Summer 2018 target date for Inverness Justice Centre

A new Justice Centre in Inverness is expected to open in the summer of 2018, following confirmation of the necessary funding from the Scottish Government.

Funding provision was included in the Scottish Budget announced in the autumn and has now been confirmed by Justice Secretary Michael Matheson, along with the construction timetable. Design work is already in progress.

Sited next to the Police Scotland offices, the new centre at Burnett Road will replace the present sheriff court in Inverness Castle, which it is hoped to develop to become a tourist attraction. Subject to planning consent, construction will begin in late 2016.

The centre will be modelled on the complex built in Livingston, which houses police, prosecution and social work services as well as the court facilities.

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said on announcing the funding: “Working with SCTS [Scottish Courts & Tribunals Service] and sharing space with other justice partners means the people of Inverness and the wider Highlands will have access to updated facilities and coordinated support throughout their experience with the justice system.

“We know this is a model which works, as we have already seen in Livingston which has been hugely successful, and I look forward to seeing this new facility when it is up and running and providing benefits for the communities across Highland and beyond.”

Sheriff Principal Derek Pyle commented: “We have an exciting opportunity to create a pioneering, state-of-the-art justice centre, which will house justice partners and third sector organisations in the same building.

“It will deliver a range of services for offenders, providing the environment for problem solving approaches to help reduce reoffending, and offer specialist facilities, support and advice for victims and witnesses of domestic abuse, sexual violence and child abuse.”

Eric McQueen, chief executive of SCTS added: “We have held meetings with all potential stakeholders and the hard work starts now to bring together everyone’s requirements into a final design. It is a very exciting opportunity and will require a great deal of commitment from everyone involved in the project.”