See the Supreme Court hear appeals in Glasgow at the historic City Chambers and learn how the event will be open to the public and schools
The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom has confirmed it will hold a week of appeals in Glasgow from 18th-21st May 2026, operating temporarily from the citys City Chambers on George Square. Although the Court is ordinarily based in London, this move underlines its role as the highest court of appeal for the whole of the UK and reflects a commitment to bring important hearings closer to communities across the nations.
The use of the City Chambers, a building with over a century of municipal significance, was agreed with Glasgow City Council and will allow in-person attendance alongside the Courts usual online provision.
Why the Court is sitting outside London
Moving a sitting of the Supreme Court away from its London home is intended to emphasise accessibility and transparency. The Court has previously sat in other UK cities, most recently in Manchester for a week in March 2026, and before that in Edinburgh, Belfast and Cardiff.
The Chief Executive, Vicky Fox, welcomed the opportunity to bring proceedings to Scotland, stressing the Courts duty to serve the whole nation and the value of public engagement. She encouraged local residents and students to attend in person while noting that all hearings will continue to be live streamed to reach the widest possible audience.
The City Chambers as a venue
The choice of the City Chambers responds to both practical and symbolic considerations. As the long-standing headquarters of Glasgows municipal government, the building combines a prominent public profile with the ceremonial spaces appropriate for a national institution. The Banqueting Hall and other principal rooms have hosted civic ceremonies, receptions and international delegations, making them well suited to accommodate formal Court sittings, press arrangements and the educational activities planned around the week of appeals.
History and civic life
The City Chambers has a rich civic calendar and has played host to international events and notable figures over the years. It has welcomed city and national leaders during events such as COP26, the UCI World Cycling Championships and the Commonwealth Games, and remains a focal point for both solemn observances like Remembrance Day and celebratory occasions. Distinguished individuals honoured in the Banqueting Hall include international statespersons and cultural figures, demonstrating the Chambers long-standing role at the heart of Glasgows public life.
Who will sit and community engagement
The hearing week will be led by the Courts President, Lord Reed, who will be accompanied by four other Justices, with their names to be announced in due course. Lord Reed, who studied Law at Edinburgh University and has professional ties to Scotland from his years practising and serving as a judge, said he looks forward to sitting in his native region and meeting local students. The Court has planned a range of educational programmes aimed at school and university groups to explain appellate work and the role of constitutional justice.
Public access, broadcasts and further information
Members of the public will be able to attend hearings in Glasgow, subject to available seating and any arrangements announced nearer the time, while cases and judgment hand-downs will also be accessible via the Courts website where sessions are live streamed. A full schedule of the appeals to be heard will be published on the Courts website later in the year. For media enquiries and additional details, contact the Press Office. The Court has previously sat in other cities on the following dates: Edinburgh: 12 -15 June 2017; Belfast: 30 April – 2 May 2018; Cardiff: 22 – 25 July 2019; Manchester: 6 – 9 March 2026.
