REPLACEMENTS for Scotland’s top lawyers have been officially appointed after a unanimous vote by MSPs.

Dorothy Bain QC was approved as the new Lord Advocate, while Ruth Charteris QC was selected as Scotland’s next Solicitor General.

It is the first time both posts have been held by women at the same time.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon welcomed the “further steps towards equal representation” created by the appointments.

Calls have intensified in recent months to split the powers of the Lord Advocate, who acts as both the chief legal adviser to the Scottish Government and Scotland’s top prosecutor.

Sturgeon said there is a “strong, prima facie case” for the separation of powers, repeating her election pledge to consult on whether changes should be made.

“However, it is important that Parliament considers the precise details of any reform carefully,” she said.

“Change, depending on the nature of it, may require primary legislation including possible amendment to the Scotland Act.

“There are complex issues involved but I can confirm today that the Government will take forward a consultation in due course.”