Labour challenges SNP’s plan to close sheriff courts

OPPOSITION MSPs have mounted a challenge to plans to close courts across Scotland as Labour accused justice secretary Kenny MacAskill of “ignoring” local communities.

Labour’s spokesman Lewis Macdonald hit out at the Scottish Government after Parliamentary Orders to close ten sheriff courts and seven justice of the peace courts were tabled at Holyrood.

The Labour justice spokeman said he was putting forward motions to annul the orders, backed by Liberal Democrat justice spokeswoman Alison McInnes. The Scottish Court Service has already recommended the closures, which could help save 
£4 million a year in costs.

Mr MacAskill said last month the money could “be better spent on improving services and facilities at a smaller number of courts”.

Earmarked for closure are sheriff courts in Dornoch, Duns, Kirkcudbright, Peebles, Rothesay, Cupar, Dingwall, Arbroath, Haddington and Stonehaven. Justice of the peace courts in Annan, Irvine, Motherwell, Cumbernauld, Portree, Stornoway and Wick also face closure.