A special decommissioning ceremony was held at Ayr Sheriff Court held on Friday for Sheriff Desmond Leslie.

Sheriff Principal Kate Dowdalls KC, of South Strathclyde, Dumfries and Galloway, thanked Sheriff Leslie, who, for 15 years had demonstrated “his dedication and commitment to the administration of justice,” the Ayr Advertiser reports.

“In 2005, he became an all-Scotland floating sheriff serving literally every court in Scotland, in 2010 he moved to Ayr, then in 2025 he was appointed a High Court judge.

“He has climbed mountains, surfed waves and last year married Shona on Ailsa Craig. We all wish you the best for your retirement.”

Sheriff Scott Pattison said: “He has become synonymous with Ayr court and how justice is done.

“He came here ahead of his time with a keen focus on dignity for all court users, those accused of crime, lawyers on both sides and anyone who would use the court. With a focus on rehabilitation whenever possible and open justice.

“He actually did community service when he first arrived, he went round and saw the programmes and participated. He was almost tagged himself overnight to see the impact it had.

“He had a unique way of looking at things and was a problemsolving sheriff. He would give people a chance if he could.

“The sheer number of thank you cards was intimidating to the rest of us. If he had a philosophy, it’s give people a chance.

“His warmth and humour will be truly missed.”

Sheriff Leslie said: “This has all been over in the flash of a moment. One of the points I made then was justice was not all down to a sheriff and we are all stakeholders in how justice is delivered. Everyone who participates has a contribution to make.

“People come here to get a fair and just result and be listened to. It’s always been important in my jurisdiction that people are treated with respect and dignity.

“l did travel for five years to every court in the land and sat beside many sheriffs. I got the measure throughout the entire jurisdiction, and was able to pick and choose the ones I admired and the ones I thought not to.

“My race has now come to the finish. It has been my privilege being a sheriff in Ayr and my privilege working with you all.”