High-profile QC becomes second top Scots judge

Published on 16/08/2012 01:36

THE man who led a major 
review of criminal law in Scotland has been appointed the country’s second top judge.

Lord Carloway 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 First Minister Alex Salmond and a four-strong selection panel.

Lord Carloway became a judge in February 2000 and was appointed to the Second Division of the Inner House in 
August 2008. He has presided over many high-profile cases.

In August 2005, he handed gas utility company Transco a record £15 million fine over an explosion which killed four members of a family in Larkhall, Lanarkshire, in 1999.

In 2010, Lord Carloway 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.

The review last year concluded that the centuries-old 
requirement for corroboration in prosecutions was “archaic” and should be abolished.

Lord Carloway, a graduate of Edinburgh University, was 
admitted to the Faculty of Advocates in 1977.

He served as a Crown advocate depute from 1986 to 1989 and became a QC in 1990.

His annual salary will be £206,857.