William Cullen, Baron Cullen of Whitekirk facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lord Cullen of Whitekirk
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Cullen in 2015
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| Lord Justice General and Lord President of the Court of Session |
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| In office 2002–2005 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Preceded by | Lord Rodger |
| Succeeded by | Lord Hamilton |
| Lord Justice Clerk | |
| In office 1997–2002 |
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| Preceded by | Lord Ross |
| Succeeded by | Lord Gill |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
William Douglas Cullen
18 November 1935 |
| Nationality | Scottish |
| Spouse | Rosamond Mary Downer |
| Alma mater | University of St Andrews, University of Edinburgh |
| Profession | Advocate |
William Douglas Cullen, Baron Cullen of Whitekirk (born 18 November 1935) is an important former judge from Scotland. He held some of the highest legal positions in the country. He was the Lord Justice General and Lord President of the Court of Session, which are the top judges in Scotland. He also served as a judge in the House of Lords, which used to be the highest court in the United Kingdom before the Supreme Court was created.
Contents
Early Life and Education
William Douglas Cullen went to school at the High School of Dundee. He then studied at the University of St Andrews and the University of Edinburgh.
Starting a Legal Career
In 1962, he became a lawyer, joining the Faculty of Advocates. From 1970 to 1973, he worked for Her Majesty's Customs and Excise, helping with legal matters. In 1973, he was given the special title of Queen's Counsel, which means he was a very experienced and respected lawyer. Later, from 1978 to 1981, he worked as an Advocate Depute, which is a type of prosecutor.
Community Involvement
From 1984 to 1986, Lord Cullen was the chairperson of the Cockburn Association. This is an important group in Edinburgh that works to protect old buildings and the environment.
Becoming a Judge
In 1985, William Douglas Cullen became a judge, known as Lord Cullen. He was appointed a Senator of the College of Justice. This meant he could serve as a judge in both the High Court of Justiciary (for criminal cases) and the Court of Session (for civil cases).
Leading Public Inquiries
Lord Cullen was known for leading important public investigations into major events.
- From 1988 to 1990, he led the inquiry into the Piper Alpha disaster. This was a terrible accident on an oil platform in the North Sea.
- In 1996, he chaired the inquiry into the shootings at Dunblane Primary School. This was a very sad event where many children and a teacher lost their lives.
- In 1999, he was asked to lead the investigation into the Ladbroke Grove Rail Inquiry, a serious train crash.
Top Judicial Roles
From 1997 to 2002, Lord Cullen served as the Lord Justice Clerk. This is the second highest judge in Scotland. In 2002, he was appointed to the very top positions: Lord Justice General and Lord President of the Court of Session.
Lockerbie Bombing Appeal
In March 2002, Lord Cullen led a group of five judges at the Scottish Court in the Netherlands. They heard the appeal of Abdelbaset al-Megrahi, who had been found guilty of the 1988 Lockerbie bombing of Pan Am Flight 103. His appeal was not successful.
Retirement from the Bench
On 15 July 2005, Lord Cullen announced that he would retire in November of that year. Arthur Hamilton, Lord Hamilton took over his roles as Lord Justice General and Lord President of the Court of Session.
Awards and Recognition
Lord Cullen has received many honours for his long and important career.
Life Peerage
On 17 June 2003, he was made a life peer. This means he was given the title of Baron Cullen of Whitekirk, and he could sit in the House of Lords. He was a crossbench member, meaning he didn't belong to a specific political party. He retired from the House of Lords in 2019.
Other Honours
- In 2005, he became the president of the Saltire Society, a group that promotes Scottish culture.
- On 30 November 2007, he was appointed a Knight of the Thistle. This is a very high honour in Scotland, given by the monarch. Queen Elizabeth II knighted him in Edinburgh in 2008.
- From 2009, he served for ten years as the chancellor of Abertay University in Dundee.
- In 1995, he was made an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering.
- He also received an Honorary Doctorate from Heriot-Watt University in 1995.
- In 1997, he became a Member of the Privy Council of the United Kingdom. This is a group of senior advisors to the monarch.
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