Sheriff court’s fate will be known within months

CAMPAIGNERS fighting the closure of Haddington Sheriff Court should know its fate by April.

The Scottish Court Service said a report on proposals for the future of the East Lothian-based magistrates should be published within three months. This follows a public consultation into the proposed closure of 11 sheriff courts to cut costs.

An SCS spokesman said: “We anticipate publishing a report in April setting out the SCS response to the consultation and firm proposals for future court structures.

“The decision on any resulting court closures would be a matter for the Scottish Parliament and would require the Cabinet Secretary for Justice to bring forward subordinate legislation. Should the cabinet secretary agree with any proposal for court closures it is likely that the necessary orders would be laid before the summer recess.”