They were among the 16 new silks that were appointed this year.

Ms Arrol currently has a busy criminal law practice and is experienced in the preparation of cases with complex evidence such as cell site analysis, firearms discharge residue, surveillance, use of trackers and DNA. She has also built up an extensive practice defending sexual crimes. She is one of the most instructed counsel in this area, having defended numerous rape trials.

She regularly prepares and argues applications under section 275 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act and has already conducted examination of many witnesses giving evidence on commission. In particular, she has specialism dealing with complicated psychiatric, psychological and medical evidence in sexual abuse cases. She has particular specialism dealing with accused persons who have psychological and psychiatric conditions.

Ms Glancy is currently a full time advocate depute. Prior to joining Crown Office earlier this year, she was instructed in a wide variety of criminal trials, including attempted murder, fraud, computer crime, indecent images and misuse of drugs but with a particular emphasis on cases involving allegations of sexual misconduct, rape and allegations of historical sexual abuse.

Mr McElroy is also currently a full time advocate depute. Prior to joining Crown Office in October 2021, he had substantial experience in all aspects of the practice of criminal law from first interview with accused persons to running cases in the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. He practised as a solicitor advocate from 2000 until he called at the bar in June 2013.

He also has an extremely busy criminal practice and has been instructed, as leading or sole counsel, to defend a wide range of the more serious crimes known to the law of Scotland, these include murder, attempted murder, rape, fraud, serious and organised crime offences, etc. Mr McElroy has a wide knowledge of and interest in forensic medicine and science in general and, in particular, the use of DNA evidence, and the limitations of such evidence. That knowledge has been applied for the benefit of those for whom he has been instructed in a number of cases that have turned on the successful cross-examination of forensic scientists and doctors.

Practice manager, Angela Bath said: “We are delighted for Louise, Lorraine, John and Paul on their appointment as King’s Counsel. They have all worked extremely hard to achieve this elevation and it is very well deserved. We wish them all the best in the next chapter of their legal careers as senior counsel.”