A new Sheriff for Grampian, Highland and Islands has been introduced at the Inverness Justice Centre.
David Harvie is one of 11 new sheriffs for Scotland whose appointment by the late Queen Elizabeth II was announced in September.
In a special event at Inverness Sheriff Court, Sheriff Harvie was formally introduced by the Sheriff Principal for Grampian, Highland and Islands, Derek Pyle.
Sheriff Harvey thanked his new colleagues for their warm welcome and said: “Sheriff Pyle administered the judicial oath last week.
“As part of that, you provide an undertaking to well and truly serve the people of Grampian, Highland and Islands.
“I just want to say publicly that I promise to do so.”
Sheriff Harvie graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1991 with a LLB (Hons) degree, obtaining the Diploma in Legal Practice in 1992.
After a spell as a solicitor in private practice, he joined the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and worked in a range of roles across Scotland.
He became a Solicitor Advocate in 2014 and was appointed Crown Agent, the head of COPFS, in 2016. He served on the Scottish Sentencing Council from 2016 to 2021.
‘He is here to stay’
Sheriff Pyle said: “The introduction of a new Sheriff in Inverness is always a special occasion.”
Sheriff Principal Pyle said that, while the appointment of a new sheriff to the region often comes with a concern they may wish to move on after a brief spell, he did not feel this was likely with Sheriff Harvie.
Stressing Mr Harvie’s family connections to the region and the fact he had relocated here prior to his appointment, he said: “He is here to stay.”
‘A wonderful part of the country to work in’
Procurator Fiscal for Grampian, Highland and Islands, Andy Shanks said it was a “privilege” to welcome Sheriff Harvie.
He said: “As I am sure he will find out, it is the best part of the country to live in and it is also a wonderful part of the country to work in.”
Speaking on behalf of the faculty and local bar, solicitor Robert Cruickshank said he knew agents around the sheriffdom would look forward to welcoming Sheriff Harvie into their courts.
He said: “I hope you and your family are very happy in this area.”