Citation1

This Order may be cited as the Vulnerable Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2004 (Commencement No. 3, Savings and Transitional Provisions) Order 2006.

Appointed day2

1

1st April 2006 is the day appointed for the coming into force of the provisions of the Vulnerable Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2004 set out in column 1 of the table of commencements in the schedule to this Order.

2

The provisions referred to in paragraph (1) shall come into force only for the purposes set out in column 2 of the table of commencements in the schedule to this Order.

Definitions3

In this instrument–

  • “the 1995 Act” means the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 19952; and

  • “the 2004 Act” means the Vulnerable Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2004.

Savings and Transitions4

1

The provisions of the 2004 Act brought into force by this Order shall, in respect of solemn proceedings in the High Court and the sheriff court, apply only to solemn proceedings commenced on or after 1st April 2006, with proceedings being taken to have commenced when a report of the case has been received by the procurator fiscal.

2

Part 2 of the 2004 Act, commenced by this Order in respect of children’s hearings court proceedings, shall apply only in respect of hearings of relevant appeals and applications which have been lodged on or after 1st April 2006.

HUGH HENRYAuthorised to sign by the Scottish MinistersSt Andrew’s House,Edinburgh