Proposed revamp will make Perth Sheriff Court more accessible

Plans have been lodged for a major upgrade of Perth Sheriff Court.

A new ramp will be fitted to the front of the A-listed property to make it more accessible for visitors using wheelchairs.

The Scottish Court Service has also drawn up a series of safety features, including new, heavyweight doors to create a fireproof corridor inside.

It will run between the foyer and two courtrooms and is designed to give people extra time to escape if the building goes up in flames.

A series of improvements is also planned for court three.

An application for listed building consent has now been lodged with Perth and Kinross Council.

If approved, the proposed wheelchair ramp will run behind the court’s landmark columns and give access on to Tay Street.

At the moment, wheelchair users can enter the building via a side door on Canal Street, where they are asked to push a buzzer for help from court staff.

A temporary ramp is also used regularly.