District Courts

East Renfrewshire District Court

The job of the District Court is to deal with criminal cases. Independent lay Justices of the Peace sit in court supported by a legally-qualified Clerk of Court. East Renfrewshire District Courthouse is next to Giffnock Police Station, Braidholm Road, Giffnock.

If you want to pay a fine or if you have an enquiry about court business, please go to:

Council Headquarters
Eastwood Park
Giffnock
G46 6UG

Tel: 0141-577-3021
Email:

The District Court sits every Friday and business normally commences at 10.00am.

District Court & Licensing Payments

Payments may be made at:

Council HQ
Eastwood Park
Rouken Glen Road
Giffnock

Monday- Thursday: 8.45 - 4.30
Friday: 8.45 – 3.30

Barrhead Offices
211 Main Street
Barrhead

Thursday: 9am –11am only

Please bring any relevant correspondence with you to ensure prompt attention.

Justices of the Peace

Justices of the Peace are appointed on the recommendation of the East Renfrewshire JP Advisory Committee. Approximately 40 Justices of the Peace have been appointed for the Commission area of East Renfrewshire and fall into two categories:

  • Full Justices, who sit in the District Court and who can sign all papers, including warrants

  • Signing justices who are available for signing duties only, but excluding warrants

Further information on how to contact a local Justice of the Peace can be obtained from the District Court at the contact details above.

If you want to enquire about becoming a Justice of the Peace, please write to:

The Clerk
East Renfrewshire JP Advisory Committee
Council Headquarters
Eastwood Park
Giffnock
G46 6UG

Waiting Time for Court Hearings

East Renfrewshire District Court tries to arrange all hearings as quickly as possible. Trials should be fixed within 10 weeks of the accused person pleading not guilty. If the accused person is kept in custody before trial, the hearing should be fixed within 4 weeks. If the trial is adjourned for any reason the new trial should be fixed within 8 weeks.

If you attend court as a witness in a criminal case:-

  • East Renfrewshire District Court will keep you informed of the progress of the case (at least once every 2 hours).

  • East Renfrewshire District Court will explain if the court is delayed for any reason.

  • When you are no longer needed to give evidence the court should make sure that you are told why you are not needed and let you leave as soon as possible.

  • If the accused pleads guilty on the day of the trial and you are there as a witness you will be welcome to sit in court and hear what happens.

Freedom of Information

The East Renfrewshire Justice of the Peace Advisory Committee (JPAC) has produced a Publication Scheme under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002. This details what they do, and gives a range of sources of information on the operation of Justice in East Renfrewshire.