Trials at 15 courts cancelled due to weather

Witnesses due at 15 courts in Scotland have been told not to attend trials after extreme weather conditions forced trials to be cancelled.

The Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service has advised that a number of hearings will not take place over safety fears.

Cases will be adjourned to another day and witnesses will be advised of the new date.

Courts affected include Edinburgh, Livingston, Kirkcaldy, Dunfermline, Falkirk, Alloa, Stirling, Glasgow, Hamilton, Paisley, Dumbarton, Airdrie, Greenock, Perth and Coatbridge.

It comes as extreme weather continues to hit the country, with an amber warning for snow in place across much of Scotland until 10am on Friday - however difficult conditions are forecast for longer.

Only what is deemed as essential business'' will take place, meaning criminal custody cases and time barred cases as well as urgent civil applications,

The Office of the Public Guardian and Accountant of Court in Falkirk, Jedburgh Sheriff Court and Justice of the Peace Court as well as Selkirk Sheriff Court and Justice of the Peace Court have also been closed