Following the pausing of the post pandemic reintroduction of solemn jury trials to the sheriff courts at Lerwick, Kirkwall, Portree, Stornoway, Lochmaddy and Wick, assurances have been given by GEOAmey, the prisoner escort contractors, that they will be able to properly resource the courts from Spring 2024.
Sheriff Principal Derek Pyle, Sheriff Principal of Grampian, Highland and Islands, has instructed that jury trials should recommence in those courts. Planning with local justice partners is now underway.
The Sheriff Principal will continue to keep the effectiveness of the arrangements under close review.
To note:
An Order was published in July 2023 that required new jury trials which would have called at Stornoway, Lerwick, Kirkwall, Portree and Lochmaddy Sheriff Courts to call at Inverness, Aberdeen or Peterhead Sheriff Courts instead. All other hearings, including summary trials and civil hearings were still to call at the Island courts. Please only attend Aberdeen, Peterhead and Inverness Sheriff Court if you have received a citation requiring you to do so.