Lawyers have criticised Aberdeen’s new civil court building with concerns over lack of privacy and security for solicitors and their clients.
The Aberdeen Civil Justice and Commercial Court in Queen Street was officially opened last month by Scotland’s highest judge, the Lord President Lord Gill, as part of major reforms to the court estate.
But a lack of space where lawyers and clients can wait for a case to be called or meet privately has been raised as an issue, particularly given the court deals with a large volume of family disputes.
The front waiting area this week could be seen crammed with robed lawyers and their clients waiting for cases to be called.
Police were summoned to the court after a dispute broke out between parties involved in a family case, one Aberdeen lawyer claimed.
The solicitor, who did not want to be named, added: “These family cases are often of the most sensitive kind. There is just not enough room where people can wait until there case is called.
“There is no security here either. At the sheriff court, you would wait in the atrium and there would be police stationed around the building. You don’t have that here.”
Robert D Sutherland, an Edinburgh-based advocate, raised his concerns over the new court following a recent visit to the city.
He said: “I would say the facilities are poor.
“This was going to be a state-of-the-art civil and commercial court building but I really don’t think it can be described as that.
“The court office itself is in a public area where people are paying fines and dealing with matters. It is all being conducted in a small area and there is no aspect of privacy.”
He also raised issues regarding disabled access, with wheelchair access limited to the courts on the upper floors.
The Scottish Court Service said work would continue on making the building fully accessible.
A spokesman added that the new building, which will help cope with increased business since the closure of Stonehaven Sheriff Court, will speed up the delivery of justice in the north east.
Improved technology will allow litigants and witnesses to participate by video or telephone, with potential to reduce unnecessary delay and expense to parties.
A spokesman for Scottishsaid: “The centre has three court rooms well supported with technology to deal effectively with civil proceedings away from the criminal courts.
“There are four interview rooms where lawyers are encouraged to speak with their clients, and a room specifically for agents to change into their gowns.
“If lawyers or court users have any concerns about the facilities then we would encourage them to raise those directly with staff.
“There is a Police presence in the civil complex to ensure the safety of those attending or participating in court proceedings.”