This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Lord Advocate to stand down
04/10/2006
Scotland's most senior law officer the Lord Advocate, Lord Boyd of Duncansby QC, today wrote to the First Minister to inform him that he wishes to stand down.
The FM thanked the Lord Advocate for being an integral part of government within Scotland for almost ten years and wished him well for the future.
Lord Boyd, awarded a life peerage earlier this year, says he now intends to play a full part in the House of Lords, as well as pursuing opportunities in the private sector
Exchange of letters
From Lord Boyd of Duncansby
I am writing to indicate that I wish to stand down as Lord Advocate with effect from midnight tonight. I have been in government since May 1997 and am now the longest serving Lord Advocate for over 100 years. It is time for me to move on.
As you know, earlier this year I became a life peer and I now wish to play a full part in the House of Lords as well as seeking new opportunities in the private sector. It has been an exciting and stimulating time to be a Law Officer.
Devolution has brought fresh challenges for the UK and I am pleased that the dialogue we established with the UK government has ensured good co-operation and avoided any major constitutional crisis.
The Lockerbie trial started shortly after I became Lord Advocate and was a major test of the prosecution service in Scotland. The trial demonstrated that action through the United Nations can be effective in bringing a resolution to international disputes and providing justice for the victims of state sponsored terrorism. I firmly believe that the trial showed Scottish justice at its best.
Devolution also brought a new focus on the prosecution of crime in Scotland. In 2002 we embarked on the most radical programme of reform and modernisation of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in its history.
We now have a service that is more efficient and effective, open and accountable, alive to the needs of victims of crime, and working in partnership with the police and other agencies. That has required major investment in new technology, expanding the Service, bringing in new management skills and refurbishing offices.
I want to pay tribute to the staff in COPFS who have shown a willingness to embrace change and a determination to improve the Service. We are fortunate in having such professional and dedicated prosecutors committed to high standards of independence and impartiality.
I would also like to put on record my gratitude to colleagues in Cabinet, and in particular to those Justice Ministers whom I have worked with over the years, for their unstinting support.
We have made substantial progress across a wide range of fronts to secure a modern justice service that is fit for purpose in 21st century Scotland. I am proud of our achievements and grateful to have been given the opportunity to serve in the office of Lord Advocate.
Finally, I want to thank you for the friendship and support you have shown me in public and in private. I wish you all the best for the future.
COLIN BOYD
Reply from First Minister Jack McConnell
Thank you for your letter of earlier today indicating that you intend to stand down as Lord Advocate.
While I am obviously disappointed to lose you from our team, I accept your decision. You have been an integral part of government within Scotland for almost ten years, and I appreciate your desire to move on to new challenges.
I would like to thank you for your contribution to creating devolution as Solicitor General, to then making it work as Lord Advocate, and to ensuring that the Scottish Parliament continues to deliver for Scotland as a valued member of my Cabinet team.
You leave a legacy of which you should be unashamedly proud. The Lockerbie trial raised the profile and credibility of the prosecution service in Scotland and your leadership of the Crown Office has been first class. When you agreed to continue as Lord Advocate after I became First Minister in November 2001, we agreed that comprehensive modernisation was essential to create a Scottish criminal justice service fit for the 21st Century.
That vision is being delivered, not least through the reforms of our courts to better serve victims, witnesses, and the interests of our society as a whole.
The lives of people living in Scotland have been improved as a result of your personal dedication to justice at every level: the tenacity with which the Crown Office pursues the assets of criminals; the strengthening of the effectiveness of prosecutors in tackling knife crime; and the revisions to prosecution policy that have allowed for 'test-purchasing' and helped bring justice to communities plagued by irresponsible cigarette, alcohol and firework retailers.
As Lord Advocate, from engagement with local communities, to the reform of our highest courts, through to prosecution on the world stage, your achievements have been immense.
I have always valued your personal and professional advice and everyone in Cabinet has valued your contribution to our efforts to make Scotland the best small country in the world.
I wish you and your family the very best in the years ahead.
JACK MCCONNELL