The Scottish Courts Service has announced which courts it is recommending should close following a shake-up of the system across the country.
The news follows the conclusion of a consultation process with court and justice staff, as well as members of the public, and could see changes in court procedures and closures implemented as soon as May next year.
The announcement made confirmed that several courts across Courier Country are facing closure with business transferred to other facilities.
Arbroath Sheriff Court could close with all business transferring to Forfar, Cupar Sheriff Court could also be closed with all business moving to Dundee, and Stonehaven Sheriff Court could close with all business moving to Aberdeen.
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.
Several justice of the peace courts across Scotland are also earmarked for closure following the publication of the consultation results with recommendations also made for the future of High Courts.
The proposals will go before the Scottish Parliament for final consideration.
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