High Court of Justiciary

Confession time: I am a nerd. A legal nerd, to be specific. When I first moved to Glasgow and had lots of free time (read: no job) I actually went to the High Court for a day to watch a trial. Because my life is just that exciting.
More recently I was nearby to the High Court and needed the loo. I am pleased to say the staff here were really nice and accommodating and happily let me into the building. You need to go through security and they’ll have a nosey through your bag. The building then has a main reception desk which is where you can go up to look at the court lists of the day (hint: don’t ask reception to tell you which cases are the most juicy as they’ll judge you severely).
If you’re in to observe proceedings, they follow very strict rules and guidelines. You can’t eat, drink or use your phone in the courtroom so don’t even think about looking at it. Stand up when the Judge enters and leaves the room, and some people chose to bow to the bench as a mark of respect.
Going to court is never going to be exciting like it is on TV, but if you have any interest in the law I’d highly recommend going along to see the law in action.
/​Geek out ends.

Without wishing to sound *too* dodgy I have spent a silly amount of time hanging, wandering and waiting about in both the Sheriff and High Courts of Glasgow. Without a doubt the Glasgow High Court is the more glamorous and sexier of the two. Not only is it architecturally better looking but it is where, should you have the great (mis)fortune to be cited for Jury Duty, all the juicy/​more interesting cases/​trials are dealt with.
Handily situated just slightly on the outskirts of town it is a bit easier to get to than the Sheriff Court also, being a bit closer to train/​subway stations. To get to the High Court I find the best way is down King Street, heading away from town, past Mono/Mr.Ben and then to the left slightly, across the road, along Mart Street & you will soon happen upon the court. Should you need a drink to calm you doon after the trial then I can suggest Mono or The 13^th Note for refreshing your TOTALLY INNOCENT thirst. Phew.
Upon entrance to the High Court please be wary of donning your best heavy studded belt/​dog collar or metal codpiece as, much like an airport/​the O2 Academy/​American High Schools, there is a walk-​through metal detector & security guard on hand should you feel frisky, I mean, need to be frisked. The security guard also doubles as an Agent of the Info so they’ll check your citation & direct you to what is essentially yet more Agents of the Info at the Reception desk. Here they stamp your citation & give you directions to your fate, I mean court room. Upon my last visit I was in a far far away court room (I almost half expected it to be named Narnia) & I managed to get successfully lost until I encountered more Agents of the Info who showed me my path to freedom/​the court room. Please refrain from asking people that aren’t AOTI for directions but are actually just VERY SMARTLY DRESSED FOLK/​NON-​AGENTS looking a bit sober/​conservative as I did, this only causes to not only frustrate them but slightly embarrass yourself.
There are plentiful (legal) toilets to be found within this court. There is however no jukebox or popcorn counter. There is possibly, if you’re lucky, a vending machine somewhere for hot/​cold beverages but I didn’t happen across one here as I have in the Sheriff Court. The room we sat in for what felt like a small eternity only had a water machine.
The court room I was in last visit was apparently the oldest one in the building being nearly 132 years old. It looked very grand indeed, although I guess if you’re standing on trial being accused of something naughty the last thing you’re going to appreciate is the historical architecture and ye olde cornicings of this said ancient court room. However me being of innocent standing I did do a mini ‘Ooh!’ in my head as I walked in.
If you’re a fan of funny wigs, pomp & ceremony, waiting around, wood, Law & Order, A Few Good Men or just the whole fascinating process that is the Scottish law proceedings then this is the place for you. I just hope you’re only ever here in the bestest way possible and not because you are a rum’un (as my Mum would say).