Designed by architects Reiach and Hall, the landmark construction project aims to change the way residents of the Highlands interact with legal and support services.

The site team, led by Jeff Hedley project director at Robertson Northern, are now readying themselves for the next stage of construction, which involves the internal building works as well as mechanical and electrical finishing.

Jeff Hedley said: “Reaching our first milestone on this iconic project is something to be celebrated. To get to this stage has taken a huge amount of effort and skill, not only across our business but also with our subcontract partners, all with the ongoing support of the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service.

“The design of the Justice Centre is complex, and every detail needs to be given the attention and respect it deserves. We are delighted with how the build is going, as are the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service, and we look forward to marking the next milestone.

“This is the first purpose built Justice Centre in Scotland and for Robertson to be appointed contractor is testament to the standards we set on all our builds. From a personal point of view, it’s a career highlight to be involved in a project that will change the way our legal system operates and the way the people of the Highlands will interact with the services offered through the Justice Centre.”

In addition to providing modern court and tribunal facilities, Inverness Justice Centre, will offer a range of justice and support organisations based within the centre providing integrated facilities for victims, witnesses, litigants and other users. Specialist facilities for children and young people have also been incorporated into the design.

Eric McQueen, SCTS chief executive, said: “We are encouraged at the progress in the development of the Inverness Justice Centre which is a unique opportunity to bring organisations together, focussing where practical on problem-solving approaches to reduce reoffending and increase the opportunity for community sentencing.

“The centre will represent the changing face of justice by including facilities and technology to remove the need for children to appear in person at court and to support the development of digital case management for summary crime in the future.”

The Inverness Justice Centre project, being delivered by Robertson in partnership with Wilmott Dixon, was procured through Scape National Major Works framework which has now been superseded by Major Works Scotland part of the Scape’s National Construction framework.

Mark Robinson, Scape Group chief executive, added: “Robertson has reached an important milestone in the delivery of the new Inverness Justice Centre, as the core of the building starts to take shape. Once complete, the project will provide residents of the Highlands with a justice system that is accessible, modern and fit-for-purpose.

“By incorporating cutting edge technology, the new centre is creating a more efficient legal process for Scottish people. In addition, it will enable Inverness Castle, where the court service currently operates from, to open to the public helping to attract visitors to the city and boost the local economy.

“Our National Construction framework provides public sector clients with cost and time certainty across Scotland, and Robertson is continuing to demonstrate their ability to work collaboratively to deliver the project on time and to a high standard.”