THE Sheriff Court in Dumfries has returned to the courthouse in

Buccleugh Street after three years in a convent. The temporary quarters

in the former Benedictine convent in the town were necessary while an

underpinnning operation was carried out on the courthouse building. At

the same time office accommodation and public facilities in the

courthouse have been refurbished. The last court sitting in the convent

was held yesterday, and normal courts resume in Buccleuch Street on

Monday.

The future of the former convent, which was vacated by the Benedictine

Order of nuns in 1988 after more than 100 years, has not yet been

revealed. It has been on the market and was visited by a number of

prospective purchasers, including Buddhist monks, before the closing

date for offers last month.