Local people have backed a campaign by Liberal Democrats calling on the Scottish Government not to close Stonehaven’s courts. 

Leaflets have been delivered to thousands of homes in Stonehaven, Portlethen and Newtonhill by party supporters setting out the case and explaining what process the SNP government must follow to close the courts and transfer the business to Aberdeen. 

Stonehaven Liberal Democrat councillor Peter Bellarby said: “We are very worried about what closing Stonehaven’s courts would mean for justice in the North East.  The courts in Aberdeen are already full to capacity.  We already see cases being moved from Aberdeen to Stonehaven because there simply isn’t time for the sheriffs in Aberdeen to fit in all the court’s business.  Closing Stonehaven would simply mean more delays in cases coming to trial. 

“Even if Aberdeen had the capacity to take on the work done in Stonehaven, the fact is that moving cases there would be a major inconvenience for people who have to attend court – jurors, witnesses, and of course the victims of crime as well.   

“The public meeting in Stonehaven showed just how strongly people feel about their local court.  It’s clear that the people are against closing down Stonehaven’s courts.  Now we have to convince the SNP Government.”

North Kincardine Liberal Democrat councillor Ian Mollison added: “Our justice spokesperson and North East MSP Alison McInnes will be leading moves to vote against the closure when it’s debated at parliament.  

“We hope local people will get in touch with other members of the Scottish Parliament’s Justice Committee.  They’ll be the first ones to have the chance to vote on the government’s orders.  Their contact details are on the committee’s webpage – www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/CurrentCommittees/29845.aspx      

“Residents can also contact their other local MSPs to ask them to vote to protect Stonehaven’s courts. Their names and contact details can be found on the Scottish Parliament website at www.scottish.parliament.uk/msps/NorthEastScotland.aspx 

“The plans to close Stonehaven’s courts – and other local courts around the country – risk doing real damage to the way justice is delivered in Scotland.”