Barriers and one-way systems put in place as north-east courts prepare to reopen safely

New social distancing and hygiene measures have been put in place in court buildings in Aberdeen and the north-east as they prepare to adapt to operating in the pandemic.

Barrier have been put up, one-way system floor markings put in place, hand-sanitiser gel points erected and seating taped off at Aberdeen Sheriff Court as the building gears up to welcome more people back through its doors.

The court has been closed to the public since the coronavirus-enforced lockdown began, with only a skeleton crew of staff and solicitors dealing with priority, mainly custody cases.

All jury trials across the whole country are also currently on hold due to the risk of spreading the virus.

Sheriff courts in Peterhead and Elgin have been closed altogether while society came to grips with the virus, but similar measures have also been put in place in those court buildings as they prepare to reopen.

Eric McQueen, chief executive of the Scottish Courts and Tribunals, said:  “To ensure the safety of all staff, judiciary and courts users, extensive risk assessments have taken place in every building, with measures now in place to ensure that strict social distancing and the highest hygiene standards are achieved.

“We ask for everyone’s co-operation to make this a reality.

“We have been working with the Sheriffs Principal to increase the scope of our business and services, with safety being our key priority.

“We are introducing staff and sheriffs to closed courts to bring as much business up to date as possible and to prepare courts for the re-introduction of business from week commencing 15 June.”

On entering Aberdeen Sheriff Court a one-way system is now in place, with floor markings and barriers showing people where to go.

Hand gel stations are also set up by the front door enabling staff and visitors to sanitise their hands on entering and leaving the building.

Yesterday more than 50 2.5 litre bottles of hand sanitiser were delivered to the building.

Rows of seats in the main corridor are now mostly taped off to ensure people do not sit closer than two metres to others, while while new signage also acts a reminder to keep your distance.

Tape is also utilised in the building’s main court, Court 1, marking off the majority of seating including the witness box and alternate rows of the public gallery, with two-metre gaps marked out.

Accused remanded in custody has been appearing via live video links from HMP Grampian, while solicitors from further afield have also appeared on video or via telephone on occasion.

Virtual summary level trials are also being piloted at Aberdeen Sheriff Court and in Inverness, with all parties including the accused, solicitor, and witnesses all appearing in a video call.