Page 15 - Staff FocusSeptember 2020

The end of an era... and a commodious view in Inverness

The door closed on more than 180 “It was always a joy to
years of court history on 20 July when appear in such a
Grampian, Highland and Islands Sheriff wonderful court
Principal, Derek Pyle, ‘locked up’ and building” @IanMoir5
handed over the keys of Inverness “The end of an era
Castle, writes Caroline Bellinger. without question. It is
The Castle is now in the possession of a perfect building for
Highland Council, following the move the job. I started my
of the Scottish Courts and Tribunals four decades of court
Service to the new Inverness Justice reporting here as a
Centre earlier this year. junior with
In a fitting tribute, Sheriff Principal @InvCourier in 1986”
Pyle presented the Council with the @InvernessCaley
keys to the Castle in an antique Curiously, however, it
wooden box dating back to the 1850s. was the castle’s
Included with the key was an old commode that caused
postcard showing a historic picture of the most rousing
the Castle, viewed from the River response.
Ness. The keyring and material used as Fond farewell: Sheriff Principal Pyle locks up for the last time accompanied by Sheriff Clerk Ruth Thomson and, below, the castle plaque “Sad. It was a fine
a base in the box was of the Pyle tartan, which was designed by Sheriff Principal Pyle’s Sheriff Court with a splendid view out over the town (& a quirky wee loo just off the
wife for their daughter's wedding last year. agents' room). Bit chilly in the winter months, mind you...” wrote @KiddieJon
“Inverness Castle was specifically built as a sheriff courthouse and county hall and has “A very sad day. A fabulous welcome and Scotland's finest privvy were always assured.
served justice and the people of Inverness well for over 180 years,” said Along with a chat over coffee with your Sheriff” wrote @mattjackson65
Sheriff Principal Pyle at the handover. “Ah the Porcelain Privvy! But be careful what you say in the library lest the
“I would like to pay tribute to everyone who has worked in this building, sheriff be making her tea behind you,” replied @dfburr
supporting its work and its history over the years. As that chapter closes, The Castle was built to host the Sheriff Court in 1834 on the site of an
I am pleased that the Castle will continue to serve Inverness and its early timber castle, which had been replaced by a stone tower in the 16th
community in this new role.” century. Discussions on the building of a new courthouse and jail had
News of the court’s vacation of the castle prompted a flood of tributes started in 1810, driven by the perceived need of providing the capital of
and memories on Twitter: the Highlands with a prestigious building by a renowned architect.
“End of an era indeed. Going to work in a castle was always a pretty Judges had long complained about the building and rooms then in use,
impressive part of going up to Inverness Sheriff Court” @alistair_sloan. describing them as “miserably deficient”. This added to the general
“The Court where I had my first appearance. Bye Inverness Castle” embarrassment about the lack of prestige of the building that resurfaced
@claireohagan19