(544)  NEW ADVOCATE GENERAL

 

A mere two months after the departure of Baroness Clark of Calton (above No 535), the appointment of Neil Davidson QC as Advocate General for Scotland was announced on 21 March 2006.  It appears from the announcement that during the interregnum the functions of the office have been discharged by Alistair Darling Secretary of State of Scotland (and also Transport Secretary), this being justified by the Scotland Act 1998 s 87(3).  Just as well that Mr Darling is a member of the Faculty of Advocates.  Mr Davidson, it should be noted, was previously Solicitor General for Scotland 2000-2001 (see No 139).  Meantime, the Scottish Liberal Democrats were boldly suggesting that the functions of the Lord Advocate as a law officer and a public prosecutor should be separated out into two offices, akin to the English Attorney General and Director of Public Prosecutions.  Whether this really provides the best model to follow is perhaps a matter that some might wish to debate.