The Sheriff Court Annex (Mercatgate) was originally built in 1801 as a bank to a design by James Burn, and there is evidence that part of the building was used as a printer’s office in the late 19th century. The Category A listed building now accommodates the High Court and sheriff court jury sittings.
Location Address
53 Castle Street
Aberdeen
AB11 5BB
Postal address
Castle Street, Aberdeen, AB10 1WP
Main telephone
01224 657250
Sheriff Clerk / Main contact
Fiona Fleming
DX
AB61
Email
aberdeen@scotcourts.gov.uk
Jury helpline
High Court jury helpline: 08000 121349
Sheriff and Jury helpline: 08000 234009.
These lines give recorded information messages for jurors only
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.
Please use journey planner for public transportation information.
By bus
Buses from outlying areas stop on Union Street, King Street, Castle Street and at Aberdeen bus station which is located on Guild Street beside the train station.
For more information on timetables please use the Journey Planner or contact First Bus
By rail
Aberdeen train station is located on Guild Street and is approximately 10 minute walk from the courthouse. There are trains in operation south to both Glasgow and Edinburgh and trains north to Inverness.
Information on the times of trains to and from all stations can be obtained at Scotrail or National rail enquiries
By car
There is no public car park at the Court. There is various on-street (metered) car parking, maximum stay 4 hours. The nearest long-stay car park is the NCP at Shiprow, 5 minutes walk from the courthouse.
By taxi
The main taxi ranks are located at Hadden Street, Back Wynd, Dee Street and Chapel Street.
By air
Aberdeen Airport is in the Dyce area of Aberdeen and is serviced by most major domestic airlines. The airport is approximately a 45 minutes drive in rush-hour traffic from the Court.
On arrival at the Mercatgate building please report to our reception desk. If you are coming to court as a juror or witness please have your citation or other paperwork available in order that our reception staff can direct you to the appropriate court or witness room.
Occasionally there are additional security measures carried out, these entail individuals being screened by hand held scanners and baggage checks may also be made.
When you arrive at the Mercatgate you can expect courteous and prompt service from all our members of staff.
If you are involved in a case within the building, you can expect to be directed by a member of our staff to the designated waiting area for the court room where the case is to be held. You can expect to be updated regularly on your case by a member of our staff.
There are a variety of restaurants and cafes within a few minutes walk from the Court. Vending machines for hot and cold drinks and snacks are available in the main reception area for use by all court visitors.
Jurors are provided with refreshments during the day and lunch is also provided for them.
Please refer to the complaints and feedback page.
Wheelchair users can access the building using the ramp access. A lift is available to access different floor levels and all courts are accessible by wheelchair users.
If you have any specific access requirements please contact 01224 657250.
A hearing loop system is available in all court rooms for those with hearing difficulties. Please speak to our reception staff or the court officer if you require assistance.
If you have a text phone you can contact the court using Text Relay.
If you require the support of an interpreter when you contact a court, a phone based service is available - ask for Global Connects Telephone Interpreting Service and the language required.