James Wolffe QC set to become Scotland's Lord Advocate

A SENIOR lawyer and the current dean of the Faculty of Advocates has been recommended for the post of Scotland's top legal officer by the First Minister.

James Wolffe is set to become Scotland's new Lord Advocate. Picture: Greg Macvean

Nicola Sturgeon said she was “extremely pleased” to put forward James Wolffe for the position of Lord Advocate.

Alison Di Rollo, a senior advocate depute who is head of the National Sexual Crimes Unit, has been put forward to be his deputy and will become the new Solicitor General.

The recommendations have been made after Frank Mulholland QC announced he was stepping down as Lord Advocate, the principal legal adviser to the Scottish Government.

Lesley Thomson, who had served as Solicitor General, has also informed the first minister she wanted to take on new challenges.

Ms Sturgeon said: “I am extremely pleased to recommend the appointments of James Wolffe and Alison Di Rollo as Scotland’s senior law officers.

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“James has an outstanding legal background and extensive experience at all levels, including the House of Lords, the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, the European Court of Human Rights and the Court of Justice of the European Union.”

Mr Wolffe said: “I thank the First Minister for nominating me to the office of lord advocate. If I am appointed, it will be a great privilege to serve Scotland in that role.”

Ms Di Rollo added: “I am both delighted and honoured to be nominated for this role by the first minister and I am looking forward to working with James in his new role.”

Ms Sturgeon also paid tribute to Mr Mulholland, who announced his intention to step down in March after five years in the job.

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