Lord President Gill to step down at end of this month

Lord Gill, Lord President of the Court of Session and Scotland’s most senior judge, has announced his intention to retire on 31 May 2015.

The 73-year-old was first appointed as a Senator of the College of Justice in 1994 and is Scotland’s longest serving judge. He was appointed Lord President of the Court of Session and Lord Justice General in June 2012, having held the position of Lord Justice Clerk from November 2001. Previously he chaired the Scottish Law Commission for five years.

Lord Gill devised the far-reaching reforms to the Scottish civil courts that are now being brought into effect, in his 2009 review of the civil courts, in which he made scathing comments about the inefficiency of the justice system. His proposals, which include taking most of the Court of Session's cases to the sheriff courts and the setting up of new level of summary sheriff, have since been enacted in the Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014. He has also overseen the implementation of major changes to criminal appeal procedure.

Commenting on the announcement, James Wolffe QC, Dean of the Faculty of Advocates, said: “Lord Gill’s career has been one of outstanding service to Scotland’s legal system. At the bar, he was an incisive advocate, in great demand. A learned Keeper of the Advocates Library, he authored the leading textbook on agricultural law.

“During his career as a judge, he has contributed greatly to the development of the law in judgments characterised by lucid prose and clarity of analysis."

Alistair Morris, President of the Law Society of Scotland, said: “The Lord President has been a much respected figure throughout his highly distinguished legal career.

“He has long been committed to reform and the modernisation of Scotland’s justice system. Under his leadership the Scottish Civil Courts Review resulted in far reaching proposals for change and he leaves an important and lasting legacy when he retires at the end of this month."

He added: “We have had a very constructive working relationship with the Lord President during his time in office and on behalf of the Law Society of Scotland, I wish him well for his retirement.”

Under the Judiciary and Courts (Scotland) Act 2008, the First Minister will now establish a panel to recommend individuals who are suitable for appointment to fill the vacancy. Until the position is filled, his duties will be carried out by the Lord Justice Clerk.