Fears were expressed that access to local justice will be denied after the announcement the Scottish Court Service is pressing ahead with its proposals to close Cupar, Arbroath and Stonehaven sheriff courts.
The SCS published its report and recommendations on Shaping Scotland’s Court Services after its consideration of responses received from public consultation.
The report has recommended the closure of 10 sheriff courts and seven justice of the peace courts across Scotland.
Subject to Scottish Parliament approval, the closures in Fife and Angus will take place in May next year, with Cupar court business transferred to Dundee, Arbroath business transferred to Forfar and Stonehaven business transferred to Aberdeen.
Alloa Sheriff Court, which had been earmarked for closure, has had a stay of execution, however.
Until such time as additional capacity can be provided in Stirling or Falkirk, either by a reduction in business or creation of additional courtroom space, the SCS will keep Alloa open.
Meanwhile, it is also recommended that the High Court should sit in the three dedicated centres of Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen.
Any additional sitting capacity required should be in designated sheriff courts namely Greenock, Paisley, Dumbarton, Livingston and Dunfermline.
Progressive changes introduced over the next 10 years will also see the creation of a “sheriff centred model for sheriff and jury business” across the country with only specific courts hearing routine actions, making them centres of specialism or sheriff centred courts in the civil, administrative and miscellaneous jurisdiction of the sheriff.
In Courier Country, this would mean that sheriff and jury business should routinely be held only in Dundee, Perth and Dunfermline. However, it means sheriff and jury trials could cease at Kirkcaldy.
The news of Cupar’s proposed closure was described as a “sad day for Cupar and a sad day for Fife” by SNP councillor for Cupar Karen Marjoram.
Fife Liberal Democrat MSP Willie Rennie said: “There are clear advantages to maintaining an effective local service and SNP ministers need to think again before implementing these recommendations.
“The ball is now firmly in the SNP’s court. Scottish Government Ministers have the power to save these services.”
North-East Fife MP Sir Menzies Campbell said: “This is a profoundly disappointing decision with very substantial knock-on effects for the people of North-East Fife.
“Police, solicitors, but particularly jurors and members of the public, will all be inconvenienced by this decision which may well have an impact on viability of a number of legal firms operating in Cupar.”
Scottish Labour MSP Jenny Marra said:“The announcement today will be a substantial blow to the towns affected by these closures brought about by the SNP.”
Arbroath councillor David Fairweather said the closure of Arbroath would have a minimal economic impact.
He added: “There has always been complaints about the type of people who congregate outside the court. People will still needs solicitors and they are not going to go anywhere else.”
North East MSP Alex Johnstone said: “I have been working with the local solicitors in Arbroath and Stonehaven for months now to demonstrate the need to keep these courts open. It is deeply disappointing that the SNP Scottish Government have chosen to ignore the expert opinions of the legal profession in making this decision.
“The fight is not yet over however, and it will now come before the Scottish Parliament.”
Mike Weir MP said: “I am disappointed that Arbroath Sheriff Court is to close.
“I argued for, and continue to believe, that the present structure of the courts in Arbroath and Forfar serves Angus well.
“The closure of Arbroath will impact upon the town but also on those who have to travel from Montrose to court in Forfar.”