Sheriff given warm welcome

SHETLAND’s new resident sheriff met invited guests at a ceremony at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Friday morning ahead of sitting on the bench for the first time next week.

Ian Cruickshank was recently appointed to the part-time role and he brings with him a wealth of experience, including working as a senior partner at the Elgin-based Cruickshank Law Practice.

Sheriff Principal of Grampian and the Highland and Islands Derek Pyle told guests – who included the isles’ honorary sheriffs, police chief Lindsay Tulloch and local criminology students – that the new sheriff had “big shoes to fill” following the departure of Sheriff Philip Mann.

Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said he hoped Sheriff Cruickshank, who is originally from Keith, would come to regard Shetland as his new home like he has after moving to the isles 15 years ago.

He said he simply had two words for the new sheriff: “Congratulations, and welcome.”

Sheriff Cruickshank, who unlike his predecessors will be based purely in Shetland, told guests that he was looking forward to working in Lerwick.

He also referenced his love of traditional music and said he hoped he might be able to play his accordion in some sessions in the near future.

Shetland Islands Council lawyer Susan Brunton was also formally appointed as a new honorary sheriff for the court.