Scotland's most senior judge Lord Gill to retire

Scotland's most senior judge has announced his retirement.

The Rt Hon Lord Gill, Lord President of the Court of Session said he would retire on 31 May 2015, having completed three years' service in the office.

Lord Gill, 73, was first appointed as a Senator of the College of Justice in 1994.

He became Lord President of the Court of Session and Lord Justice General in June 2012, having been Lord Justice Clerk from November 2001.

During his tenure, he presided over the implementation of the Scottish Civil Courts Review proposals, as well as major changes to criminal appeal procedures, which are currently in the process of being implemented.

'Lasting legacy'

Under the Judiciary and Courts (Scotland) Act 2008, the First Minister will establish a panel to recommend candidates to replace him.

Alistair Morris, president of the Law Society of Scotland, said: "The Lord President has been a much respected figure throughout his highly distinguished legal career.

"He has long been committed to reform and the modernisation of Scotland's justice system.

"Under his leadership the Scottish Civil Courts Review resulted in far reaching proposals for change and he leaves an important and lasting legacy when he retires at the end of this month."

Mr Morris said the timetable for civil justice reforms, set out by the Lord President in January this year, would transform Scotland's civil courts.