The Sheriff Court Annex (Mercatgate) was built in 1801 to a design by James Burn, with the interiors designed by William Smith, the building was originally built as a bank, but there is evidence that part of it was used as a printer's in the late 19th Century. Named "Mercatgate" and listed grade "A" with Historic Scotland, the building provides accommodation for all Jury sittings whether it be Sheriff and Jury or High Court.
Courts have been sitting in the Mercatgate since 2005 but it was not officially opened until 2006 by the former Justice minister Cathy Jamieson.
Mercatgate has two courtrooms, offices for COPFS (Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Services) indicting team, facilities for vulnerable witnesses, facilities for presenting CCTV and disabled access on all floors.
A hearing loop system is available in all court rooms for those with hearing difficulties. Please speak to our reception staff or the court officer if you require assistance.
Please use
journey planner for public transportation information.
By bus:
Buses from outlying areas stop on Union Street, King Street, Castle Street and at Aberdeen bus station which is located on Guild Street beside the train station.
For more information on timetables please use the Journey Planner or contact firstbusBy rail:
Aberdeen train station is located on Guild Street and is approximately 10 minute walk from the courthouse. There are trains in operation south to both Glasgow and Edinburgh and trains north to Inverness.
Information on the times of trains to and from all stations can be obtained at Scotrail or National rail enquiries By car:
There is no public car park at the Court. There is various on-street (metered) car parking, maximum stay 4 hours. The nearest long-stay car park is the NCP at Shiprow, 5 minutes walk from the courthouse. We have arranged for court users who bring their ticket to reception for validation to receive a 25% discount on parking fees at the NCP car park at Shiprow.By taxi:
The main ranks are off
Market Street at British Home Stores, on Back Wynd,
Dee Street and
Chapel Street There are numerous private taxi firms that operate in the city. Please see your local press or telephone books for details.By air:
Aberdeen Airport is in the Dyce area of Aberdeen and is serviced by most major domestic airlines. The airport is approximately a 45 minutes drive in rush-hour traffic from the Court.
On arrival at the Mercatgate building please report to our reception desk. If you are coming to court as a juror or witness please have your citation or other paperwork available in order that our reception staff can direct you to the appropriate court or witness room.
Occasionally there are additional security measures carried out, these entail individuals being screened by hand held scanners and baggage checks may also be made.
Wheelchair users can access the building using the ramp access. A lift is available to access different floor levels and all courts are accessible by wheelchair users.
When you arrive at the Mercatgate you can expect courteous and prompt service from all our members of staff.
If you are involved in a case within the building, you can expect to be directed by a member of our staff to the designated waiting area for the court room where the case is to be held. You can expect to be updated regularly on your case by a member of our staff.
If you are a juror for either a sheriff court or high court case please report to the Mercatgate building located across from the sheriff court.Wheelchair users can access the building using the ramp access. A lift is available to access different floor levels and all courts are accessible by wheelchair users.
If you have any specific access requirements please contact 01224 657250.
A hearing loop system is available in all court rooms for those with hearing difficulties. Please speak to our reception staff or the court officer if you require assistance.
There are a variety of restaurants and cafes within a few minutes walk from the Court. Vending machines for hot and cold drinks and snacks are available in the main reception area for use by all court visitors.
Jurors are provided with refreshments during the day and lunch is also provided for them.
A hearing loop system is available in all court rooms for those with hearing difficulties. Please speak to reception staff or the court officer if you require assistance.
Court Rolls can be found on the Aberdeen Sheriff Court page
Opening Times
Mercatgate is open Monday to Friday 09:00 - 16:30
If you arrive at the building on a day that it is closed, please contact the sheriff court main building across the road for any assistance that you may be requiring.
Jurors should report to the reception desk at the allocated time on their citations.
Please note: juror payments are dealt with in the fines office across from the main sheriff court building.
If you are telephoning the court during our opening hours, you can expect your phone call to be answered promptly and politely.
Public Holidays
2013
January 1, 2
March 29
April 1, 22
May 6
July 8
September 23
November 25
December 25, 26
Pay a fine online or to pay a fine or have a jury expenses form to hand in, then please contact our fines office which is located opposite the civil department on the ground floor of the sheriff court building on Castle Street, Aberdeen, AB10 1WP.
Payment Methods: Cash, Debit Card, Credit Card, Cheque or Postal Order.
(please do not send cash through the post).
Please make cheques and postal orders payable to “Scottish Court Service”
send by post to:
Scottish Court Service
Central Processing Unit
PO Box 23
Glasgow
G5 9DA