Ms Paton has significant inspection experience gained both in Scotland and elsewhere in the UK. She has been a lead inspector within HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland since 2013.

She has a background in human rights law with a particular focus on the rights of those involved in the criminal justice system and the rights of children and young people.

Ms Paton also currently serves as a trustee for Together, the Scottish Alliance for Children’s Rights. She has an LLB and LLM from the University of Glasgow.

She succeeds Michelle McLeod, who has served in the role from 2013.

Lord Advocate James Wolffe QC said: “I welcome Laura Paton’s appointment as the new Chief Inspector of Prosecution in Scotland. I value greatly the work of the Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland. Laura will bring to that important role a wealth of inspection experience and a strong knowledge of Scotland’s criminal justice system.

“I am grateful to Michelle McLeod for her work as HM Chief Inspector of Prosecution in Scotland over the past six years.”

Ms Paton said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as HM Chief Inspector of Prosecution in Scotland. Independent scrutiny plays a key role in supporting an effective criminal justice system and promoting positive outcomes for the public in Scotland.

“I look forward to working with the inspectorate’s staff and building on the good work of my predecessor. My aim is to provide an independent, evidence-based assessment of the prosecution service, and to support continuous improvement in its delivery.”