Hearings continue to call at Lerwick Sheriff Court
Jury trials which would otherwise call at Lerwick Sheriff Court were transferred to Aberdeen or Peterhead from July this year, due to the ongoing staffing challenges being faced by GEOAmey.
We would like to make it clear that all other hearings, including summary trials and civil hearings will still call at Lerwick Sheriff Court. Please only attend Aberdeen or Peterhead Sheriff Court if you have received a citation requiring you to do so.
TheOrderpublished in July requires new jury trials which would have called at Stornoway, Lerwick, Kirkwall, Portree and Lochmaddy Sheriff Courts to call at Inverness, Aberdeen or Peterhead Sheriff Courts instead.
Sheriff Principal Pyle has this order under constant review and is consulting with justice partners with a view to returning jury trials to island courts when practically possible.
About the court
The court jurisdiction covers the Shetland Islands. Lerwick Sheriff Court is located on King Erik Street. The Court House is a traditional Court building having been built in 1875.
![Lerwick Sheriff Court | Scottish Courts (2) Lerwick Sheriff Court | Scottish Courts (2)](https://i0.wp.com/www.scotcourts.gov.uk/media/0qwcrsia/lerwick-sheriff-court-1.jpg?rnd=133523072375430000)
Lerwick Sheriff Court
Contact the court
Location and postal address
King Erik Street
Lerwick
Shetland
ZE1 0HD
Main contact
Iain Macarthur
lerwick@scotcourts.gov.uk
Phone
01595 693914
Difficulty using the phone
Phone interpreter
A phone interpreter service is available when you contact a court by phone or attend in person. To access this service ask for phone interpreter and the language required.
The phone interpreter service is not available during actual court proceedings.
Text relay service
If you are deaf, have hearing loss or are speech impaired you can contact us for free with Relay UK.
British Sign Language (BSL)
If you use British Sign Language (BSL) and wish to phone us using a sign language interpreter, you can use the online video relay interpreting service. For more information see the Contact Scotland BSL website.
Opening times
The Sheriff Clerk's office is open as follows:
- Monday to Thursday from 09:00 to 13:00 then from 14:00 to 16:30
- Friday from 09:00 to 13:00 then from 14:00 to 16:00
Due to temporary staffing arrangements, the public counter will not open in the weeks commencing 27 May, 24 June and 22 July. During periods of closure enquiries can be sent by email to lerwick@scotcourts.gov.uk or alternatively please call 01595 693914.
The Sheriff Clerk's office will be closed every fourth Friday from 13:00 for staff training. A service for emergency applications will be maintained.
Public holidays
2024
- January 1, 2, 31
- March 29
- April 1
- May 6
- June 3
- August 12
- December 2, 25, 26
New, first instance custodies
New, first instance custody cases will continue to be heard in hub courts as first instance cases in each Sheriffdom as follows. Thereafter, if a further substantive hearing is assigned this will be to the court of local jurisdiction.
Paying a fine
To pay a fine or for information please go to paying a fine.
Paying a fine
Directions to court
Use the journey planner for public transportation information.
Local and out of town buses stop at Viking bus station. Timetables are available at online.
There is no public parking available at the court house. There are a number of car parks within the town centre which are clearly sign posted.
There is no taxi rank at the court. Taxis can be found at Victoria Pier.
The nearest Airport is in Sumburgh which is approximately 25 miles from Lerwick.
On arrival
When you arrive at the sheriff court, please report to the sheriff clerk's office on the ground floor.
Jurors on a jury
Jurors should initially report to the sheriff clerk's office where you will be guided to the courtroom.
If you are sitting on a jury, lunch and refreshments will be provided if the court sits onto the afternoon.
Facilities
There are a number of hotels, restaurants and coffee shops within walking distance of the court house.
Accessibility
Accessible hearing
A loop induction service is available in all courtrooms for people who have hearing difficulties. Please contact 01595 693914 if you require to use this facility.
Accessible access
If you have any mobility issues, please contact 01595 693914 prior to attending as the courtroom is on the second floor of the building.
Sheriffdom orders
Find out about the sheriffdom guidance, information and practice notes that apply to the courts in the Sheriffdom of Grampian, Highland and Islands.
Please also refer to the:
- Rules of Court
- Guidance from the Sheriffs Principal
Sheriffdom orders