A new law that brings about the biggest shake-up in the Scottish courts system in a generation has received Royal Assent.
The Court Reform Act contains recommendations made by Lord Gill as part of his civil courts review in which he described their operation as “slow, inefficient and expensive”.
The reforms include allowing sheriff courts to deal with civil cases involving claims of up to £100,000 to free up the Court of Session, and the establishment of a sheriff appeal court.
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said: “I am delighted that this government’s Court Reform Bill has become enshrined in law and has today received Royal Assent.
“Our courts have remained relatively unchanged for decades but this new legislation will bring about the most important change for Scottish courts for more than a generation.
“This is a hugely important step forward in making Scotland’s civil justice system more accessible, affordable and efficient for those people who need to resolve civil disputes.”
Lord Gill, Lord President of the Court of Session, said the process of implementing the reforms will now begin.
“These reforms will safeguard the integrity of Scots law by creating an efficient court structure,” he said.
“Every case will be heard by the appropriate court. The system will be accessible and cost effective for the litigant.”