Kirkwall

Additional information

For more information or to request additional arrangements to suit your needs, please contact our reception or office manager:

Telephone: 0300 020 3000

Text: If you are Deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired you can text us on 07825 280346. Please tell us if you would like your reply by SMS, text or email.

Relay UK: If you are Deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired you can contact us by phone using Relay UK.  Visit the Relay UK website to download the app. 

If you are a wheelchair user or have restricted mobility

Parking facilities

There are no private parking facilities at this office. Road-side parking is subject to availability and local restrictions.

There is one disabled parking space located nearby but this is for use by the general public and cannot be set aside for court visitors so we are therefore unable to allocate or guarantee disabled parking. The nearest drop kerb is approximately 15m from the office entrance.

Approach to main entrance

There are 4 steps up to the Sheriff Court and a further 4 steps up to the main door. Wheelchair users will gain access via the Historic Scotland entrance on Palace Road, then 1 ramp to the building entrance.

There is a ramp at the front of the building, access to this from the left. Once at the main door, a bell to summon assistance to open main doors wide enough for wheel chair to get through. 

Door width: approximately 90cm

Low level bell: located at the main door to building.

Approach to reception area

Once inside the building the Procurator Fiscal's office is situated on the right. Assistance may be required to manage one step (4cm high) and internal doors. 

Door width: approximately 90cm.

Low level counter: No

There is no seating available in our reception area but can be provided on request. Please ask if you need extra assistance.

Approach to interview and conference rooms

Once at reception area, the interview room is accessible through the main office and into the Procurator Fiscal's Office.

Door width: 90cm

Emergency evacuation

Audible emergency alarms: Ringing tone

Our staff have a responsibility to ensure that they accompany any visitors during an emergency evacuation to the muster point designated in local Fire Evacuation Plans. Visitors must not be left unattended and should be accompanied at all times during an emergency evacuation until the all clear is given for re-entry to the building. Where appropriate a suitable emergency evacuation plan will be in place to ensure safe evacuation of disabled persons during an emergency situation.

Please advise the local office manager if you have any special requirements.

If you have a visual impairment

Colour definition

Where possible, our office uses colour definition to indicate changes in floor levels, doors, steps or stairs and emergency signs.

Written documents

We will try to make information available in a suitable format to meet your particular needs. To request correspondence and/or documents in your preferred accessible format, please contact us.

Our office welcomes guide dogs

The dog's comfort is your responsibility but we will provide a bowl of water on request.

Accessible lift system

 There is a stair lift to gain access to the Court.

If you have a hearing impairment

Hearing aid users

We have a Hearing Induction Loop System in our reception area. We also have a mobile Hearing Induction Loop that can be used in our interview rooms or conference room.

Lip readers

Our staff are issued with good-practice guidance and we will make efforts to provide adequate lighting in any interview space to suit your needs.

Access to Sign Language interpreter

If you need us to have an interpreter available, you must let us know as soon as possible, so that we have enough time to arrange this.

Textphone users

You can access our services by calling through the RNID Typetalk service using the prefix 18001. There are no public textphones in this office.

Emergency alarms

There are currently no visual or personal alarm systems in this office. Please advise our staff of your needs.

Accessible toilet and comfort facilities

Public toilets

Unisex toilets are available on the first floor.

Wheelchair-accessible toilets

Unisex accessible toilets are available on the ground floor. A pull-cord is located in this toilet. D

Door width: approximately 90cm

Access to refreshments

There is no public canteen. There are vending machine facilities in the building.