Valerie Stacey QC, former vice dean of the Faculty of Advocates has been revealed to have been vetted to appear in "certain cases", raising the possibility that she may be one of the security vetted advocates who will be selected to represent Abdelbaset Ali Mohmad Al Megrahi at his appeal.

The special role was revealed in September, placing Megrahi in the exceptional position of having has case defended, as well as prosecuted and judged, by state appointed agents without his consent.

"Currently she is Senior Counsel with the Faculty of Advocates, and has been vetted to appear in certain cases, which carries the title of Special Advocate," a Government news release said today.  The information was contained in a separate biography of Stacey in an announcement predominately concerning the appointment of three new Senators ot the College of Justice.

It is not known by whom Stacey was vetted, and which special cases her clearance refers to.

Megrahi is appearing at the High Court today appealing for interim liberation.  Professor Robert Black says that in law his appeal can proceed, even in the event of his death.