Inverness to be given new justice centre

A new justice centre serving the Highlands, located in Inverness, is set to be built over the next three years after funding provision was included in the Scottish Budget announced yesterday.

The Inverness Justice Centre will replace the existing sheriff court in Inverness Castle and bring together justice and other bodies, providing a hub for justice technology and offering a range of digital and other justice services. These will include services for offenders as well as specialist facilities and support for victims and witnesses of domestic abuse, sexual violence and child abuse.

The development will free up the castle building for development as a tourist attraction for the Highlands.

Design of the new centre is now underway with a projected completion date of three years.

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson commented: “I am delighted that, with the development of the new Inverness Justice Centre, we are providing facilities that will enable us to deliver a truly 21st century service. By working with the Scottish Courts & Tribunals Service to create a justice centre and co-locating the court with other justice partners, the people of Inverness and the wider Highlands have access to modern facilities and co-ordinated support and service from the relevant organisations.

“We know this is a development that works – a similar example in Livingston has been hugely successful – and I look forward to the positive impact this will have for our communities across the Highland and beyond.”