All new Scottish jury trials are to be scrapped from today to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Justice will be placed on hold, with no new trials due to start anywhere in the country, as the authorities try to contain the number of people who have contracted the deadly strain.
Scores of suspects were due to go on trial before juries in Scotland's 39 Sheriff Courts and two High Courts over the next few weeks, accused of a host of different crimes.
But summary trials, which take place before a sheriff, with no jury, will continue as planned, where possible.
And jury trials which are already underway, like the Alex Salmond trial, will continue until they are finished, if it is practical.
A spokesman for the Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service said this morning: "Based on the Government’s response to coronavirus we are continually reviewing the operation of the courts and tribunals, to ensure that essential services are maintained as far as possible and that we take appropriate measures to protect the health of all court users.
"As a result from today, 17th March, no new criminal jury trials will be commenced or new juries empanelled until further notice. This will be kept under review.
"Where jury trials have already commenced these will run to conclusion of the trial, if practical to do so.
"For jurors cited for trials after today information will be available on jury telephone lines advising them not to attend.
"It is likely that further measures will be announced in the coming days.
"Please continue to regularly check the SCTS website for updates."
