Elgin solicitor appointed new Lerwick sheriff

SHETLAND’s new sheriff Ian Hay Cruickshank will take up his post at Lerwick Sheriff Court next month.

The 51-year senior partner of Elgin-based Cruickshank Law Practice was appointed to the Sheriffdom of Grampian, Highland and Islands just before Christmas, coming into effect today (Monday).

A solicitor also qualified to represent clients at higher courts, Sheriff Cruickshank holds a number of high profile review group appointments with the Scottish judiciary.

He said he was in the process of finalising accommodation locally and envisaged to be living in Shetland at least during the weeks the local court operates “and beyond that”.

“I want to get to know the community as well as I can,” he said speaking from his Elgin office.

The appointment is for a full-time resident post but working part-time. Currently Lerwick Sheriff Court sits every second week.

“I have always practised in the north of Scotland, and I very much enjoy island life in many respects,” he added.

After almost six years in the post, current sheriff Philip Mann will leave Lerwick at the end of this month and take up a post at Aberdeen Sheriff Court.

Sheriff Cruickshank is expected to sit for the first time at Lerwick Sheriff Court in the week beginning 12 February.