About criminal proceedings transcripts

The Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service (SCTS) record solemn criminal proceedings using a Digital Audio Recording System, the recorded proceedings are retained by SCTS, however these proceedings are not routinely transcribed. Transcription is done by an external agency who is contracted by the SCTS.

There are currently two routes available to request transcripts:-

• Under the Scottish Government Transcript Pilot Scheme
• Under the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995

Scottish Government Pilot

If you are a complainer in a rape or sexual offence case heard in the High Court of Justiciary, you may be eligible to receive a transcript of the court proceedings through a new Scottish Government pilot scheme.

What is the pilot?

This scheme has been introduced to improve access to information for complainers in serious sexual offence cases. If eligible, you can request a transcript of proceedings at no cost.

How to apply

To request a transcript under this scheme, please complete the application form and return it using the instructions provided.

Completed forms should be sent to: correspondence@scotcourts.gov.uk 

Timescales and what to expect

We will do our best to issue your transcript as soon as possible. However, please note:

• High demand for transcripts whether through the pilot or other transcript requests will extend timescales.
• The length of the transcript and the amount of redaction needed to comply with data protection obligations can also affect the time it will take to issue the transcript.

You will receive confirmation when your request is received, and we will keep you updated on the progress of your application.

Need help or more information?

For further details on the scheme and eligibility, please see our full guidance note here.

Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995

Transcripts of evidence in Criminal Trials are governed by Section 94(2) of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 and the Transcripts of Criminal Proceedings (Scotland) Order 1993.

This Act allows anyone who is not a person convicted at trial to apply under this section of the Act to obtain a copy of a transcript for any part of the proceedings that has been held in open court. Open court is a court or trial to which members of the public can freely attend.

How to make a request for a transcript under Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995

If you wish to make a request for a Criminal transcript, you can do so by emailing your request to transcriptions@scotcourts.gov.uk

Your email should specify the following:

• the full name of the case
• the court location where these proceedings were held
• the court proceedings that you wish to be transcribed including the dates of same
• the reasons you are looking for the transcripts

If you are unsure if the evidence you are looking to be transcribed was held in open or closed court this should be included in your email and SCTS staff can advise you on this matter.

The Scottish Courts and Tribunal Services (SCTS) hold a contract with Epiq Global to carry out all transcription requests. Once we have processed your request, the audio will be sent by us to Epiq for the transcription process to be carried out.

The cost of transcribing is £96.60 per hour or £1.61 per minute, plus VAT.

After you have confirmed the court proceedings that you require to be transcribed we will send you an estimate of the cost of having this transcribed. You will be asked to confirm in writing that you will pay for the full cost of the transcription. When we receive this we will order the transcripts and your contact details will be passed onto the transcriber. You will be provided an estimated completion date.

The transcriber, Epiq Global, will contact you directly to arrange payment prior to issue of the transcript and will then issue the completed transcript.