Job as Scotland’s top judge now open for applications

THE race to be named Scotland’s new top judge is under way after the £214,165 position was advertised and applications opened.

The Scottish Government announced the selection panel yesterday. It will be asked to make a recommendation on the successor to Lord Hamilton, who is to retire as Lord President in June. The panel consists of Sir Muir Russell, who is chairman of the Judicial Appointments Board for Scotland; Professor Andrew Coyle, a lay member of the board; Lord Hardie, a senator in the Inner House of the Court of Session; and Lady Dorrian, a senator in the Outer House.

The panel will have the task of interviewing some of the finest legal minds in Scotland before making a recommendation to First Minister Alex Salmond.

The chosen judge could come from the Court of Session, the highest court in Scotland. However, sheriffs principal and sheriffs who have held continuous office for at least five years are also eligible, along with solicitors and advocates who have the requisite experience and qualifications.

Lord Hamilton was first appointed as a senator of the College of Justice in 1995 and was promoted to the Inner House of the Court of Session in 2002.

He was appointed to the offices of Lord President and Lord Justice General in 2005.