Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch has welcomed the news that the Scottish Courts Service are to begin the initial feasibility work to explore establishing a new purpose built Justice Centre to replace the courts at Inverness Castle and Dingwall.

In a written response to Mr Thompson’s proposal to establish a new justice centre at Dingwall, Eric McQueen the Chief Executive of the Scottish Courts Service stated that “a purpose built Justice Centre, either in Inverness or close proximity, has many attractions”.

Dave said: “I am pleased with the positive response from the Scottish Courts Service which shows that some consideration has been given to the idea of a new Justice Centre in the Highlands.

“Mr McQueen also confirmed that Inverness would continue to be a potential venue for the High Court circuit in the interim, which is very welcome.

“I intend to continue to make the case for this centre to be located in Dingwall as there is more available and affordable land, and the area would benefit more from the economic boost as a result of the development. Inverness would also gain as the iconic Castle would be freed up for use as a tourist attraction. I believe that the recent comments from Brigadier Hugh Monro, Chief Inspector of Prisons, who agreed that there would be advantages for a new prison to be co-located with the justice centre and that Dingwall ought to be considered, strengthens the case considerably.

“The approval from the Cabinet Secretary for Justice this week and now the extremely positive comments from Chief Executive of the Scottish Courts Service, along with Brigadier Monro’s comments are very encouraging, and I look forward to the start of the feasibility work later in the year."

Note:

Below is Dave’s letter to Mr McQueen.

Dear Mr McQueen,

High Court Sittings and Justice Centres

Thank you for your letter dated 8th May which we received on the 10th, on the proposal for a Justice Centre at Dingwall. I welcome your positive comments on Justice Centres and the news that the initial feasibility work will commence this year for a purpose built Justice Centre to replace Inverness Castle. I am also happy that Inverness will remain a potential venue for High Court actions in the interim.

Given that the Scottish Courts Service and Highland Council are to look at the possibility of a new Justice Centre being built, I would suggest that the new court should be designed to meet the standards required so that serious crimes in the north could be heard there. Such a new centre would then be a viable secondary venue for the High Court.

Yours sincerely,

Dave Thompson MSP

Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch