Fears for the future of Forfar Sheriff Court are emerging now the demise of 10 other Scottish sites has been sealed.
Scottish Conservative MSP Dr Nanette Milne has written to Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill seeking a guarantee that the Angus building will not follow Arbroath, Cupar and Stonehaven into the cross hairs.
She said there are “real concerns” the court could follow others into closure if SNP plans to create large justice centres go ahead.
However, the Scottish Courts Service (SCS) has said Forfar is not within four areas identified as suitable for the massive new developments.
“The closure of Arbroath and Stonehaven sheriff courts by the SNP represents a major blow to justice being delivered to communities in Angus and Kincardine,” Dr Milne said.
She added: “This is a damaging move by the SNP Scottish Government, and one that will be felt across the country.
“The Justice Secretary is forging ahead with these unpopular proposals despite opposition from communities and even some of his fellow MSPs.
“This move will force victims and witnesses of crime to travel further and could lead to trials being delayed.”
Dr Milne added: “It will also result in the remaining courts having to deal with more than an extra 10,000 cases every year.
“Real concerns have been expressed following the comments by the chief executive of the Scottish Courts Service (SCS) Eric McQueen that after the establishment of the proposed ‘justice centres’ further consideration might be given to closing more courts.”
Mr McQueen said the consultation on court closures had made it clear from the outset that justice centres would be an “integral part of a longer term vision” in the Borders, Fife, Lanarkshire and Highland areas and would “complement the existing high quality courts” in Scotland’s cities.
He said: “Developing these ideas and identifying specific locations will require a feasibility assessment, engagement with a wider range of stakeholders and of course significant future investment.
“Forfar is not within the four areas we have identified. Our current recommendations, while being consistent with our longer term vision, are designed to deliver more immediate change that will allow us to continue to improve
services to court users through a smaller number of buildings.”
On Tuesday, Holyrood’s justice committee voted narrowly to follow the SCS closure recommendations.
Mr MacAskill said: “These changes will help the SCS save an estimated £1m in running costs and £3m in maintenance costs every year, money which can be better spent on improving services and facilities at other courts.
“While appreciating the concerns raised by those who have fought to retain their local court, the fragmented and outdated court system we inherited where many smaller courts are not fit for purpose and are under-used meant that the status quo was no longer sustainable.”