SCTS News

Solicitors and legal firms are being invited to attend a demonstration of the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service’s new Civil Online platform.

All Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service buildings will be closed for the Easter Public Holidays on Friday 7 April and Monday 10 April. Arrangements have been made for all sheriffdoms to hold custody courts on Saturday 8 April.

The President of the Scottish Tribunals, Lord Woolman will step down from the role on 30 April 2023, before his upcoming retirement in May 2023. Lady Wise, Senator of the College of Justice, has been assigned by the Lord President to be the next President of the Scottish Tribunals commencing 01 May 2023.

A new First-tier Tribunal which will deal with Local Taxation appeals will be established on the 1st April 2023.The First-tier Tribunal for Scotland Local Taxation Chamber will take on the current functions of the Valuation Appeal Committees (VACs) and the Council Tax Reduction Review Panel.

The overall number of scheduled trials has now reduced by 36% since the peak of 43,606 in January 2022, representing a 66% reduction in the trials backlog that accrued during the COVID-19 Pandemic.