Closing noon on Thursday 18 September 2025 

The Judicial Appointments Board for Scotland (JABS) invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced individuals who wish to be considered for appointment to the Office of Sheriff Principal for the Sheriffdom of Grampian, Highland and Islands.

The role of Sheriff Principal is of critical importance within the Scottish justice system and involves working closely with the Lord President in relation to all the courts in Scotland.

The role requires individuals with the intellectual and legal standing to perform the functions of the office, including the important appellate functions of the Sheriff Appeal Court. A Sheriff Principal is expected to have sound leadership and management skills, or the potential to acquire these skills in office, to ensure the efficient operation of the courts within the Sheriffdom.

The successful candidate will be based at either Inverness or Aberdeen Sheriff Court. The role will require travel within the Sheriffdom as well as travel to Edinburgh on a regular basis for the Sheriff Appeal Court and other business. There is no requirement for the successful candidate to reside in the Sheriffdom.

The salary for a full-time Sheriff Principal is currently £187,743 per annum. Further information on the role and application process can be found in the following documents and YouTube channel:

• Office of Sheriff Principal Role Profile, prepared by the Judicial Office for Scotland, provides applicants with information about the role and the work of a Sheriff Principal. 
• The JABS Application Guidance Note, contains important information designed to support applicants with the process. 
• The Online Outreach Video on the JABS YouTube channel explaining the role and the recruitment process for this competition. 
• In addition to the video, a FAQ document has been prepared which is available on the JABS website. Further questions are welcome at mailbox@jabs.gov.scot and answers will be made available.

It is expected that the successful applicant will be appointed on 2 March 2026, when they will commence the induction process with the Judicial Institute.

Thistle House 91 Haymarket Terrace Edinburgh EH12 5HE Tel: 0131 244 3131 Email: mailbox@jabs.gov.scot

We encourage applications from a wide and diverse range of suitably qualified people. The principles of fair and open competition will apply and recommendation for appointment will be made solely on merit.

To apply via our online application system, GetGot, please click here.

Applications must be submitted by noon on Thursday 18 September 2025