The Register of Sheriffs' Commissions records commissions by the Crown appointing Sheriffs Principal.
This register began in 1748, after the Heritable Jurisdictions (Scotland) Act of 1746 came into force. This Act transferred the traditional clan chiefs' rights to uphold law and order on their estates to sheriffs depute, now known as Sheriffs Principal.
The monarch appoints Sheriffs Principal by royal warrant on the recommendation of the First Minister. The Keeper of the Registers of Scotland (or an authorised substitute signatory) will then register and countersign the warrant.
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Email cajr@ros.gov.uk to enquire about searching the Register of Sheriffs' Commissions.