Catherine Smith KC takes the declarations of office for the title of Advocate General for Scotland at the Court of Session in Edinburgh on Friday.

It was announced last month that King Charles had approved her appointment and she would also be getting a peerage to join the House of Lords.

The Advocate General for Scotland provides legal advice to the UK Government on matters relating to Scots law.

Ms Smith, who is the daughter of the former Labour leader John Smith, described it as a great honour.

(Image: Herald Picture Agency for Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service)

At the time, she said: “It is a great honour to be appointed the Advocate General for Scotland and join the team of UK Government law officers.

“I look forward to playing my part in protecting and promoting the rule of law and contributing to this government’s commitment to public service.”

Ms Smith is the youngest daughter of John and Elizabeth Smith, the Baroness of Gilmorehill.

The 51-year-old is a trustee of the John Smith Trust and co-founder and chair of the John Smith Centre for Public Service at the University of Glasgow

During her legal career, she specialised in personal injury, clinical negligence and judicial review cases.

She has also been involved in the Scottish Covid-19 inquiry and was a founding member and former deputy chair of JUSTICE Scotland.

Between 2012 and 2021 she served as Standing Junior Counsel to the Advocate General under Jim Wallace, Richard Keen and Keith Stewart.