Lord Pentland will replace Lord Carloway as Scotland’s most senior judge, with Lord Carloway saying the “judiciary will thrive” under the leadership of his successor.
First Minister John Swinney also praised the “exemplary” contribution Lord Pentland has made to Scotland’s legal system.
His appointment to the post of Lord President – which the First Minister said is “one of the great offices of state in Scotland” – comes after Lord Carloway announced in June last year he would be stepping down early in 2025.
The appointment comes 30 years after Lord Pentland was made Solicitor General for Scotland, a position he held until 1997.
Between 2014 and 2018, he was chairman of law reform body the Scottish Law Commission.
Lord Carloway, who became Lord President in December 2015, said: “I very much welcome the appointment of Lord Pentland as the next Lord President.
“Having presided over a number of high profile criminal and civil cases in recent years, he brings with him the skills and valuable experience required, and I have no doubt the judiciary will thrive under his leadership.”
He added that Lord Pentland has more recently been “at the forefront of promoting open justice”, chairing a working group to establish live-streaming of the Inner House of the Court of Session.
Lord Carloway added: “This will be expanded in the near future to the criminal appeal court as part of the innovations to allow courts to become more accessible and transparent.”
READ MORE: John Swinney hits back at BBC presenter on question about Scottish independence
He said he expects a “seamless transition to the new Lord President” after Lord Pentland is sworn in on February 3.
Mr Swinney, who nominated Lord Pentland for the post, said his “contribution to the Scottish legal system over several decades has been exemplary”.
He added: “It is a great pleasure to offer my congratulations on his appointment as Lord President.
“I am confident Scotland’s judiciary will benefit greatly from his abilities and experience.
“The Lord President is one of the great offices of state in Scotland, making the holder a significant figure in our public life. Such an important appointment requires careful consideration, so I am grateful for the advice I received from the selection panel before nominating Lord Pentland.”
He also thanked Lord Carloway for “his outstanding leadership over the past nine years and for his own dedicated career of service to the law in Scotland”.
Mr Swinney added: “I know he will work collaboratively with Lord Pentland to deliver a smooth transition and I wish him well as he prepares to leave office.”