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Scottish Courts Service accused of jumping the gun on closures

Arbroath solicitor Nick Whelan is angry at the revelation.
Arbroath solicitor Nick Whelan is angry at the revelation.

The Scottish Courts Service is standing accused of jumping the gun on court closures after it was revealed an extension to Forfar is already being sized up.

Angus Council has confirmed they have already been “invited” to look at selling the annexe building at Forfar Sheriff Court to the SCS despite the closure of Arbroath Sheriff Court, and nine others across Scotland, still hanging in the balance.

The revelation has angered a number of solicitors and MSPs who have accused the body of progressing with plans before the issue has been properly debated by Holyrood’s justice committee on May 21.

The SCS say the inquiry was part of a feasibility plan looking at “a range of options” to determine a “long-term vision” for court services.

North East MSP Alex Johnstone said: “The Scottish Government continue to ride roughshod over the concerns expressed by the legal profession and local businesses who have argued passionately against the closure of Arbroath Sheriff Court.

“Campaigners were told that the decision to close these courts would come before the Scottish Parliament first, so it smacks of breathtaking arrogance to look at acquiring more property to facilitate these closures before MSPs have even had a chance to oppose them.”

Angus Council declined to state the date on which they were invited to consider selling the annexe. Angus and Mearns MSP Nigel Don backed the SCS request as forward planning.

He said: “Wherever our courts are to be based, I think it is important that staff and witnesses have adequate room, and it is also helpful if local authority services such as social work can be accommodated close by.”

If the annexe acquisition goes ahead, Angus Community Safety Partnership would be shifted from its base there.

Arbroath solicitor Nick Whelan said he is “astonished” negotiations are under way when the Holyrood justice committee has called for further evidence.

“Clearly, Forfar is not fit for purpose which is why they are going to have to spend around £1.3 million in backdated maintenance costs and other costs associated with making it fit for purpose, as opposed to around £100,000 in Arbroath,” he said.

A council spokesperson confirmed an exercise to investigate the viability of the annexe sale will be completed by July.