MSP Natalie Don is supporting the Scottish Government pilot scheme set to improve access to justice for victims of sexual assault and rape.

The scheme, running from now until March 1, 2025, will allow victims to have free access to transcripts from their court cases.

This year-long arrangement, funded with £100,000, applies to individuals whose cases have been heard in the High Court.

MS Don said: “For those in Renfrewshire North & West who are victims of sexual assault or rape, this pilot will greatly improve transparency and fairness in the process of achieving retribution.

“I pay tribute to those in my constituency and beyond who have campaigned for greater fairness and accountability in the process of achieving justice – something that can always be improved.

“The scheme, along with the proposed Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill are designed to improve victims’ experience and increase confidence in the justice system.

“I am pleased to see this SNP Government removing barriers to justice for victims of sexual assault, and I encourage all those in Renfrewshire North & West who are able to do so to make full use of this pilot fund.”

This landmark scheme marks the first time victims in rape and serious sexual assault cases in the UK will have free access to court case transcripts.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance positively addressed the scheme, saying: "We want to support victims and ensure we have a trauma-informed justice system."

She further explained that transcripts can aid victims' recovery by allowing them to go over exactly what transpired in court at their convenience.

The Justice Secretary also stated about ongoing work with the Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service to harness new technology to reduce the cost of transcript production.

The pilot and the proposed reforms in the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill, aim to improve sexual offence victims’ experience of the justice system in a bid to build confidence.

Rape Crisis Scotland Chief Executive Sandy Brindley emphasized that justice access should never be a financial burden, saying: "This pilot means that more survivors will be able to see, in black and white, exactly what happened at the trial of their case."

She praised the tireless advocacy that led to this development and thanked survivors for their role.

This pilot ruling applies to cases that started on or after December 31, 2006, including all verdict types.

Applications can be made through the Scottish Courts and Tribunals website, where the application forms and guidelines are accessible.