Two new members have been appointed to the Committee. Both appointments will run for a period of three years, from 26 April 2023.

Sheriff James Varney has been appointed to the Committee as a Judicial Member. Mr Varney was a Partner in a large UK injury defence practice before being appointed as a Sheriff at Greenock in September 2022. Throughout his 20 year career, he specialised in the defence of high value personal injury cases in both the Sheriff Court and Court of Session, alongside a busy criminal regulatory practice. He was appointed a tutor at Glasgow University in civil procedure and practice for diploma students in 2012. He presently serves as a Council member of the Sheriffs Association.  

Susan Ower has been appointed as an Advocate Member. Susan is a well-regarded junior known for her impressive, wide-ranging practice. She specialises in insolvency, commercial litigation and company disputes. She also serves as a standing junior to the Scottish Government. She is praised for her sound grasp of commercial realities. With over 12 years’ experience at the bar, Susan has appeared in the United Kingdom Supreme Court, the Inner House of the Court of Session, the Court of Session and the Sheriff Court. She routinely appears in the commercial court in the Court of Session. She has significant experience in representing insolvency practitioners, companies, company directors, financial institutions and government bodies, as well as individuals.