OPPOSITION parties have called for Scotland’s judicial watchdog to be beefed up after the latest officeholder was appointed amid unprecedented turmoil.

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson announced Ian Gordon, former deputy chief constable of Tayside Police, will start work as the Judicial Complaints Reviewer (JCR) next month.

It comes after both his predecessors complained the SNP Government starved the post of resources.

Mr Gordon’s three-year term will see him review the handling of complaints against judges, sheriffs and justices of the peace.

The Sunday Herald this week revealed Mr Gordon’s immediate predecessor had grave doubts about the relevance and efficacy of the job.

Gillian Thompson said her contracted hours of just three days a month “inevitably” led to delays, “inconvenience for complainants” and ultimately “a poor service”.

She said she doubted public expectations were being met, complained her access to investigation files was limited, and urged ministers to “review the relevance of the role”.

She also highlighted a total lack of IT and office support given the £2000-a-year budget.

Ms Thompson’s predecessor, Moi Ali, also complained the job was “window dressing” and a lack of funds and support had made it “enormously frustrating and difficult”.

Mr Gordon recently ended a seven year run as Convener for the Standards Commission for Scotland, the ethics watchdog for councils and other public bodies.

He will be paid a daily fee of £217, and his term is due to start on September 1.

LibDem MSP Liam McArthur urged Mr Matheson to review the post of JCR.

In a letter, he said: “The only two holders of the post have both provided blistering accounts of their experiences. In appointing the third JCR the Scottish Government cannot ignore the criticisms of his predecessors and the serious questions that surround the credibility of this office. It is clear that the current system is not working.”

Tory MSP Liam Kerr said: “Given the criticism levelled at the Scottish Government by the former reviewer, it appears her successor has quite a job on his hands.

“If this role is to be a success, ministers have to provide the resources and support necessary. We can’t afford for this to be yet another wasted 12 months.”

Labour MSP Claire Baker added: “It is clear that the new JCR needs far greater support.

“For the SNP to simply announce a new JCR but fail to address any of the serious structural shortcomings in the role is simply unacceptable.

“The Scottish Government cannot hide from their responsibility. They must fully fund and resource the new JCR so that he can carry out his role in the best interests of the public.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We have provided support for the previous JCR whenever requested, particularly in relation to website and IT issues, and we will review these arrangements with Mr Gordon when he takes up post in September.

“The Scottish Government is always receptive to requests from the JCR to work more than three days per month when the workload of the JCR requires this.”