Assurances over honorary sheriffs

Scotland’s minister for justice has assured Orkney MSP Liam McArthur that moves to abolish honorary sheriffs will take up to ten years to complete, and will only take place if proposed alternatives can be shown to work.

Mr McArthur said: “Honorary sheriffs play an important role in the delivery of justice in the Northern Isles, allowing paper warrants to be signed, and for first appearances from custody, in the absence of the resident sheriff.  If changes are to be introduced, they must properly reflect the needs of all parts of the country, including our islands.  That is why I will be keeping a very close eye on how this unfolds over the years ahead.”