New summary sheriff Sean Lynch welcomed at Greenock court

Sean Lynch takes up the post at Greenock Sheriff Court to fill the vacancy left by predecessor Sheena Fraser, who moved up to a full sheriff position last year.

Sheriff Lynch, one of three new summary sheriffs in the North Strathclyde sheriffdom and among 13 recent appointments across Scotland, was welcomed at a formal ceremony on Wednesday with past and present colleagues, family members and local dignitaries in attendance.

Sheriff Sean Lynch (Image: George Munro)

Thanking associates and relatives for their 'indispensable' help and support throughout his career, he told the gathering: "It has been a privilege to have been involved with the legal profession for so long and I am humbled and honoured to be appointed to this office as summary sheriff.

"My promise to you and to the users of this court is that I will carry out my duties according to my oath and with the patience and compassion required."

Sheriff Lynch was joined on the bench by fellow resident sheriffs James Varney and Anthony McGeehan - who himself was officially installed last September - while notable guests included Inverclyde Provost Drew McKenzie, Police Scotland Chief Inspector Damian Kane and Colonel Peter McCarthy, Lord Lieutenant for Renfrewshire, which includes Inverclyde.

READ MORE: New sheriff speaks of 'privilege' of appointment at hometown court

Sheriff Principal Sean Murphy KC introduced Sheriff Lynch as like a 'modern-day Maurice Johnston' - having crossed the divide between rival institutions in a similar fashion to the former Old Firm footballer by studying at the universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Sheriff Lynch was educated at Saint Joseph’s Academy in Kilmarnock and was admitted as a solicitor in 1984, later becoming a partner at Ayrshire-based firm McCluskey Browne.

He has been a temporary sheriff since 1999 and a part-time summary sheriff since 2022, dealing with lower level cases that do not involve juries.

Addressing the installation ceremony, Dean of Faculty, Fiona Cook, said: "Your lordship had an opportunity to come to court last week and although there were no formal instructions you got to see many of the faculty members in action, so we're grateful you decided to come back again.

"Greenock Sheriff Court has developed and maintained a reputation as being a good court to work in and a friendly court for visiting members. The faculty have played an important role in establishing that reputation.

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"We recognise the difficult jobs our sheriffs, clerks and other court staff have, particularly due to pressures of business, and hope that we can continue to work together to achieve positive outcomes for the people who rely on the important services that this court provides.

"Congratulations on your appointment and we hope you find your time here on the bench rewarding, fulfilling and memorable."

Peter McLelland, Sheriffdom Procurator Fiscal for North Strathclyde, said he had 'crossed swords' with Sheriff Lynch many times over the past 20 years, praising the new man as a 'committed, skilful and hugely attentive lawyer who was hugely respected by his peers'.

He added: "We hope he'll find Greenock to be a veritable home from home, swapping Onthank, New Farm Loch and Darvel for the delights of Gibshill, Fancy Farm and the Port.

"We hope the job is rewarding, challenging and enjoyable, and we hope we give you enough work to keep you interested but not so much to make you want to leave."