On this page:

News Release

This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007

Listen

Area Fiscal for Glasgow appointed

28/11/2003

The Lord Advocate Colin Boyd QC today announced the appointment of Mrs Catherine Dyer as Area Procurator Fiscal (APF) forGlasgow.

Mrs Dyer will take up post on1 December 2003in succession to Mr Len Higson who has been the Area Fiscal, and formerly the Regional Fiscal, inGlasgowsince April 2000.

Colin Boyd said:

"Catherine Dyer has made a significant contribution to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service over a long period, but particularly in the reform and modernisation of the department over the past two years. I am pleased to confirm her appointment and I am confident that she will be prominent in the delivery of a modern system of criminal justice inGlasgow."

Catherine Dyer commented:

"I am delighted to accept this new post, and look forward to addressing the challenges it brings with the help of partners in the criminal justice system, and the talented, professional staff in the Glasgow Fiscal's office. I see this as an excellent opportunity to make a positive difference to victims, witnesses, and communities throughout theGlasgowarea."

Strathclyde Police Chief Constable Willie Rae welcomed the appointment, saying:

"The Force has for many years enjoyed a close working relationship with the Glasgow Procurator Fiscal's Office and in recent times has worked closely and successfully with Len Higson in developing new initiatives. We look forward to continuing that close relationship with the welcome appointment of Catherine Dyer, and to the further development of initiatives to the benefit of our communities."

Catherine Dyer is currently Senior Assistant Procurator Fiscal in Glasgow, and Director of Change Management for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.

In December, Len Higson moves to work on a joint project between the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and the Scottish Executive Justice Department, as part of taking forward the Partnership Agreement commitment to set up an independent Police Complaints Body. Mr Higson will retire in April 2004.

-Mrs Dyer is 44 years old. She is married and has 2 sons (aged 10 and 14).

-Catherine graduated LLB Hons fromGlasgowUniversityin 1982 and was in private practice in theGlasgowarea until joining COPFS as a Depute Fiscal inKilmarnockin 1986. She returned to private practice in 1990 before rejoining COPFS and subsequently held posts in Hamilton, Glasgow, Crown Office, and Edinburgh prior to her appointment as Procurator Fiscal in Linlithgow in 2000.

-Catherine was co-author of the Pryce Dyer report, published in March 2002, which made sweeping recommendations for modernisation of COPFS which were accepted by the Lord Advocate and resulted in complete restructuring of the Service. She was appointed to the newly created post of Director of Change Management in April 2002 and as Senior Assistant Procurator Fiscal atGlasgowin December 2002.

-An internal selection process including assessment centre exercises and an interview with the Chief Executive, Crown Agent and an external Board member, was held earlier this month. The selection panel recommended that the Lord Advocate appoint Mrs Dyer to this post.

Page updated: Wednesday, July 21, 2004