Sheriff Principal Lockhart retires after 50-year legal career

Sheriff Principal Brian Lockhart has sat as a judge for the final time, marking the end of a distinguished legal career spanning more than 50 years.

Sheriff Principal Lockhart yesterday heard an appeal in the Sheriff Appeal Court in Edinburgh, the last time he will sit after 39 years on the bench.

To mark the occasion, Sheriff Principal Craig Turnbull gave valedictory remarks paying tribute to his judicial colleague’s “significant contribution” to the Scottish legal system.

Sheriff Principal Turnbull said: “A judicial career that extends to almost 40 years is a remarkable achievement.

“You have made a significant contribution to our legal system and have done so in a robust, yet good natured manner.

“Those of us who have been fortunate enough to sit with you have been truly privileged to do so. We wish you a long and happy retirement.”

Ayr-born Brian A. Lockhart, 75, was Sheriff Principal of South Strathclyde, Dumfries & Galloway from 2005 until 2015, having previously been a sheriff in Glasgow for 24 years, and before that a floating sheriff in North Strathclyde for three years.

He was admitted as a solicitor in 1964 and became a partner in Robertson Chalmers & Auld in 1967.

He was appointed temporary sheriff in 1977, a floating sheriff of North Strathclyde based at Paisley in 1979, and became a resident sheriff at Glasgow in 1981.

Before being appointed Sheriff Principal, he was President of the Sheriffs’ Association.

He had previously been a member of the Parole Board for Scotland and was a member of the McInnes’ Committee to Review Summary Criminal Justice in Scotland.

Sheriff Principal Lockhart was the first solicitor to sit in the High Court, having been appointed as a Temporary High Court Judge in 2008.

He was appointed Sheriff Principal at the same time as Sheriff Principal Taylor was appointed to the Sheriffdom of Glasgow and Strathkelvin – the second and third solicitors to be appointed to the office.

After retiring as a Sheriff Principal in January 2015, later that year he was appointed to the newly created office of Appeal Sheriff to sit as a member of the Sheriff Appeal Court, which was created as part of radical reforms to the Scottish courts system.

A keen sportsman, he played rugby for Glasgow Academicals and Glasgow, and played cricket for Glasgow Academicals. He also enjoyed playing tennis, squash and golf, but after four joint replacements, is currently restricted to fishing.

Sheriff Principal Lockhart said: “It has been an honour and a privilege to serve on the Scottish bench. I am now looking forward to enjoying the company of my family and friends, the great outdoors and my new hobby of rail travel.”