The threat to Forfar Sheriff Court has generated a call for the local community to lend its voice to any effort to hold on to it.
The Angus town has been highlighted as a possible closure target in a Scottish Courts Service (SCS) consultation document.
The SCS is facing major challenges as it seeks to cut costs and make court services more efficient, and talks that have already taken place between staff and the justiciary are being broadened out in the series of meetings.
Speculation that the courts in Arbroath and Forfar may be affected in any future shake-up was raised some months ago, but the coastal burgh is not earmarked for any change in the discussion paper template of how SCS thinking might translate into a new-look court structure.
Instead, it hints at the transfer of Forfar business to Dundee a prospect which has already been condemned by Angus legal figures.
Angus MP Mike Weir said: ”Although this is a devolved matter I obviously have an interest in the continuation of services within the constituency, and a connection to the courts in Angus as a former dean of the faculty.
”I know the sheriff court in Forfar very well, and have done for a very long time. There is a continuing need for court services within the area, so I would urge those carrying out the consultation to take on board the views of not only the legal profession, but also the citizens of Forfar and district as well.
”At the end of the day the courts service is looking for the most cost-effective structure possible, but that has to be balanced against the needs of the local community.”
Mr Weir continued: ”I believe services should remain as much as possible within local communities, and there should be serious consideration before they are removed.”
He added: ”I think it is also important to highlight that any decision in relation to Forfar affects not only the town but also other places, like Kirriemuir and Brechin.
”People would have to get from those areas to another court and so this has a wider relevance.
”I am satisfied that it is a consultation, it is not a final decision, and I would encourage the community not just the legal profession and others who may be more directly affected by any changes to make their views known.”
Angus North and Mearns MSP Nigel Don said: ”Having read the document (PDF link), I note that Forfar and Stonehaven courts are thought to be near enough to Dundee and Aberdeen that they could sensibly closed.
”I am certainly not comfortable with there being no court between Dundee and Aberdeen, as this could disconnect our communities from the justice process.
”I recognise that this is only the precursor to the consultation, so we still have a long way to go before a final decision is reached.”
He added: ”I welcome the fact that it gives a chance to those staff who will be affected by any changes to bring their skills and experience into the discussion, and I am sure they will want to take that opportunity.”