Gunning for justice in Selkirk

Graham Ford • Published 10 Jan 2012 09:30 0 Comments

SELKIRK Councillor Kenny Gunn is calling for political differences to be put to one side in an effort to fight proposals to close Selkirk Court.

The future of the Sheriff Court was thrown into doubt following the announcement of a review by the Justice Committee of the Scottish Parliament which indicated that 15 of Scotland's 49 sheriff courts were under threat of closure."

Councillor Gunn is now putting a motion before Scottish Borders Council at their meeting on January 26 which has been backed by his Selkirk colleague Carolyn Riddell-Carre (Conservative).

Speaking to the Border Telegraph, Councillor Gunn said: "This is a battle that needs to be won. We have a long history of justice being administered in the Scottish Borders. This is the cheapest option, and it is the best option. I was shocked when I heard the proposals, I had to ask myself if they could really be serious about such an idea. Courts in Edinburgh are already overstretched and this idea would only make things worse."

He added: "I believe by putting this motion before Scottish Borders Council we can deliver the strongest possible message to the Justice Committee from the local population and the locally elected representatives that this is a step too far. We really have to have our justice administered locally."

Councillor Gunn has called on elected members from across all parties to fight any threat of any court closures. He has also indicated that the campaign to fight any closures is only in its infancy. Petitions and public appeals will follow in due course if any moves towards closure are allowed to progress.

Selkirk Sheriff Court has met in the Royal Burgh for many years and among the former Sheriffs was Sir Walter Scott who met in the purpose built courthouse in Market Place. As the work load increased throughout the last century the court proceedings moved to the present larger building in Ettrick Terrace, with the old Selkirk jail across the A7. The court covers a population of over 40,000 in the central Borders.

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