Justice will be diluted if a north-east court is not used to host jury trials, a group which represents solicitors has warned.
The Aberdeen Bar Association (ABA) spoke out after the Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service (SCTS) announced that Peterhead Sheriff Court would no longer be used for more serious cases.
Instead, all trials involving the calling of jurors will be held in Aberdeen.
Solicitors have raised fears that a backlog of cases will result in trials being delayed.
And now the Association has accused the SCTS of “diluting” local justice for the sake of saving money.
Liam Mcallister, the group’s president, called for the Scottish Government to provide “proper funding” to the country’s courts.
He said: “The court service as a whole needs proper funding and resources and this is just another example of cost cutting from the government.
“It’s diluting local justice within the community.”
Asked about the plea for more money, a Scottish Government spokesman said: “The operation of the courts and the efficient disposal of business in sheriff courts are matters for the SCTS and the local sheriffs principal.
“The SCTS has made clear that the movement of jury trials is part of wider changes to improve specialisation and ensure Scotland has a modern court structure fit for the 21st century.”
A spokesman for the SCTS said the court at Peterhead will continue to be used for matters not involving jurors, including civil cases.
Only in exceptional circumstances will the court in Peterhead be re-enlisted to host a jury.
The SCTS has said the case would need to be of “particular local interest” or “where the interests of justice require the local court”.
“This decision was reached after consultation with the Sheriffs and the Crown,” it added.
North-east MSP Lewis Macdonald has said the move will create fear locally that “it is the first step towards closure”.
The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service has asked us to clarify that Peterhead Sheriff Court will not be phased out.
Sheriff-only trials, summary criminal matters and civil cases will continue at Peterhead.
