Scottish Ministers have now responded to the Scottish Court Service recommendations on ‘Shaping Scotland’s Court by providing draft Parliamentary Orders.

SCS Chief Executive Eric McQueen explains: “I am pleased that the Cabinet Secretary for Justice has accepted our recommendations and is ready to take the necessary legislation forward. We are required to formally consent to the Orders and prior to doing that we will seek views on the draft Orders from organisations and individuals specifically concerned with the operations and services in those courts which are proposed for closure. Their views will also be sought on the proposed timing and transitional arrangements contained in the Orders."

Views are being sought from Sheriffs Principal, the Sheriffs Association, Part-time Sheriffs Association, Scottish Justices Association, Trade union side, COPFS, Police Scotland, Victims Support, representatives of local faculties and local authority chief executives.

The SCS Board will then consider the draft Orders and the responses received before responding to the Cabinet Secretary by 17 May.

See also: Scottish Court Service Publishes Court Structure Proposals