Scots advocate for Supreme Court

A University of Edinburgh luminary has been appointed as the next president of the UK’S highest court.

Lord Reed, the current deputy president of the Supreme Court, will replace Lady Hale when she retires in January.

In a statement issued as his appointment was announced yesterday, Lord Reed said: “It is a great honour to succeed Lady Hale as president of the Supreme Court.

“In this year when we are celebrating the tenth anniversary of the opening of the court, I reflect on the achievements of the distinguished presidents who have come before me. I am privileged to follow them in working with my colleagues to maintain the fundamental role which the Supreme Court plays in the law of our country.

“As president, I will continue to champion the rule of law, alongside promoting public understanding of the role of the judiciary and maintaining the high regard in which the court is held around the world.”

Lord Reed’s appointment was made by the Queen on the advice of the Prime Minister and Lord Chancellor, following the recommendations of independentselectioncommis sions. He was appointed as a justice of the Supreme Court in February 2012 and has served as its deputy president since June last year.

Lord Reed previously served as a judge in Scotland and sometimes sits as a judge at the European Court of Human Rights and the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal.

Heattendedgeorgewatson’s College in Edinburgh before studying at the University of Edinburgh in the School of Law where he attained a First Class Honours

He was also educated at Oxford before qualifying as an advocate in Scotland and a barrister in England and Wales.