A consultation paper seeking views on the draft rules of court for simple procedure - a new procedure to replace the small claims and summary cause procedures in the sheriff court - is published by the Council today.

This Act of Sederunt regulates the taxation of accounts of expenses between parties in relation to proceedings in the Sheriff Appeal Court. It comes into force on 01 January 2016.

The Council’s Winter Tour kicks off this week.

Some of the Council’s Winter Tour sessions have been cancelled, but spaces are still available in the three events scheduled for Aberdeen, Inverness and Glasgow.

The Act of Sederunt (Sheriff Court Appeal Rules) 2015 makes provision about procedure to be followed in appeals to the Sheriff Appeal Court in civil proceedings. The Rules come into force on 01 January 2016, when the Sheriff Appeal Court takes up its civil jurisdiction and competence.

This Act of Sederunt inserts a new Schedule in the Act of Sederunt (Child Support Rules) 1993 in place of the existing Schedule. It comes into force on 21 December 2015.

The Act of Sederunt (Rules of the Court of Session 1994 and Ordinary Cause Rules 1993 Amendment) (Child Welfare Reporters) 2015 (SSI 312/2015) will come into force on Monday 26 October 2015, bringing changes to both the Court of Session and Sheriff Court procedure.

The Council is conducting a Winter Tour throughout November and December for court users and staff to explain more about the court reform rules recently put in place and upcoming changes.

Court rules drafted by the Scottish Civil Justice Council will come into effect on 22 September 2015.

This Act of Sederunt amends the Rules of the Court of Session 1994 and the Ordinary Cause rules 1993 to make provision concerning the appointment of reporters and local authorities to assist the court in relation to child welfare issues in family actions in the Court of session and sheriff court. It comes into force on 26 October 2015.