COVID protection levels are to be raised for 11 local authority areas to level 4, effective from 18:00 on Friday 20 November. For the majority of other local authority areas, the restriction levels remain the same with only East Lothian reducing from level 3 to 2 with effect from Tuesday, 24 November.
From Friday 20 November the restrictions on travel to or from areas at level 3 or 4, currently set out in the Scottish Government’s Strategic Framework, will be placed into law with the passage of new regulations.
Please note that, despite the changes in levels which will apply, and the introduction of travel restrictions into regulations, Scotland’s courts and tribunals will remain open as the delivery of justice is identified as essential business.
You can travel to a court or tribunal and take part in proceedings, even where that travel involves you entering or leaving a level 3 or level 4 area.
Anyone required to travel to attend a court or tribunal hearing, including the accused, witnesses, jurors and practitioners, should continue to do so. Remote jury centres will continue to operate as the regulations make an explicit exception for SCTS use of premises such as cinemas.
All our buildings will remain open with existing hygiene, safety and physical distancing measures in place. Audio and virtual hearings will continue to take place to reduce the number of people who are required to attend.
Remember FACTS. Please don’t come to a court or tribunal building if you have Coronavirus symptoms or should be self-isolating.
While you are there, it is mandatory to wear a face covering in all communal parts of our buildings and we will ask you to register for contact tracing.
SCTS LOCATIONS – CURRENT COVID-19 LEVELS IN PLACE from 24 November
Latest hygiene measures
Please note at this time access to court and tribunal buildings is limited to only those directly concerned with the conduct of proceedings, or as directed by the judiciary.