Opposition MSPs have mounted a challenge to plans to close courts across Scotland as Labour accused Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill of “ignoring” local communities.
Labour’s spokesman Lewis Macdonald hit out at the Scottish Government after Parliamentary Orders to close 10 sheriff courts and seven justice of the peace courts were tabled at Holyrood.
The Labour justice spokeman said he was putting forward motions to annul the orders, backed by Liberal Democrat justice spokeswoman Alison McInnes.
The Scottish Court Service has already recommended the closures, which could help save £4 million a year in running and maintenance costs.
Earmarked for closure are sheriff courts in Duns, Dornoch, Kirkcudbright, Peebles, Rothesay, Cupar, Dingwall, Haddington, Arbroath and Stonehaven, with their business transferred to nearby locations.
Justice of the peace courts in Annan, Irvine, Motherwell, Cumbernauld, Portree, Stornoway and Wick also face being closed down.
Mr Macdonald said: “Kenny MacAskill is ignoring the views of local communities on court closures and the arguments made against those closures by MSPs of all parties last month.
