The original High Court of Justiciary in Glasgow, is situated in the Saltmarket, facing the McLennan Arch at the entrance to Glasgow Green.
Jail Square as it was then known was completed a year after the death of its Architect William Stark in 1813. Stark also designed St George's Tron Church in the city centre. The original courthouse is fronted by the first 'pure' Doric portico in Scotland. This was retained when the building was completely rebuilt during 1910-13, by JH Craigie.
The historically accurate Greek portico has none of the additional adornments of David Hamilton's Royal Exchange or Alexander Thomson's churches, which are also modelled in the classical Greek style. Behind the portico, an atrium leads to two full height courtrooms.
A new extension with 4 additional courtrooms was constructed in 1997 behind the original building and is now main entrance to the court house complex which can be found on Mart Street, just off Saltmarket. It was carefully designed to be of similar height to the old building and was constructed with matching coloured sandstone.
The provision of this extra accommodation allowed a full refurbishment of the original courthouse to go ahead in 1999/2000.
A 7th Court room was added beneath the original North and South complex circa 2005.
Use the
journey planner for public transportation information.
By bus:
Bus terminal - Stockwell Street No. 31 bus stops behind the court on Clyde Street
By rail:
The nearest train stations are in Glasgow Central, Queen Street and Argyle Street (Low Level) and High Street. The nearest underground stations are in Bridge Street and St Enoch. See
scotrail or
national rail enquiries for train times.
By car:
The nearest public car parks are King St (off Bridgegate); Stockwell Place (off Stockwell St) and St Enoch Shopping Centre. Disabled Parking only in the vicinity of the Court.
By air:
The nearest airport is
Glasgow Airport (8 miles). There is a direct airport bus (First 500 Glasgow Shuttle – Stance 1) which provides you with a direct service between the airport and Glasgow city centre. The service operates up to every 10 minutes, 24 hours a day, and takes approximately 25 minutes.
On arrival, please report to the main reception desk. You will be directed from there as to where you need to go in the building. To enter the building you will be asked to pass through airport type screening and your bags or briefcases may be searched.
If you are attending for jury duty please come to the main reception.
Wheelchair users can access the building through automatic doors at the main entrance.
There is a public restaurant on the first floor of the new building which provides meals and light refreshments. This is open from 08.00 to 14.00. There are a number of local cafes and restaurants near to the court building.
If you are sitting on a jury, lunch and refreshments will be provided
Opening Times
Mon - Thurs 08.45 - 17.00, Fri 08.45 - 16.00.
Public Holidays
2012
December 3, 24*, 25, 26
2013
January 1, 2
March 29
April 1, 15
May 6, 20
September 16
December 2, 24*, 25, 26
* half day