Ruth Charteris KC has been named as the Scottish Government’s choice to become the new Lord Advocate, after Dorothy Bain KC, pictured right, stepped down from the role.

BJ Gill KC has been nominated to be solicitor general, with both appointments still having to be formally approved by both the Scottish Parliament and the King.

However, the First Minister said he was “extremely pleased” to put the lawyers forward for the two law officer positions.

Swinney said Ms Charteris “brings a wealth of experience” to the position of Lord Advocate.

He added she had “demonstrated outstanding legal expertise and leadership throughout her career, including in her service as Solicitor General over the past five years”.

Ms Charteris thanked the First Minister for the nomination, adding: “I recognise the importance and the responsibility of this role, and if I am appointed, it will be a great privilege to serve the people of Scotland.”

Meanwhile, Swinney said Mr Gill was a “candidate of excellent calibre” for the post of Solicitor General.

With the lawyer having previously worked for both the Advocate General for Scotland and the Home Office, the First Minister said that Mr Gill has “extensive experience and expertise in public law, including in significant constitutional cases before the United Kingdom Supreme Court”.

Mr Gill said he was “delighted and honoured to be recommended for this appointment”.

He added that he was looking forward to working with and supporting Ruth Charteris, if approved by Parliament.

The First Minister praised her “dedicated service to the Government, to justice and to Scotland”.

He continued: “She has served with the highest levels of integrity and distinction marked by a steadfast commitment to strengthening justice for all, particularly in advancing the treatment of victims of serious sexual offences and leading landmark legal reform to better equip our justice system to respond to their needs.”