Minutes: 09 September 2026

1. Declaration of interests:

Ben Macpherson was invited to declare any relevant interests. He declared an interest as a solicitor on the Law Society of Scotland's roll of solicitors.

2. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take items 5, 6 and 7 in private.

3. Courts, delays and user experience – evidence:

The Committee took evidence from—

John Good, Member of the Criminal Law Committee, Law Society of Scotland;

Malcolm Graham, Chief Executive, Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service;

Yvette Greener, Chief Operating Officer, Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service;

Tony Lenehan KC, Vice Dean, Faculty of Advocates.

4. Courts and court users – evidence:

The Committee took evidence from—

Debbie Adams, Director of Development and External Affairs, Victim Support Scotland;

Anna O'Reilly, Assistant Director, Children First;

Rhona Willder, Deputy CEO, Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance.

5. Review of evidence (in private):

The Committee reviewed the evidence heard under agenda items 3 and 4 and the evidence heard at its meeting on 2 September.

6. Pre-Budget Scrutiny - approach (in private):

The Committee considered its approach to scrutiny preceding the Scottish Government’s Budget 2027 to 2028. The Committee agreed to hold one evidence session with key stakeholders and one with the Scottish Government, and also to seek targeted written evidence with a view to reporting by mid-November. 

7. Visit to HMP Low Moss (in private):

The Committee agreed to write to the Scottish Prison Service following its visit to HMP Low Moss on 19 August 2026.