Explanatory note

This Order makes provision for the fees payable from 1 April 2026 in the High Court of Justiciary, to the Principal Clerk of Justiciary or any other officer acting for the Principal Clerk.

Article 2 and schedules 1 and 2 specify fee levels payable in respect of certain matters—

• the fee levels from 1 April 2026 until 31 March 2027 are given effect by the Table of Fees in schedule 1,

• the fee levels from 1 April 2027 onwards are given effect by the Table of Fees in schedule 2.

Article 2(3) provides that fees are not to be payable by the Crown in the enforcement of the criminal law or in the exercise of powers or the performance of duties arising out of or relating to that enforcement.

Article 2(4) provides that the Principal Clerk of Justiciary or any other officer acting for the Principal Clerk is not required to do any act in connection with the matter specified in relation to that fee without either prior payment of the fee or entering into an arrangement for payment of the fee.

Articles 3 and 4 exempt certain persons from payment of fees.

Article 5 revokes the High Court of Justiciary Fees Order 2024 (S.S.I. 2024/237).