Achi news desk-
Justice Secretary Angela Constance announced plans for two new suites which will include the sheriffs of north and south Strathclyde, as well as Dumfries and Galloway.
It adds to the existing four Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) rooms located in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness.
It means there will be nationwide access by April 2026, including the Dundee facility opening this summer.
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Visiting Victim Support Scotland’s remote evidence suite in Glasgow, Ms Constance said: “This significant investment in our courts estate means that children and those who have been the victims of some of the most traumatic crimes to give their best evidence so early. as possible in the process, and before the trial.
“Vulnerable witnesses across the country will have access to specialist, modern and purpose-built rooms to pre-record their evidence, helping to reduce the risk of re-traumatisation.
“This, and other available support, will help victims and witnesses start on the road to recovery as quickly as possible.
“Putting victims and witnesses at the heart of the justice system is part of our vision for justice. The EBC rooms, together with important reforms proposed in the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform Bill, which the Senedd is considering in stage one this week, will build a trauma-informed justice system that victims and witnesses trust her.”
The total investment for the scheme now exceeds £4 million and the Scottish Government said that hundreds of child witnesses and vulnerable adults have already benefited from the rooms.
An additional £500,000 will also be provided to Victim Support Scotland as they develop remote access to their evidence rooms in Edinburgh.
