Beyond this building’s imposing stone facade lies a history as complex as the cases heard within Glasgow Sheriff Court and Justice of the Peace Court. Opened by Queen Elizabeth II on July 29 1986 this courthouse replaced the Old Sheriff Court on Wilson Street. That older building simply couldn’t handle Glasgow’s growing caseload.
Glasgow Sheriff Court and Justice of the Peace Court is reputed to be the busiest court in Europe. It stands in the Gorbals area on Carlton Place beside the River Clyde and Glasgow Central Mosque. The location was once occupied by the Gorbals School.
Keppie Design a local architectural firm designed the new court building. Its style blends mock Brutalist architecture with interior elements inspired by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Look closely at the bespoke light fittings skylights and even the lift interiors. They all echo Mackintosh’s distinctive style. The main atrium embraces Brutalism. Note the soaring exposed concrete ceilings and pillars.
This Glasgow Sheriff Court and Justice of the Peace Court deals with both criminal and civil cases. Twenty-eight sheriffs preside here. In civil cases a sheriff sits alone. Criminal cases may involve a jury of fifteen members selected from the electoral roll. The current Sheriff Principal is Aisha Anwar. She took over from Sheriff Craig Turnbull in 2023.
In 2008 Glasgow Sheriff Court embraced sustainability. 700 square meters of solar panels were installed on the roof. This system generates 97 kW of power. It was projected to save the court about 20000 pounds on electricity per year. It also reduces carbon dioxide emissions by around forty tonnes annually.
The Old Sheriff Court on Wilson Street has its own story. Built in 1844 it served as both city and county buildings. Clarke and Bell designed it in the neoclassical style. It housed council chambers sheriff’s offices and courtrooms. After Glasgow Sheriff Court and Justice of the Peace Court opened in 1986 the Old Sheriff Court was left vacant. It was later renovated and now houses the Scottish Youth Theatre residential apartments and a restaurant.
Consider for a moment the sheer volume of legal activity within these walls of Glasgow Sheriff Court and Justice of the Peace Court. From petty theft to complex civil disputes justice unfolds daily. As we leave Glasgow Sheriff Court and Justice of the Peace Court may its pursuit of justice continue to shape the city’s story.