Save Haddington Sheriff Court

The Scottish Courts Service is proposing to close Haddington Sheriff Court and transfer business to Edinburgh.

East Lothian Greens are concerned that this will reduce access to justice in our mainly rural county.

The local court closure will be particularly hard on women involved in sensitive and upsetting court cases against their partners.

The closure proposal must take into account the additional distances to be travelled and the additional costs.

There is also the potential for women involved in court cases having to share public transport with other witnesses.

Legal firms base themselves near courts so we expect a reduction in access to suitable solicitors for civil cases.

The Scottish Court Service consultation closes next Friday (21 Dec) and we've submitted our response. We would encourage you to add your views via the Save Haddington Sheriff Court website.