Lady Smith QC and Martin McAllister, of Taylor Henderson solcitors, Saltcoats have been appointed to the Judicial Appointments Board on three year terms.

Lady Smith will replace Lord Wheatley whose term of office came to and end in June. She has been a judge of the Court of Session and High Court since 2001.

Former Law Society President Martin McAllister has been appointed as the solicitor member of the Board to replace Michael Scanlan.

The Scottish Government said that both appointments are part-time and carry a commitment of around 20 - 30 days a year. Mr McAllister will be entitled to a daily fee of £290. Lady Smith, being a serving judge, receives no fee for her attendance.

“I am delighted to welcome Lady Smith and Martin McAllister to the Board. They are people eminent in their respective areas of life and I look forward to their valuable contribution to the work of the Board,” said Sir Neil McIntosh, Chairman of the Judicial Appointments Board.

“I would like place on record my own and the Board’s appreciation of the significant contribution which have been made by our outgoing members Lord Wheatley and Michael Scanlan.”