NEWS
Read our latest news including judicial speeches, consultations and consultation responses.
Published speeches reflect the individual judicial office holder's personal views, unless otherwise stated.
New sheriffs and summary sheriffs appointed
Aug 13, 2021
Her Majesty the Queen has appointed eighteen sheriffs and fourteen summary sheriffs.
Lord Matthews appointed to Court of Session
Jul 20, 2021
Lord Matthews has been appointed to the Second Division of the Court of Session, effective from 1 August 2021.
New temporary judges appointed
Jul 19, 2021
To assist with jury trials in the High Court, eight sheriffs have been appointed by the Scottish Ministers to act as temporary judges from 1 August 2021.
The death of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh
Apr 9, 2021
The Lord President, Lord Carloway, has today sent condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth on behalf of the judiciary in Scotland. Guidance will follow on any alterations to court and tribunal business during this period.
Cross justice conference
Apr 1, 2021
A cross-justice conference held this week brought together prosecutors and defence lawyers in a bid to improve the way summary criminal cases are handled in Scottish courts.
New specialist Court recommended
Mar 17, 2021
A cross-justice Review Group has recommended that a new, national specialist Court with trauma-informed procedures be created to deal with serious sexual offence cases.
Civil Business post COVID Conference 10 May 2021
Mar 17, 2021
A virtual conference is to provide a forum for discussion amongst interested parties about how civil business might be conducted once the pandemic is over.
Update: Amalgamated Briefing Paper, Restarting Solemn Jury Trials
Mar 16, 2021
Practitioners may wish to note the following changes to the Amalgamated Briefing Paper on Restarting Solemn Trials.
Appointment of Queen's Counsel 2021
Mar 12, 2021
The Lord Justice General invites applications by advocates and solicitor advocates seeking recommendation for appointment as Queen’s Counsel in Scotland.
Scottish Tribunals Annual Report
Mar 5, 2021
The Lord President has today published the President of Scottish Tribunals’ third Annual Report.
New sheriff appointed
Feb 26, 2021
Bruce Erroch, QC, has been appointed to the office of sheriff in the Sheriffdom of North Strathclyde, based at Paisley Sheriff Court and will take up office on 1 May.
Judicial Attitude Survey published
Feb 25, 2021
The Judicial Office has today published the Judicial Attitude Survey Scotland (JAS) 2020.
Preliminary Hearings Bench Book updated
Feb 23, 2021
Practitioners may wish to note that the Preliminary Hearings Bench Book has been updated.
Civil Business post COVID – Conference
Feb 23, 2021
A virtual conference is to provide a forum for discussion about how civil business might be conducted post pandemic.
Three new senators installed
Feb 22, 2021
Three new Senators of the College of Justice were today installed at physically distanced ceremonies held in Parliament House.
New employment judge appointed
Feb 22, 2021
Melanie Sangster has been appointed by the Lord President, Lord Carloway, to the panel of judges of Employment Tribunals (Scotland).
New SSDG initiative
Feb 9, 2021
A cross-justice initiative in South Strathclyde, Dumfries and Galloway (SSDG) is helping to improve court safety and efficiency.
Three new Senators of the College of Justice appointed
Feb 4, 2021
Her Majesty the Queen, on the recommendation of the First Minister, has appointed Shona Haldane QC, Martin Richardson QC and Craig Sandison QC as Senators of the College of Justice.
Restarting Solemn Trials paper updated
Jan 21, 2021
The Amalgamated briefing paper on Restarting Solemn Trials has been updated.
Message from the Lord President to all court users
Jan 5, 2021
The Lord President has recorded a message urging all court users to follow the COVID-19 safety guidance and procedures in place within court buildings.