New Commissioner

Lady Paton, Chair of the Scottish Law Commission, welcomes the appointment of Ann Stewart as Commissioner of the Scottish Law Commission.

Ann Stewart has been a professional support lawyer at Shepherd and Wedderburn for the last 22 years. She is a founder member of the Property Standardisation Group, which produces standardised commercial property documents, and the lead author of a legal textbook, Conveyancing Practice in Scotland, soon to be in its ninth edition. She is also a member of the Law Society of Scotland’s Property Law Committee. In all of these roles Ann seeks to provide clear and practical guidance and support to property lawyers in Scotland.

Lady Paton said today:

"I congratulate Ann Stewart on her appointment as Commissioner. Ms Stewart will lead on our project on Execution of Documents. It is vital for our society that the law on these matters is kept up to date and in tune with today's values and beliefs, and that business and commerce can rely on a legal system that meets modern needs. Ann Stewart has a welcome mix of practitioner and research experience which, together with her many current roles in the property and conveyancing world, will be of great assistance to the Commission’s project."

APPOINTMENT

The Minister for Victims and Community Safety, Siobhian Brown MSP, today announced the appointment of Ann Stewart as Commissioner of the Scottish Law Commission. The Scottish Government’s news release can be seen here.

The appointment will be for five years. Ann Stewart’s term of appointment will run from 30 April 2024 to 29 April 2029.

The appointment is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration

The appointment for five years is part-time and attracts a remuneration of £52,834 per annum for a time commitment of 18.5 hours per week.

Other Ministerial Appointments

Ann Stewart does not hold any other ministerial public appointments.

Political Activity

All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees' political activity within the last 5 years (if there is any to be declared) to be made public. Ann Stewart has had no political activity within the last five years.

BACKGROUND

The Scottish Law Commission was established under the Law Commissions Act 1965 for the purposes of promoting the reform of the law of Scotland, and reviewing the law with a view to its systematic development and modernisation.

Further details on the Scottish Law Commission can be found on our website: https://www.scotlawcom.gov.uk