In a new report, HM Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland (HMIPS) said there had been an increase in court appearances via video-link during the Covid-19 pandemic, but this should go further and continue after public health restrictions are eased.

It said long travelling times and waits for very short appearances in courts have a disproportionate impact on women and young people, and short-notice cancellations put further, unnecessary pressure on escort services.

“One of the welcome benefits of the pandemic is the rapid and significant increase in the number of video courts,” the report states.

Virtual court appearances “will provide financial savings in a number of areas, including a reduction in transport movements across the country”, HMIPS said, “which in turn has a positive impact on reducing virus transmission risks and Covid-19 exposure”.

The report continues: “It is clear that since Covid-19 restrictions were imposed on all areas of business, there has been a significant step forward with good work being carried out between agencies to facilitate court appearances by video-link.

“Figures obtained from COPFS have shown that in April 2020 there were 110 custodies appearing in court by video-link from police custody units, and in December 2020 this had increased to 471 with January 2021 showing a further increase to 535.

“The virtual model pilot at Falkirk Sheriff Court is a good example of how this work is progressing and HMIPS hopes that if successful, will see a roll-out nationally in the not too distant future.”