Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court set on fire as main building forced to shut

The main Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court building has been forced to shut after a door was set on fire.

Crews spent more than two hours tackling the blaze at the court on Whytecauseway after being called just before 5am on Thursday.

Police say the fire was started deliberately.

The outside of the building has been charred but it has not been confirmed if there is any internal damage.

Police cordoned off the scene for several hours as an investigation took place.

The main building will remain closed on Friday but will reopen next week.

A spokesman for the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) said: “Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court’s main building at Whytecauseway Kirkcaldy, will remain closed on Friday February 7.

“All criminal business including trials will call in the Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court Annex building, Brycedale Avenue, Kirkcaldy.

“Accused and witnesses should attend as normal at that building.

“Civil business will proceed virtually.

“Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court main building will reopen on Monday February 10.”

An initial statement issued by police confirmed the fire was being treated as “wilful”.

It has since been confirmed an arrest has been made.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue spokeswoman said: “We were called to Whytecauseway in Kirkcaldy to reports of a fire.

“Crews from Kirkcaldy and a height appliance Dunfermline were mobilised to the scene.

“We received the stop message at 7.17am.”