(1)Section 13 (ministerial functions in relation to residence and leave of absence of sheriffs principal) of the 1971 Act is amended as follows.
(2)In subsection (1)—
(a)for “Secretary of State” in the first place those words appear substitute “Lord President of the Court of Session”, and
(b)for “Secretary of State” in the second place those words appear substitute “Lord President”.
(3)In subsection (2)—
(a)for “Secretary of State” in each place those words appear substitute “Lord President”,
(b)after “absence” insert “for the purpose of holidays”, and
(c)the words from “(other” to “ill-health)” are repealed.
(4)After subsection (2) add—
“(3)The Lord President may approve such leave of absence for any other purpose for any sheriff principal (being a sheriff principal who is restricted by the terms of his appointment from engaging in private practice or to whom section 6(1) of this Act applies) as appears to the Lord President to be proper.”.