Inverness justice centre wins planning consent

Construction of the Inverness justice centre is scheduled to begin in November, after Highland Council approved updated plans proposed by Scottish Courts & Tribunals Service.

The centre, which will offer a range of digital and other justice services covering the Highlands, will be built on the site of a former bus depot on Longman Road, adjacent to the police headquarters in Inverness. Contractor Robertson Northern Ltd is due to complete the main building works in 2019. 

SCTS said the updated design was more efficient in the use of accommodation and provided an attractive public space, along with improved access. 

Some concerns have been expressed about ensuring separation of accused and witnesses coming to the new court, including where they would use a nearby underpass.

Chief executive Eric McQueen commented: “Rather than simply a replacement sheriff court building, the justice centre will play a pivotal role in changing victims’, witnesses’ and offenders’ experience of the justice system, while providing high quality secure criminal courts, and flexible accommodation for our civil courts and tribunal users.

“By bringing together the right organisations, we can all focus on problem-solving approaches to reduce reoffending and increase the opportunity for community sentencing, while providing the facilities and technology to remove the need for children to appear in court and in the longer term, digital case management for summary crime.”

Inverness Castle, which currently houses the sheriff court, will be transferred to Highland Council ownership for development into a major tourism attraction.