SCOTLAND's leading judge is on sick leave just five months into his new post, it was confirmed yesterday.
Lord Hamilton, 63, was installed in December as Lord President of the Court of Session and Lord Justice General, succeeding Lord Cullen.
A courts spokeswoman confirmed yesterday he was absent through illness.
She said: "He has received medical advice he should take a period of leave from duties."
She added: "The details of the Lord President's illness are aprivate matter but it is hoped that, subject to medical advice, he will return during May."
In his absence the Lord Justice Clerk, Lord Gill, is acting as presiding judge of the Court of Session and the High Court.
Lord Hamilton, formerly Arthur Hamilton QC, was on a restricted workload, which did not include appearing in court, from mid-March, the spokeswoman said.
He then went on full-time sick-leave from April 5.
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