Meeting of the Parliament 17 June 2026 [Last updated 18:21]
I am pleased to speak in support of the motion recommending the appointment of Ruth Charteris KC as Lord Advocate and Brian Gill KC as Solicitor General for Scotland.
Before I turn to the appointments before us, however, I will take a moment to recognise, as other members have, the significant contribution of Dorothy Bain KC during her time as Lord Advocate. The role carries immense responsibility, and it is often undertaken under intense public and political scrutiny. Throughout her tenure, Dorothy Bain demonstrated a deep commitment to the rule of law, to the independence of the prosecution service and to ensuring that our justice system works for those who too often find themselves excluded from it. In particular, I acknowledge her efforts to help rebalance justice in favour of the marginalised and of victims/survivors of crimes of abuse of power, such as sexual violence.
Whether in relation to victims of crime, survivors of abuse or people whose voices have historically been overlooked within legal processes, she showed a clear understanding that justice is not simply about procedure, but about fairness, dignity and—importantly—humanity. For that service, she deserves our recognition and our thanks.
I also want to recognise the work of Ruth Charteris KC as Solicitor General. Over recent years, she has built a reputation for diligence, professionalism and the deepest integrity. She has brought considerable legal expertise to the office and has played an important role in supporting the work of Scotland’s law officers during a period that has been marked by significant constitutional, social and legal challenges.
The office of Lord Advocate occupies a unique position in Scotland’s constitutional arrangements. It requires not only legal excellence but judgment, independence and a commitment to the public interest. Ruth Charteris brings those qualities to the role, and I wish her every success as she takes on those new responsibilities.
Likewise, I welcome Brian Gill KC as Solicitor General. He takes up office at a time when public confidence in our institutions, access to justice and the protection of fundamental rights remain of vital importance, and all of those are at risk, so I look forward to seeing the contribution that he will make in that role.
I wish both appointees well, and I hope that they will continue the work of building a justice system that is fair, compassionate, accountable and accessible to all. They have my support now and I look forward to working with them over the coming session of Parliament.