SCTS News

As an immediate step to support the wellbeing of all involved in custody courts, Sheriffs Principal have taken the decision to set time limits on custody courts to avoid courts sitting late into the evening.

The number of Sheriff Solemn evidence led trials increased by 8%, indictments concluded rose 4% and trials scheduled fell by 7% to 2,223 at the end of June 2023 compared to the previous quarter end.

An Order published in July requires new jury trials which would have called at Stornoway, Lerwick, Kirkwall, Portree and Lochmaddy Sheriff Courts to call at Inverness, Aberdeen or Peterhead Sheriff Courts instead. This is due to the ongoing staffing challenges being faced by GEOAmey. All other hearings, including summary trials and civil hearings will still call at the Island courts.

The ongoing GEOAmey staffing shortages are having a significant impact on the operation of all courts across Scotland.

Figures published today by the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) show continued improvement in collection rates across most fine and penalty types in Quarter 4 2022/23, including in both value and number.