Tours, trials, visits to the cells and even a demonstration video conferencing link to prison are among a wide number of activities available at courts across Scotland which will be taking part in the 2016 Doors Open Day event.
One of the highlights of the popular event will be a re-enactment of the famous Madeleine Smith murder trial which will be staged at the Supreme Courts in Parliament House, Edinburgh, on 24 September. Glasgow-born Madeleine Smith was accused of the murder of her lover by poisoning him in 1857 and her subsequent trial caused a sensation.
A total of 13 courts will be taking part in Doors Open Day with varying events at each court including holding tours and mock trials, opening the doors on custody vans, and putting robes, maces and gowns on display.
The mock trials give visitors a taste of what happens in Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service courtrooms every day and the roles played by judges, lawyers, clerks and court officers.
The courts taking part are: Aberdeen, Ayr, Elgin, Dundee, Edinburgh, Forfar, Glasgow, Hamilton, Kirkcaldy, Paisley, Stirling, the Supreme Courts in Parliament House Edinburgh and the High Court in Glasgow.
The Scotland-wide event, organised by the Scottish Civic Trust, enables people to visit hundreds of buildings normally closed to the public.
Please
Doors Open Day 2016 Courts and Events to find out which courts are taking part and what events they are holding.