Closing noon on Monday 28 September 2026

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. There are a number of vacancies which are detailed on the JABS website.

As the senior judicial office holder within a sheriffdom, a Sheriff Principal plays a significant leadership role in the administration of justice in Scotland. In addition to exercising important judicial and appellate functions primarily sitting on the Sheriff Appeal Court, Sheriffs Principal provide leadership and oversight across their sheriffdoms, working closely with the Lord President, Sheriffs Principal and other judicial colleagues and justice sector partners to support the effective operation of the courts. This is a challenging and rewarding appointment that offers the opportunity to contribute to the development of the judiciary, influence the administration of justice, and help shape the delivery of court services within Scotland’s legal system.

Sheriffs Principal have a base court within their appointed sheriffdom and, depending on the sheriffdom, may require travel throughout the sheriffdom, including to remote court locations. The role also involves frequent travel to Edinburgh and, in addition Sheriffs Principal are expected to travel occasionally to other sheriffdoms, particularly to attend quarterly meetings with fellow Sheriffs Principal. Further information about the role and responsibilities of Sheriffs Principal can be found on the Scottish Judiciary website.

The salary for a full-time Sheriff Principal is currently £194,314 per annum. The Senior Salaries Review Body (SSRB) is currently undertaking a major review of judicial salaries, with particular attention given to the role of a Sheriff Principal.

Applicants are asked to note that interviews are scheduled for weeks commencing 7 and 14 December 2026.

Further information on the role and application process can be found in the following documents and YouTube channel:

• JABS YouTube Outreach Videos – explains the role of Sheriff Principal and the recruitment process for this competition. 
• Questions are welcome at mailbox@jabs.gov.scot and answers will be made available. They can also be submitted anonymously using the SP26 Question Submission Form.

It is expected that successful applicants will be appointed in April 2027, when they will commence the induction process with the Judicial Institute.

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 view the available vacancies via the JABS website, please click here

Applications must be submitted by noon on Monday 28 September 2026