The closure of Arbroath, Cupar and Stonehaven sheriff courts has today been rubber stamped by MSPs.
Members of the Scottish Government’s Justice Committee including North East Fife representative Rod Campbell whose constituency includes Cupar voted against a last-minute bid to reject the Scottish Government bill.
Ten sheriff courts across Scotland will now shut, alongside 16 justice of the peace courts, after Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill backed Scottish Court Service recommendations.
During an evidence session to the committee, Mr Campbell expressed reservations about closing Cupar and said he thought the economic impact of the plans had been “underestimated”.
However, he voted down an annulment order put forward by Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat opposition members, which would have pushed the plans to a full debate at Holyrood.
All Arbroath Sheriff Court business will transfer to Forfar, Cupar’s hearings will now take place in Dundee and Stonehaven Sheriff Court will see all its business move to Aberdeen.
For full reaction to today’s decision, see Wednesday’s Courier or or try our digital edition.
