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Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs)

What is a Law Officer?

The Law Officers for Scotland are:

  • the Lord Advocate (the principal legal adviser and chief public prosecutor)
  • the Solicitor General (the Lord Advocate’s deputy)

The Law Officers do not have to be MSPs. They are part of the Scottish Government and are appointed by the First Minister. Like other ministers, they can sit in the Debating Chamber and answer questions from MSPs. They cannot vote.

Lord Advocate

Ruth Charteris KC

The Lord Advocate is also known as “His Majesty’s Advocate”. She is the senior Scottish Law Officer.

Read more about the Lord Advocate’s main roles


Contact details

Contact online

Postal address

Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service
25 Chambers Street
Edinburgh
EH1 1LA

Register of interests

Law Officers must provide details of their financial interests in the Register of Interests. They make an initial statement after their appointment as a Law Officer has been agreed by Parliament. This is then updated with any changes they provide.

The Lord Advocate's Register of Interests will be added here when available. 

Solicitor General

BJ Gill KC

The Solicitor General is a Scottish Law Officer. The Solicitor General supports the Lord Advocate with her roles and can act as her deputy.

Read more about the Solicitor General’s main roles


Contact details

Contact online

Postal address

Solicitor General
The Scottish Government
St Andrew's House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG

Register of interests

Law Officers must provide details of their financial interests in the Register of Interests. They make an initial statement after their appointment as a Law Officer has been agreed by Parliament. This is then updated with any changes they provide.

The Solicitor General's Register of Interests will be added here when available.