Robertson Northern has started work to build a new £9 million Justice Centre in Inverness.

As Scotland's first purpose-built justice facility, the centre is being developed on the site of a former bus depot on Longman Road, next to the Police Headquarters.

Features include six new courtrooms incorporating the latest digital technologies to simplify and enhance the experience for all users of the justice system. Separate and discrete areas will also be created for jurors, witnesses and the local faculty. Specialist facilities for children and young people will be incorporated within the design.

Overall, the centre will provide modern court and tribunals facilities, while a range of organisations will be based in the centre providing integrated facilities for victims, witnesses, litigants and other users.

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Justice Secretary Michael Matheson joined Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service Chief Executive Eric McQueen and Grampian, Highland and Islands Sheriff Principal Derek Pyle on Thursday to mark the start of construction with a ground-breaking ceremony.

Mr Matheson said: "Today brings us a step closer to providing new facilities to deliver a truly 21st century service. Scottish Government funding of £30 million has made the project possible, reflecting our commitment to deliver a justice system that is accessible, modern and fit-for-purpose.

"The new Inverness Justice Centre will give the people of the Highlands access to modern facilities and support all in the same place, which will have a positive impact on local communities."

Eric McQueen, SCTS Chief Executive said: "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."

Frank Reid, Managing Director of Robertson Northern, said: "Being selected to work on delivering Scotland's first new Justice Centre, through Scape Group's Major Works framework, is a proud moment and we're looking forward to getting the construction work underway and delivering a hugely significant building that the whole of the Highlands, and  Scotland, can be proud of."

Completion of main building works is scheduled for 2019.

(LM)