In late August 2022 the Judicial Appointments Board for Scotland will be launching competitions to recommend candidates for vacancies in the Offices of Sheriff Principal and Chairman of the Land Court.

These vacancies will represent exciting opportunities to contribute to the effective delivery of justice in Scotland.

Chairman of the Land Court

The Scottish Land Court is a Court of Law with a jurisdiction set within the context of Scottish farming.  It has the authority to resolve a range of disputes between landlords and tenants in agriculture and crofting.

The Chairman has the same status as a Court of Session judge and is supported by a Deputy Chairman and two Members of the Court who are experienced in crofting and farming matters. More information can be found on the Scottish Land Court website.

Sheriff Principal

The Office of Sheriff Principal has a central role in the effective delivery of justice in Scotland.  Sheriffs Principal are responsible for the efficient disposal of business in their sheriffdom and will need to demonstrate knowledge and experience of the law as well as sound leadership skills.  Sheriffs Principal are supported by an experienced team including Clerks, Business Managers and the Office of the Lord President.

The Sheriff Principal competition will be for three Sheriffdoms as follows:

• Vacancy 1 is for the Sheriffdom of North Strathclyde and is currently vacant.
• Vacancy 2 is for the Sheriffdom of South Strathclyde, Dumfries and Galloway and will become vacant in May 2023.
• Vacancy 3 is for the Sheriffdom of Tayside, Central and Fife and will become vacant in July 2023.

It is anticipated that recommendations for these positions will be made to Scottish Ministers no later than early December 2022.