Airdrie JP court building opens next week

Airdrie Justice of the Peace Court will open for business at its new premises next Monday, 10 June 2019.

The court is being relocated from the current premises in Coatbridge, following a public consultation last year, to a new court located directly opposite the existing Airdrie Sheriff Court. The Coatbridge court will close on Friday 7 June.

It is intended to provide a safe, secure and accessible environment, with the added benefit of making it easier for court users to operate between the two courts.

Ian Abercrombie QC, Sheriff Principal of South Strathclyde, Dumfries & Galloway, who will open the court, said: “This new facility, which incorporates a vulnerable witness suite and high tech prison to court video link, will enhance the administration of justice locally and provide a modern, bespoke court fit for the 21st century.”

Scottish Courts & Tribunals Service chief executive Eric McQueen added: “We have been keen for some time to co-locate the justice of the peace court with the sheriff court in Airdrie and our proposal was welcomed during the consultation as having a positive effect on the administration of justice. This new court will improve facilities for all court users, with a modern courtroom environment and an additional vulnerable witness suite.”