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After five years at the helm of Scotland’s prosecution service, the country’s leading law officer has announced her intention to step down. Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain KC, who has been in her role since June 2021, oversees the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and serves as the Scottish government’s chief legal adviser.
Bain’s departure aligns with a recent trend where lord advocates tend to leave their positions after serving around five years. Her time in office included significant reforms to strengthen the prosecution of serious offenses, such as giving greater evidential weight to victims’ statements and enhancing victim support services. She also played a role in shifting the approach to certain offenders, particularly those involved in drug-related cases, by promoting treatment alternatives instead of prosecution.
Before becoming lord advocate, Bain had a notable career in the Crown Office, serving as an advocate depute from 2002 to 2011. During this period, she secured the first murder conviction of serial killer Peter Tobin. In 2009, she broke new ground as the first woman appointed principal advocate depute. Her appointment as lord advocate came following a nomination by then-first minister Nicola Sturgeon.
Opposition parties have called for a reconsideration of the lord advocate’s dual responsibilities as both a legal adviser and head of prosecutions, but the Scottish National Party ministers have stated that no changes are planned. John Swinney, who is awaiting reappointment as first minister, is currently reviewing ministerial positions, including the fate of the lord advocate role. A Scottish government spokesperson confirmed that a new lord advocate will be named during the formation of the next government, with the first minister expressing gratitude for Bain’s service and dedication
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