Message from the Sheriff Principal re taking of evidence of a vulnerable witness by a Commissioner in the Sheriff Court (Criminal Courts Practice Note No. 1 of 2026) - The Vulnerable Witnesses (Criminal Evidence) (Scotland) Act 2019 (section 1) introduced a statutory presumption for the pre-recording of evidence of certain specified types of vulnerable witnesses in advance of trial. It was to be introduced in phases. The presumption was to be extended to child complainers and witnesses...

We are delighted to highlight the reciprocal agreement between three of Scotland’s most respected legal institutions: The Royal Faculty of Procurators in Glasgow The SSC Society Library in Edinburgh The Society of Advocates in Aberdeen This agreement represents a meaningful step forward in enhancing the value of membership across all three organisations. A Shared Commitment to Members Under this arrangement, members of each institution can enjoy reading rights and access to library facilities...

Message Received from Sheriff Principal Anwar re Summary Case Management - I write to advise you of changes to the case management hearing/continued without plea courts. These measures are designed to address “churn”. The number of continued hearings is resulting in overloaded courts which both affects the time available for case management discussions and leads to delays in these courts for all those involved. Changes to CMH/CWP courts & In-court surgery With effect from 7 April: ...