SCTS announces new Glasgow Tribunals Centre

The Scottish Courts & Tribunals Service (SCTS) has announced plans for a new Tribunals Centre in Glasgow.

Work with HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) to rationalise accommodation in Glasgow has led to the new centre, located at 3 Atlantic Quay. It will offer 34 hearing rooms for cases, along with excellent facilities for users, and specific support for young users with additional support needs. It will also provide facilities for vulnerable witnesses to give evidence to both Glasgow Sheriff Court and the High Court.

During 2018, the SCTS-supported Housing & Property and Health & Education Tribunal Chambers will move into the new centre. The HMCTS-operated social security tribunal will move at a similar time, with other HMCTS tribunal services to follow at a later date.

SCTS is making preparations for the future transfer of the UK reserved tribunals operations in Scotland, currently provided by HMCTS.

Lady Smith, President of Scottish Tribunals commented: “The creation of the new Tribunals Centre in Glasgow is the latest important development in the evolution of the Scottish Tribunals. The premises will act as a hub for tribunals supported by SCTS, providing a range of modern facilities and services for tribunals users. They will also offer a separate, appropriately designed space, for vulnerable witnesses and users, including for witnesses providing evidence for sheriff and High Court cases in Glasgow. This co-located approach to provision for the tribunals should be regarded as a flagship for the administration of justice in Scotland in the 21st century.”

Eric McQueen, chief executive of SCTS, added: "This has been an exciting opportunity with SCTS and HMCTS working together to create a bespoke tribunals centre, improving the services we provide for tribunals, while reducing costs. It also provides an early opportunity to bring together SCTS and HMCTS staff to prepare for forthcoming tribunal reforms.”