Scotland’s courts experienced widespread delays on Monday as defence lawyers took action in a dispute over support for legal aid firms struggling due to the pandemic.
Solicitors said to be “at breaking point” boycotted courts across the country in a move designed to delay the processing of custody cases – the stage where an accused makes their first appearance after being arrested.
The action came as it was revealed that a Scottish Government fund set up to help law firms in the wake of a downturn in court work has paid out just £2.3 million of its allocated £9m.
A £1m traineeship fund is also yet to be implemented despite being announced months ago.