Wick sheriff hangs up wig after 15 years at Caithness court
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Wick's sheriff left the bench for the last time following tributes from the legal profession – and even a couple from people he had sentenced!
Sheriff Andrew Berry is hanging up his wig after 15 years of service at the Caithness court.
Speaking at the end of the sheriff's last criminal court on Friday, Fiscal David Barclay wished him well in his retirement.
He said: "It has been a pleasure and a privilege to appear in this court. I think I can speak for myself and others in the fiscal service that this has always been a court where we deal with the business in an efficient and straightforward manner. Enjoy your retirement."
The sentiments were echoed by solicitor Natalie Paterson on behalf of the solicitors who had appeared before Sheriff Berry.
Sheriff Berry replied that, for once, he was "lost for words".
He said it had been "a real privilege and pleasure" to have sat at Wick.
Sheriff Berry paid tribute to Mr Barclay and his colleagues and described the service rendered by them as "nothing other than superb" and also acknowledged the contribution by the solicitors who had assisted him in the business of the court.
The sheriff said: "Some of them were previously known to me, others I got to know, others I have got to know quite well. I will leave with fond memories."
Sheriff Berry began his legal career as a solicitor in his native city of Glasgow in 1979. He went on to practise as a solicitor-advocate from 1994 and was a part-time sheriff between 2005 and 2006.
He was appointed to Wick as sheriff in January 2007, sitting at Lochmaddy, Dornoch and Kirkwall, and from time to time at other courts within the Grampian, Highland, and Islands Sheriffdom.
He conducted civil proceedings as well as criminal cases during his time at Wick.
Educated in Glasgow, Sheriff Berry is married with a grown-up family of two. He is retiring to Cumbernauld.
It is understood that the Wick court will be covered by temporary sheriffs until a permanent appointment is made.
