Court / Jury trials return to island courts
AN ORDER prohibiting new jury trials in Scottish island courts has now been lifted.
An order imposed in July prohibited new jury trial business in the Scottish islands, including at Lerwick Sheriff Court, due to staffing challenges experienced by prisoner escort agency GEOAmey.
It meant that new jury trials had to be assigned to courts on the Scottish mainland.
The effects of the order on local justice caused concern across the political spectrum, and in November Lerwick’s Sheriff Ian Cruickshank expressed frustration in the courtroom about the situation.
One particular area of concern was islanders having to travel to the mainland for jury trial matters, including witnesses.
However the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service has announced that the order has been lifted as of today (13 February).
It said: “Sheriff Principal Derek Pyle, Sheriff Principal of Grampian, Highland and Islands, has published an Order of Court providing for the return of solemn proceedings to Kirkwall, Lerwick, Lochmaddy, Portree, Stornoway and Wick Sheriff Courts.”
The order confirms that jury trial business transferred from Lerwick to a mainland court, but which has not been heard yet, could return to Shetland.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.