New Commissioner

Lady Paton, Chair of the Scottish Law Commission, welcomes the appointment of Roisin Higgins KC as Commissioner of the Scottish Law Commission.

Roisin Higgins was called to the bar in 2000 and was appointed KC in 2015.  She has a wealth of experience in complex disputes and litigation relating to intellectual property law, property law, commercial law and construction law.

Lady Paton said today:

"I congratulate Roisin Higgins on her appointment as Commissioner. Ms Higgins will lead on our projects on leases and consolidation of nature conservation law.  It is important that aspects of the law relating to leases continue to be reviewed, clarified and updated to ensure that business and commerce can rely on a legal system that meets modern needs. Nature conservation law is complex and spread across many parts of the statute book and the consolidation of this law will help to achieve a clear understanding of legal responsibility for Scotland’s natural world.  Roisin Higgins has a breadth of knowledge and experience which will be of great benefit to the Commission."

APPOINTMENT

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

The appointment will be for five years, running from 7 January 2026 to 6 January 2031.

The appointment is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration

The appointment for five years is full-time and attracts a remuneration of £105,668 per annum for a time commitment of 37 hours per week.

Other Ministerial Appointments

Roisin Higgins 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. Roisin Higgins 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.