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.
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.
Melville’s Trustee v Melville (2020 CSOH 10), 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.