The process of appointing a new Lord President of the Court of Session has begun, following notification that the current Lord President, Lord Carloway, intends to retire on 3 February 2025.

The Lord President is the most senior judge in Scotland and the head of the Scottish judiciary. They are also the Lord Justice General of Scotland and the Head of the Scottish Tribunals. The office also carries with it a significant number of statutory and administrative functions, including being the chairing member of the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) Board.

The First Minister has established a selection panel to make recommendations for a new Lord President. The panel comprises:

• Lindsay Montgomery CBE – Laying chairing member, Judicial Appointments Board for Scotland
• The Rt Hon Lady Dorrian – Lord Justice Clerk
• The Rt Hon Lord Matthews – Senator, Inner House of the Court of Session
• Paul Gray – Lay member, Judicial Appointments Board for Scotland

Applications are welcome from applicants of the highest legal ability and standing who can meet the statutory eligibility requirements and judicial and personal qualities required for this demanding role. Full details of the statutory eligibility requirements, skills, knowledge, and personal qualities required for appointment are contained in the application pack which will be provided upon request.

The salary is £279,051 per annum, with an annual leave entitlement. The role is pensionable. The mandatory retirement age for Judicial Office Holders is 75.

The closing date for applications is midnight on Monday 30 September 2024. Late applications will not be accepted. The selection panel will interview shortlisted candidates on Tuesday 12 November 2024, and make recommendations to the First Minister, shortly afterwards.

For more information on the role or to request and application pack, please contact LordPresidentRecruitment@gov.scot.