McArthur welcomes schedule for return of island jury trials

Responding to confirmation that the Sheriff Principal for Grampian, the Highlands and Islands has instructed for jury trials to return to Sheriff Courts in Kirkwall, Portree, Stornoway, Lochmaddy, Lerwick and Wick in spring 2024, Orkney MSP Liam McArthur has said:

“That this pause to island jury trials had to happen at all is deeply regrettable, and the wait for the return of trials to Kirkwall Sheriff Court is still longer than ideal. There is no doubt that this interruption to local court services will have restricted access to justice for people in Orkney and across the affected island jurisdictions.

“Nonetheless, this clarity on the schedule for their return is certainly welcome, and I look forward to the eventual recommencement of jury trials in Kirkwall. I also welcome confirmation from the Sheriff Principal that he will be closely monitoring these new arrangements once in place.

"In the meantime, I will be seeking further assurances from the Justice Secretary on the steps being taken by the Courts Service and GEOAmey to improve the resilience of island court services and prevent similar issues arising in the future.”