(1)This section applies where—
(a)there is a vacancy in the office of the Keeper or the Keeper is incapable by reason of ill health of performing the Keeper’s functions, and
(b)no person has been authorised by the Scottish Ministers, under section 1(6) of the Public Registers and Records (Scotland) Act 1948 (c.57), to perform the functions of the Keeper.
(2)A member of the Keeper’s staff may perform the Keeper’s functions.
(3)Any function performed by a member of the Keeper’s staff by virtue of subsection (2) is to be treated as if it had been performed by the Keeper.