Retiring Lord Advocate among five new judges named

Frank Mulholland QC, the retiring Lord Advocate, is one of five new Court of Session and High Court judges whose appointments were announced today. 

The others are Sheriff John Beckett QC, a member of the Sheriff Appeal Court, Ailsa Carmichael QC, Alistair Clark QC and Andrew Stewart QC. These four appointments, to fill existing vacancies, will take effect on dates to be agreed by the Lord President.

Mr Mulholland, who announced his intention to step down as Lord Advocate ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections, will take up his appointment following the retirement of a senator later in the year.

The appointments were made by the Queen on the recommendation of the First Minister, following a report by the Judicial Appointments Board for Scotland.