Around 70 protesters gathered outside the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday to voice their disgust at the planned court closures.
Cupar solicitor Douglas Williams said the proposals, put forward by the Scottish Courts Service and approved by justice secretary Kenny MacAskill, would not save money locally and would pose problems for sheriffs.
The Scottish Court Service wants to close 10 sheriff court buildings, including Cupar, Arbroath and Stonehaven.
Mr Williams said: “Rural cases will be presided over by sheriffs used to dealing with Dundee district. I would not be at all surprised if it cost in excess of £250,000 for the move from Cupar to Dundee.”
Arbroath West and Letham councillor David Fairweather said: “I believe this is going to cost money, not save money.
“I believe there will be people who won’t be able to afford to go through to Forfar, so you will get police and sheriffs issuing warrants for arrests.”
