Gavin A. Dewar – Black Chambers

Gavin Dewar

Year of Call: 2013

Gavin held a full-time commission as an Advocate Depute from May 2022 to November 2025. He is now an ad hoc AD. Gavin’s reputation as a tenacious but fair-minded prosecutor precedes him. He regularly deals with the most sensitive of cases in the High Court of Justiciary.

Gavin has extensive experience pleading before the Supreme Courts of Scotland, Sheriff Courts and other specialist tribunals throughout the country. He has a particular interest in public law matters, especially those relating to prisoners’ rights.

Gavin sits as a legally qualified chair of the Scottish Social Services Council.

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Areas of Practice

Criminal Trials covering the full spectrum of criminal offences tried in both the Sheriff Court and the High Court of Justiciary
Post conviction proceedings including Proceeds of Crime and Criminal Appeals.
Judicial review
Human rights
Regulatory matters

Appointments & Memberships

Advocate Depute: 2022 – present
Scottish Social Services Council (Legally Qualified Chair): 2023 – present

Testimonials

“Diligent and meticulous in preparation. His mastery of the facts and the law always prove great advantages”.

“Gavin has represented his clients, and performed as an Advocate Depute, with distinction since call. He has a formidable intellect and is highly persuasive in court.”

“Mr Dewar is fearless and unflappable. He is excellent on his feet and, plainly, enjoys the respect of judges and opponents.”

“He’s affable and empathetic so I’ve always found that clients like him. A human being alongside all that legal ability.”

“His written work is always elegant and extremely thorough.”

Selected Cases

HMA v Sutherland (2025), Successful defence of client in Inverness High Court. Client acquitted of attempted murder, by stabbing with a knife, after trial.

HMA v Ramos (2025), Auxiliary nurse acquitted of a contravention of the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009; Sec: 3 after trial. Allegation of sexual assault said to have been committed on an in-patient in the high dependency unit of a major hospital.

HMA v Wilkins (2025), Successful prosecution of rape contrary to Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009; Sec: 1 in Kilmarnock High Court.

HMA v Pollard (2024), Prosecuted the Accused in the High Court. The Accused was convicted of multiple offences, including rape, after trial. A generational interval, in the context of mutual corroboration, was a significant focus in the case.

HMA v Penders (2023), Prosecuted the Accused in the High Court opposite Senior Counsel. The Accused was convicted of, inter alia, raping two 13-year-old complainers.

HMA v Weir or Krogan (2023), Prosecuted the Accused in the High Court opposite Senior Counsel. The Accused was convicted of various rapes (one to danger of life) after trial.

H v W (2021 CSOH 97), Junior alone for W, in the Court of Session, in Scotland’s first reported non-refoulement case following G v G, [2021] UKSC 9. International Human Rights Law in issue. Orders sought by H refused after proof.

Melville’s Trustee v Melville (2020 CSOH 10, 2021 CSOH 97), Junior alone for the Defenders, in the Court of Session, opposite Senior and Junior Counsel. Document of loan relied upon by the Pursuers found by the Lord Ordinary to have been forged after proof. The Defenders were assoilzied.

Aberdeen City Council v KD & AA (2017), Successful Inner House appeal, brought by a serving prisoner, AA against a decision of the Sheriff Appeal Court. Junior alone for the Appellant. Article 8 (right to private and family life) in issue.

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