More court trials as distancing cut to 1m
Physical distancing in courts will remain after August 9 but will be slashed from two metres to one to let more trials go ahead.
The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service said that although distancing rules are scheduled to be lifted at this stage, some form of separation"remainsaneffectivemitigation against transmission" in a crowded environment.
It said the move will allow more multi-accused trials to begin, let more witnesses to attend court, and allow family members of victims and accused to come to watch proceedings.
General public access to court buildings will continue to be restricted and everyone visiting court will still need to check in and out, it added.
From September, an additional 16 sheriff trial courts will run daily across the country.
The SCTS added other "innovative approaches" developed during the pandemic will continue, including remote jury centres and
allowing electronic signatures and electronic submission of case papers.
The courts service said use of video-links will remain widespread and the majority of civil court and tribunal business will carry on virtually, "freeing up physical court space to focus on criminal case backlogs and civil and tribunal cases requiring in-person hearings".
The SCTS currently has a backlog of cases due to the pandemic which may not be cleared until 2025.
Nicola Sturgeon said on Tuesday that Scotland will move to Level 0, albeit with somechanges,frommonday.