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The Scottish Courts and Tribunals are taking part in Doors Open Days this September. These events give people the chance to explore our buildings and take a peek at some areas usually under restricted access. Visitors can also learn about the history of the buildings and take part in various activities.
The High Court of Justiciary in Glasgow is situated in the Saltmarket facing the McLennan Arch at the entrance to Glasgow Green.
Jail Square, as it was then known, was completed a year after the death of its architect William Stark in 1813. The original courthouse is fronted by the first 'pure' Doric portico in Scotland. This was retained when the building was completely rebuilt during 1910-1913, by JH Craigie.
Behind the Greek portico, which is historically accurate, is an atrium leading to two full height courtrooms.
A new extension with four additional courtrooms was constructed in 1997 behind the original building and is now the main entrance to the court house complex, located on Mart Street, just off Saltmarket. It was carefully designed to be of similar height to the old building and was constructed with matching coloured sandstone.
The provision of this extra accommodation allowed a full refurbishment of the original courthouse to go ahead in 1999-2000. A seventh courtroom was added beneath the original North and South complex circa 2007 and eighth and ninth courtrooms were added circa 2016.
Tours and children's activities
Saturday 19 September 2026
10:00 to 16:00
Ongoing
30 to 40 minutes
15:30
1 Mart Street
Glasgow
G1 5JT
Parliament House in Edinburgh is a historic complex that serves as the home of Scotland's Supreme Courts located off the Royal Mile. The complex includes the original 17th-century Parliament Hall, where the Parliament of Scotland met before the 1707 Act of Union.
Building tours
Re-enactment of a court trial
Kids Activities
Ceremonial court and cell area open for viewing
Faculty of Advocates Library tours
SCTS Recruitment Team and our justice partners will be present to answer questions
Scottish Sentencing Council will be inviting visitors to learn more about their work
26 September 2026
10:00 to 16:00
Every 30 minutes
Building tours - 45 mins
Faculty of Advocates Library tours - 30 mins
Building tours - TBC
Faculty of Advocates Library tours - 15:30
Parliament House
Parliament Square
Edinburgh
EH1 1RQ