Sheriff Principal Mhairi Stephen QC   

Mhairi Stephen was appointed Sheriff Principal of the Lothian and Borders in May 2011. She was appointed a temporary sheriff in 1995 and became a resident sheriff in Edinburgh in 2000. 

She was educated at George Watson’s Ladies’ College and attended the University of Edinburgh. She was a solicitor and subsequently partner with Allan McDougall & Co from 1976 to 1997, engaged mainly in civil litigation, and represented bereaved families following the Piper Alpha disaster in both the Inquiry and subsequent negotiation of damages.

She was a member of the Board of the Scottish Civil Courts Review (Gill Review) from 2007 -2009. 

Her interests include curling; golf; walking; travelling and music.