Scotland could be set for even more court closures beyond those already announced, the Chief Executive of the Scottish Courts Service (SCS) has warned.
Eric McQueen said at today’s Justice Committee in the Scottish Parliament that where “justice centres” will be created, the SCS would have to look at shutting more courts.
This would be in addition to the 10 sheriff courts already due for closure, and 16 Justice of the Peace courts.
The Scottish Government wants to create justice centres – where a range of services including courts, police and social work would be housed under one roof – in the Borders, Fife, the Highlands and Lanarkshire.
But today, following questions from Scottish Conservative MSP John Lamont, Mr McQueen said the feasibility studies in relation to these centres would consider the closure of more courts in those areas.
Nanette Milne, Scottish Conservative MSP for the North East said:
“The closure of Arbroath and Stonehaven Sheriff Courts by the SNP already represents a major blow to justice being delivered to communities in Angus and Kincardine. The news that Scotland could be set for even more court closures beyond those already announced will come as a bombshell for rural communities right across the country.
“Given the backlash against courts closures, it’s incredible to discover that this may only be the beginning.
“The SNP rushed into this move, even though it has been well warned that it will result in huge inconvenience to witnesses and victims, and cause delays in an already overburdened system.
“Courts in towns across Scotland play a vital role in serving justice in those communities, and ensuring accountability is maintained in that area.
“It is extremely worrying that this service may be centralised even more so than it has been already, something that would make matters much worse than they are on course to be.”