most serious crimes in the High Court of Justiciary.

Ms Charteris would succeed Dorothy Bain KC who informed Mr Swinney last month that she intended to leave office.

Mr 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.”

Ms 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.”

BJ Gill KC said: “I am delighted and honoured to be recommended for this appointment and I look forward to working with and supporting Ruth Charteris, if approved by Parliament.”

Mr Swinney thanked Ms Bain for her service and Ms Charteris for serving as solicitor general for the last five years.

He said: “I offer my thanks and gratitude to Dorothy Bain KC for her dedicated service to the government, to justice and to Scotland. She has served with the highest levels of integrity and distinction marked by a steadfast commitment to strengthening justice for all, particularly in advancing the treatment of victims of serious sexual offences and leading landmark legal reform to better equip our justice system to respond to their needs.”