Public opinion sought on court closure proposals

COMMUNITIES are being invited to share their views on proposals to close ten sheriff courts and seven justice of the peace courts in Scotland.

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”.