Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service

The Service was first established as the Scottish Courts Administration in 1995, as an executive agency of the Scottish Office. It was later renamed Scottish Court Service. In 1999, the Service became an agency of the Scottish Government after responsibility of the courts and judiciary of Scotland were transferred under devolution. In common with the Scottish Prison Service in the Scottish justice system, this arm's length approach was adopted to prevent direct ministerial involvement in the administration of justice.

On 1 April 2010 it was re-established by section 60 of the Judiciary and Courts (Scotland) Act 2008 as an independent body corporate governed by a Corporate Board and chaired by the Lord President, the head of the Scottish judiciary.[2]^{: Section 60}

On 1 April 2015, under the Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014, the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service assumed the responsibilities of the former Scottish Court Service and Scottish Tribunals Service.[3][4]

Security and maintenance of SCTS buildings are provided by Servest who are a company that provides multi functions in building management.

On 3 April 2018, the Glasgow Tribunals Centre opened to the public. The building houses all Tribunal teams based in Glasgow alongside Glasgow based teams of Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service. The building also contains bespoke hearing suites for Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service and The Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service.[5]

The Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007 resulted in the unification of the administration of the Court of Session, the High Court of Justiciary, Sheriff and Justice of the Peace courts.[6] The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service has the function of providing, or ensuring the provision of, the property, services, officers and other staff required for the purposes of all these courts (by virtue of section 61(1) of the 2008 Act).[2]^{: Section 61(1)}

It has the responsibility of assisting the Scottish judiciary (by virtue of section 61(1)(b) of the 2008 Act), and assists the Lord President in his role as head of the Scottish judiciary (section 62 of the 2008 Act). This is coupled with assisting the Criminal Courts Rules Council and the Scottish Civil Justice Council.

The Service is also responsible for the administration of the Office of the Public Guardian, based in Falkirk, and assists the Accountant of Court (sections 62 and 33 of the 2008 Act).

Another consequence of the Act was the introduction of Fines Enforcement Officers. With effect from 10 March 2008 these officers, staff of SCS, will bring a more proactive approach to fines enforcement. A total of 31 members of staff will have responsibility for making sure that fines are paid on time and if offenders fall into arrears with payment those staff will use a variety of means to secure payment. Special measures that may be used will include deductions from state benefits; arrestment of wages and/or funds contained in bank accounts and seizure (and subsequent sale) of vehicles. In cases where it becomes apparent that the offender genuinely cannot pay they will be provided with contact details for other Agencies that will be able to provide guidance and help in organising the offender's finances.[7]

• Scots law
• Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service (for courts and tribunals in England and Wales, and United Kingdom-wide tribunals.)
• Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service

Official website