(67)  More permanent judges

On 13 October 1999 it was announced that the maximum number of Court of Session judges was to be increased from 27 to 32. This took place against the background, not only of concerns over the judicial manpower required for the forthcoming Lockerbie trial and following Lord Justice Clerk Cullen’s appointment to preside over the Paddington rail disaster inquiry, but also of growing concern that the deployment of temporary judges in both the higher and the sheriff courts could be ruled a contravention of the European Convention of Human Rights in an appeal the result of which is expected to be announced shortly (see now No 70 above). On 22 October it was announced that 10 new permanent sheriffs were to be appointed. (23 October 1999)