Independent review of Lord Advocate’s dual role announced

Lord Boyd of Duncansby will examine whether one person should be both head of prosecutions and the government’s chief legal adviser.

Daily Alba · 2 October 2026 · 2 min read

Illustrative image of a historic court building in Edinburgh. Illustrative image, not a photograph of the reported event.

First Minister John Swinney has announced an independent review of the roles of the Lord Advocate and Solicitor General, chaired by Lord Boyd of Duncansby.

What it will examine

The review will consider whether current arrangements remain appropriate, the pros and cons of the Lord Advocate being both head of criminal prosecutions and principal legal adviser to the government, and alternative models used elsewhere in the UK.

Timetable

The review begins in the new year and will report to ministers later in 2027. Lord Boyd said any recommendations must safeguard the independence and integrity of prosecution.

Source & attribution: This original report is based on Scottish Government, published 29 September 2026. This is not independent on-the-ground reporting.

Independent review of Lord Advocate’s dual role announced

What it will examine

Timetable

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