A brand new Justice Hub, featuring bespoke facilities to support vulnerable witnesses and children in the justice system, has officially opened to serve the Sheriffdom of Tayside, Central and Fife.

The Dundee Justice Hub was formally opened on 2 August by the Lord President, Sheriff Principal Gillian Wade KC and the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs, Angela Constance.

The event celebrated the formal launch of the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service’s latest specialist vulnerable evidence facilities created to support witnesses to give their best evidence. Alongside bespoke accommodation for staff, the judiciary, visiting justice professionals and witnesses are two digitised civil courtrooms, which became operational on 3 June.

The design of the facility has, at its heart, the objective of meeting the specific needs of those court users who have experienced the impact of trauma in their lives. Driven by our collective awareness of the need to provide a safe and secure environment to empower and enable the most vulnerable witnesses, the evidence suites have been fitted with the latest audio and digital technology and are subtly decorated in calming tones. The result delivers a modern, trauma informed justice centre which puts court users at its core.

Building upon the positive experiences and outcomes achieved in similar facilities created by SCTS in Glasgow, Inverness, Edinburgh and Aberdeen, the Dundee Hub houses two dedicated evidence suites which will allow vulnerable witnesses to give evidence live to court from the security of an alternative location. The multifunctional evidence by commissioner facility is already in use and will enable witnesses to have their evidence pre-recorded in a trauma informed environment and manner, in advance of trial, supporting recovery and minimising the risks of re-traumatisation.

The creation of these facilities was made possible through £2.4m in Scottish Government funding.

Sheriff Principal Gillian Wade KC, Sheriff Principal of Tayside, Central and Fife, said: The Dundee Justice Hub is a visionary and pioneering project which I am proud to see opening in this Sheriffdom. It has involved the collaboration of a number of Justice Partners, all of whom share the belief that justice should be accessible, empathetic and trauma informed.

"As well as providing a natural home for the resolution of local disputes it secures a safe space from which the most vulnerable witnesses can be supported to give their best evidence without having to fear the additional stress of appearing in a conventional courtroom. It has been a privilege to work with all those helping us lead the way in the modernisation of the delivery of justice and the way in which it is seen to be done.”

David Fraser, SCTS Executive Director Court Operations, said: “I’m delighted that these bespoke facilities are now operational and available for witnesses across Tayside, Central and Fife. They help minimise trauma for our more vulnerable witnesses who give evidence, and are an essential part in supporting the delivery of justice and securing best evidence.”

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said:  “This new hub, backed by more than £2 million of Scottish Government funding, means that vulnerable witnesses and children are supported across the Tayside, Central and Fife sheriffdom to give their very best evidence as early as possible in the process, and in advance of trial.

“Putting victims and witnesses at the heart of the justice system is a key part of our Vision for Justice. These Evidence by Commissioner suites will ensure witnesses have access to specialist, modern and purpose-built suites to pre-record their evidence, helping to reduce the risk of re-traumatisation.

“The Dundee Justice Hub is a good example of collaborative working between justice partners and I would like to thank all those involved in this important project.”