Sheriff Principal Turnbull to become a senator

Sheriff Principal Craig Turnbull, Sheriff Principal of Glasgow & Strathkelvin and Vice President of the Sheriff Appeal Court, is to be appointed as a Senator of the College of Justice with effect from May 2023, the Scottish Courts & Tribunals Service has announced.

The Judicial Appointments Board for Scotland recommended Sheriff Principal Turnbull on being asked by the Lord President to recommend a suitable candidate in order to fill an upcoming vacancy on the senatorial bench.

As a result of this recommendation, the Lord President sought expressions of interests from the remaining sheriffs principal to transfer to the Sheriffdom of Glasgow & Strathkelvin, and Sheriff Principal Aisha Anwar, Sheriff Principal of South Strathclyde, Dumfries & Galloway will make the transfer at the same time.

With Sheriff Principal Marysia Lewis of Tayside, Central & Fife having intimated her retirement in summer 2023, three sheriff principal vacancies will arise, in North Strathclyde; South Strathclyde, Dumfries & Galloway; and Tayside, Central & Fife.  

The Judicial Office for Scotland are hosting an event chaired by Sheriff Principal Anwar on the role of a sheriff principal this evening (16 August).  Those wishing to attend should email: judicialofficeforscotland@scotcourts.gov.uk. Further details about the event can be found here.