High Court of Justiciary

Visit the most important court in Glasgow.

See where notorious villains of bygone eras were tried.

Visit courtrooms old and new and the cells where prisoners are housed.

Take a guided tour or wander round at your leisure.

Construction of the High Court of Justiciary in Glasgow commenced in 1807.

It is an impressive building that has been subject to careful renovation using original materials.

The neo-classical front of a a colonnade of fluted Doric columns with pediment gives an imposing, library-like feel which is increased by high ceilings, interiour frieze carvings, Ionic and square Doric and Corinthian Columns.

The two courtrooms behind this use dark wood to increase the feel. Plaster images, marble and wood decorate the hallway between North and South Court. All courts display the heraldic coat of arms uniting the Queen's arms.

The infamous Peter Manuel, a "serial killer" from the late 1950s, was prosecuted in North court; it is still used. The courtrooms have been revamped over the years. Despite the introduction of electronic equipment, the courtrooms retain a Victorian look and feel which the beast of Birkenshaw would recognise.

The cell detaining him can be viewed on the tour conducted by G4S staff who will answer your questions.

An underground passage linking the cells to gallows on Glasgow Green, used by Dr Pritchard the last man hanged in Glasgow, is now sealed.

Since its original build, the building has expanded to house 9 courts.

In the new wing courts feel like modern, high quality theatres and show a marked difference in concept and style. The brightly lit rooms have a spacious, airy feel.

Tours on the�half�hour�from�10:00�am�until�12:30�pm�

and�from�2pm�until�3.30�pm.

Meeting Point:�inside�the�main�building�reception�area,�

adjacent�to�court�6

Staff�will�conduct�guided�tours�of�the�building�at�regular�

intervals�and�several�other�courtrooms�will�be�

open�to�visit�at�your�leisure.�Staff�are�placed�throughout�

the�building�to�enrich�your�visit.�

Some�leaflets�about�the�work�of�courts�will�be�available.�

There�is�an�in-house�caf�on�the�first�floor�which�will �

serve�hot�and�cold�drinks,�meals�and�snacks.

There�will�be�a�quiz�about�visible�features�of�the�courtrooms�

aimed�at�under�12s,�with�a�prize�for�correct�answers!