(1)The sheriff may appoint a person (an “assessor”) to assist the sheriff in an inquiry.
(2)The sheriff may appoint a person as an assessor if the sheriff considers that the person has knowledge and expertise in matters that are relevant to the inquiry.
(3)The sheriff may make an appointment under subsection (1)—
(a)on the sheriff’s own initiative, or
(b)on the application of the procurator fiscal or a participant in the inquiry.