Scotland’s new lord advocate has promised to act “independently” after being sworn in as a law officer.
Dorothy Bain QC, who was approved as Lord Advocate by MSPs last week, said she would treat people with “integrity, professionalism, and respect”.
The Lord Advocate role has attracted scrutiny due to its dual nature, with the post-holder heading the prosecution service and serving as the Government’s top legal adviser.
Critics, pointing to Crown Office controversies relating to cases involving Rangers and former First Minister Alex Salmond, believe the two functions should be split.
James Wolffe QC stood down as Lord Advocate after the Holyrood election and Bain, who nailed serial killer Peter Tobin, was chosen as the successor while Ruth Charteris QC was picked as Solicitor General.
Following the swearing-in ceremony, presided over by Scotland’s most senior judge Lord Carloway, the Lord Advocate said:
"It is a great honour to be Scotland’s Lord Advocate and I am privileged to be head of the systems for the prosecution of crime and investigation of deaths in Scotland. These are duties I, and those who work on my behalf, will discharge independently of any other person.
"I am delighted to be joined as a Law Officer by Ruth Charteris QC. I am fortunate to have such a talented lawyer serving as Solicitor General for Scotland. Interest in the roles and work of the Law Officers has never been higher and the First Minister has committed to a review of the functions of Lord Advocate. I will give that review all appropriate assistance.”
Referring to her work on some of the most “serious cases” to come before the Scottish courts, she said:
"Through this experience, I have learned that people who find themselves a victim or witness to crime can find it to be a bewildering experience.
"I have seen first-hand the toll that can take. Their existence becomes transformed by the acts of another, and they are entitled to feel a whole range of emotions.
"I know there is no right or wrong way they should feel - but I also know there is a correct way they should be treated. On behalf of Scotland’s prosecutors, I pledge that we shall treat people with integrity, professionalism, and respect.”
