His Majesty's Advocate, known as the Lord Advocate, is the principal legal adviser of both the Scottish Government and the Crown in Scotland for civil and criminal matters that fall within the devolved powers of the Scottish Parliament. The Lord Advocate provides legal advice to the government on its responsibilities, policies, legislation and advising on the legal implications of any proposals brought forward by the government. The Lord Advocate is responsible for all legal advice which is given to the Scottish Government.
Sir James Stewart, Lord Advocate 1692–1707, the last Lord Advocate of the Kingdom of Scotland prior to the Acts of Union
Image: Lord Hardie 2010
Image: Colin Boyd
Image: Elish Angiolini 2021
The Scottish Government is the devolved government of Scotland. It was formed in 1999 as the Scottish Executive following the 1997 referendum on Scottish devolution. Amongst its areas for responsibility of decision making and domestic policy in the country include the economy, education system, health care, justice and the legal system, rural affairs, housing, the crown estate, the environment, the fire service, equal opportunities, the transportation network and tax, amongst others.
Following the Scotland Act 1998, Donald Dewar became First Minister and led the first Scottish Government since 1707
Bills introduced by the Scottish Government are debated in the Scottish Parliament, and must receive a majority in favour of a bill becoming law
Proposed government legislation and government conduct can be scrutinised by parliamentary committees
Bute House in Edinburgh is the official residence of the first minister
