Dumbarton Sheriff Court staff mark 200 years of service

Dumbarton Sheriff Court celebrated 200 years since the foundation stone was laid on July 19, 1824 with a small gathering of sheriffs, clerks, staff, fiscals and defence solicitors.

A cake and plaque were on display to mark the bicentenary of a building that, from the 1970s and 1980s, was under threat to either close or be replaced with a modern structure.

Instead, the Church Street structure was saved and later expanded in 2009.

Sheriff William Gallacher told those assembled that he was born and brought up in Dumbarton, and even at a young age knew it was a place to which it was worthwhile going.

Pictured in the 19th century, the original court building was expanded to the left and right of the original centre block, with an adjacent part to the right (Image: Newsquest)

But, he asked: "Of the people who come into this court, how many of them want to come here?

"Many of them are brought, summoned by citation, dragged...it's important to realise we have a role to play to them.

"Public service is a privilege, and those of us who do it are privileged to do it."

He said from the cleaners up to those who bring an accused to the door, or the staff who greet and direct witnesses or jurors, all those roles are essential for the court to function.

"Everyone has a part to play in the matter," he continued, "and we all have a responsibility to live up to public service."

(Image: Newsquest)

Sheriff Gallacher added that he hoped the good relationship continued between all the various groups involved in the court.

And he said it was "vital" to continue providing the best service - whether people wanted to be at court or not.

Sean Murphy KC, who is sheriff principal for North Strathclyde, recounted some of the history of the court building and how his father had been a sheriff in Dumbarton in the past.

He said: "At various times over the last two centuries it has served not just as a courthouse but also as the seat of Dunbartonshire County Council and as the headquarters of the local police force.

"Since 1965 it has exclusively served as the sheriff and JP court and it was extensively modernised in 2009. The High Court also sits there from time to time.

"It is an admirable and impressive court building which has been well-served by excellent staff, sheriffs and lawyers over the years and remains one of the most popular sheriff courts in which to appear in Scotland.

"May it continue to serve the local community for the next 200 years.”