There were 459 sheriff solemn cases concluded in June, which is 107 per cent of the average pre-Covid level.

The figures show that during June 2021:

• The overall level of new cases registered is 81 per cent of the average monthly pre-Covid level.
• Petitions, which provide a useful indicator of future solemn business, are 17 per cent higher than the average monthly pre-Covid level.
• 47 High Court evidence led trials commenced, which is 12 per cent higher than the average pre-Covid level.
• 62 High Court cases were concluded, which is 92 per cent of the average pre-Covid level.
• 88 sheriff solemn evidence led trials commenced which is 93 per cent of the average pre-Covid level.
• 459 sheriff solemn cases were concluded which is 107 per cent of the average pre-Covid level.
• 471 sheriff summary evidence led trials commenced, which is 81 per cent of the average pre-Covid levels
• 4547 sheriff summary cases were concluded which is 95 per cent of the average pre-Covid level.

David Fraser, SCTS executive director for court operations, said: “Jury trials in the High Court and Sheriff Courts continue to operate at pre-Covid capacity following the successful introduction of remote jury centres.

“Sheriff Court summary criminal trials recommenced on 19 April with gradual increasing of trial loadings from 17 May, where this could be safely accommodated, and these have already returned to four-fifths of the pre-Covid average. Justice of the Peace business restarted on 7 June.

“The excellent collaboration across the judiciary, justice organisations, the legal profession and the third sector has helped get court business back on track and this remains crucial in planning for the recovery programme commencing in September. We will continue to publish these figures on a monthly basis to illustrate the progress we are making and the challenges still being faced.”