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Law Officers named
24/05/2007
The re-appointment of Elish Angiolini QC as Lord Advocate has been endorsed by the Scottish Parliament.
The Parliament also agreed that Frank Mulholland QC should be recommended to Her Majesty for appointment as Solicitor General for Scotland.
Recommending Ms Angiolini and Mr Mulholland to Parliament, First Minister Alex Salmond told MSPs:
"The nominations reflect my determination to build a Scotland that is stronger and safer. We have a justice system that is one of the world's most respected and that secures the confidence of the Scottish public.
"As Lord Advocate and Solicitor General, Elish Angiolini and Frank Mulholland will provide the leadership, integrity and talent needed to modernise and reform Scotland's justice system.
"I have confidence in their abilities, and I know that they will serve this nation with distinction."
Ms Angiolini is the first Lord Advocate in modern times to remain in post following a change in government.
The main functions of the post are to head the systems of prosecution and investigation of deaths in Scotland and to provide legal advice to ministers.
The Lord Advocate will no longer be a member of the Cabinet and will not normally attend meetings, the FM advised Parliament.
Under the Scotland Act 1998, the Lord Advocate continues in office without the requirement of any formal procedure.
However, the Parliament was asked to agree that Mr Mulholland be recommended to Her Majesty for appointment as the new Solicitor General for Scotland.
Mr Mulholland is being sworn in at the Court of Session on Wednesday May 30.