A public meeting is to be held to debate the closure of Arbroath Sheriff Court.
Solicitor Nick Whelan, who has campaigned against the move, will lead the meeting in the town on May 17. Mr Whelan will give a presentation outlining reasons to keep the building open before opening the floor to MSPs and the public.
The Scottish Courts Service (SCS) announced its intention to close Arbroath in favour of renovating Forfar Sheriff Court last month.
The final decision rests with the justice committee at the Scottish Parliament, who will discuss the matter on May 21. Mr Whelan said shutting Arbroath would be tantamount to cutting local people off from the justice system.
“Since the proposals were announced by the SCS I have been inundated by local residents and business people from Arbroath raising their concerns at the prospect of Arbroath Sheriff Court closing and the impact this will have on the delivery of justice locally.”
North East Conservative MSP Alex Johnstone, who has put up funding for the event, said it was vital the issue be properly debated at a local level.
“I have now met a number of solicitors from across the North East who are concerned about the possible impact that these proposals may have, and I believe it is important that members of the public get the opportunity to hear these concerns first hand.
“That is why I feel that this public meeting will provide a platform where members of the public, representatives from the legal profession and MSPs can discuss these concerns fully.”
The SCS estimate their proposed closures could save £1.3 million annually and provide one-off initial saving of £3m. The reforms would see the closure of 10 of the existing 49 sheriff courts in Scotland, including nine co-located justice of the peace courts.
SNP member for Angus South, Graeme Dey, said: “As the local MSP for Arbroath I have been engaged in the issue of Angus Courts and the proposed closure of one of these since last August.
“That engagement has involved listening to the views of everyone who would have a possible interest in the planned closure of Arbroath.
“Therefore I am happy to attend such a public meeting although I have to say that over the past eight months only three members of the public have raised the matter with me.”
North East Lib Dem MSP Alison McInnes said the closure proposal was concerning and that justice is best served when it is delivered locally.
She added: “These proposals will have an impact on the ease of access to justice local victims, witnesses and solicitors as well as the accused will find themselves travelling further to attend court.
“It is also likely to add to court delays as the combined business of Forfar and Arbroath totals more than the available sitting days for the court in Forfar.
“The public meeting will provide an opportunity to explore in detail the concerns of the local community.”
The meeting to discuss Arbroath’s closures will be held at 6pm in Old and Abbey Church Hall. A meeting to discuss the closure of Stonehaven Sheriff Court is to be held on Monday.