AN INCOMING sheriff says she is 'humbled' by her new role having earned a 'full fat' promotion after two years in Inverclyde.
Sheena Fraser, who has been a summary sheriff in Greenock since 2021, will become a floating full sheriff for the North Strathclyde sheriffdom, based in Kilmarnock.
The move marks a step up for the experienced law expert, who was formally installed in a welcoming ceremony at Greenock Sheriff Court yesterday.
Sheriff Fraser told the gathering: "Staff here have been so supportive over the last couple of years.
"Two years ago I told how privileged I was to take on the role and I continue to feel that honour and privilege. I am humbled to take on this new role.
"My husband, family and friends continue to support me and I couldn't have done this without them.
"I look forward to serving the communities across the whole of the jurisdiction."
READ MORE: New sheriff speaks of 'privilege' of appointment at hometown court
Besides Greenock, there are seven other sheriff courts in the North Strathclyde sheriffdom - one of six jurisdictions in Scotland.
Sheriff Fraser was joined by fellow newly-appointed Sheriff Anthony McGeehan on the bench on Monday, alongside resident sheriffs James Varney and Neil Kinnear.
Sheriff Nicola Patrick also joined the ceremony, while Inverclyde Provost Drew McKenzie was in attendance along with Sheriff Fraser's family members, friends, colleagues and court staff.
Sean Murphy KC, Sheriff Principal for North Strathclyde, said: "In many ways my task should be to welcome Sheriff Fraser back.
"This is a promotion rather than a new start, moving up from a summary sheriff to what could be called a 'full fat' sheriff.
"I think you will be a perfect fit for the team here [North Strathclyde] and I hope you will be happy here."
Welcoming a familiar face, Greenock-based solicitor Edward Sweeney said: "Sheriff Fraser is of course not a stranger to any of us who work at or appear here.
"She has been here since August 2021 and since then it has been a pleasure to appear before her.
"I look forward to continuing the excellent relationship between the bench and the Bar."
Sheriff Fraser graduated in law from the University of Glasgow and trained at Glasgow solicitors Messrs Hannay, Fraser and Co before becoming a reporter to the Children’s Panel.
She then joined the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service where she remained until calling to the Bar in 2003.
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She was appointed as an Advocate Depute in 2010, becoming a Senior Advocate Depute and depute head of the National Sexual Crimes Unit in 2016.
Peter McLelland, Sheriffdom Procurator Fiscal, said Sheriff Fraser has built up a reputation for being 'firm and fair', and will take on 'rewarding, challenging and enjoyable duties'.
He added: "It gives me great pleasure today to welcome Sheriff Fraser to her new role in North Strathclyde.
"She has extensive experience in a wide variety of challenging roles.
"We hope to give you enough work to keep you interested but not so much to make you want to leave."
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