Law review lord handed judge role

Published on 16/08/2012 12:33

The man who led a major review of criminal law in Scotland has been appointed the country’s second top judge, following recommendations from First Minister Alex Salmond.

Lord Carloway, a graduate of Edinburgh University, takes up the role of Lord Justice Clerk with immediate effect.

He replaces Lord Gill, who was recently sworn in as the new head of the judiciary.

The Scottish Government said the Queen appointed Lord Carloway to his new post on the recommendation of Mr 
Salmond.

Lord Carloway became a judge in February 2000. In 2005, he handed gas company Transco a record £15 million fine after an explosion which killed four members of a family in Larkhall, Lanarkshire, in 1999.

In 2010, he was asked to lead a review of Scots law and practice in the wake of a high-profile human rights decision by the UK Supreme Court. The Cadder ruling put an end to police being able to question suspects without the option of legal representation.