Public opinion sought on court closure proposals
The Scottish Parliament’s justice committee has asked people for their opinions about the local impact of the potential closures, which were recommended by the Scottish Court Service as a way of saving £4 million a year in running and maintenance costs.
The plans include shutting sheriff courts in Dornoch, Duns, Kirkcudbright, Peebles, Rothesay, Cupar, Dingwall, Arbroath, Haddington and Stonehaven. Also facing closure are justice of the peace courts in Annan, Irvine, Motherwell, Cumbernauld, Portree, Stornoway and Wick.
Justice secretary Kenny MacAskill has said the money saved could be “be better spent on improving services at a smaller number of courts”.