Retiring sheriff Andrew Berry given warm send-off from Wick Sheriff Court

Sheriff Andrew Berry's long service to the Wick court was drawn to a close last week when he made his final appearance. But although it took place in the courtroom, he was, for once, not on the bench.

The sheriff was the guest of honour of the court personnel who hosted a light buffet to mark his 15 years of service to the Caithness community.

The warm tributes were led by Fiscal David Barclay, who told the sheriff: "It has been a pleasure and privilege working alongside you. We have done our best to ensure that the court worked smoothly and efficiently."

Mr Barclay said that in a smaller court such as the one at Wick, a good working relationship had been forged between the fiscal's office, the various departments, the sheriff clerks, Geoamey – responsible for the transportation of prisoners, and the social work officers, as well as the local and south solicitors who were "always made welcome".

Wishing Sheriff Berry all the best in his retirement, Mr Barclay concluded: "Thank you for your time here. It has been a pleasure working with you."

Sylvia Maclennan, Dean of the Caithness Faculty of Advocates, said she wished to be associated with the fiscal's sentiments.

She said that the faculty and the south solicitors who had appeared before him wished him well in the "new chapter of his life".

Miss Maclennan added that the sheriff's long spell at Wick had been "a very positive experience" and the faculty was grateful for it.

Replying, Sheriff Berry quipped that he would remain 'sitting' as he had done for the past 15 years. He said that there was a great deal of preparatory work that went on "behind the scenes" in the sheriff clerk's and fiscal's offices which he was certain was appreciated by a considerable number of people involved in the criminal and civil business.

Sheriff Berry made the point that his responsibilities didn't end when he rose from the bench, as there were frequently matters to be dealt with in chambers.

Glasgow-born Sheriff Berry said he could appreciate how daunting coming to court to give evidence could be for some people, as he had found himself in the witness box on three occasions during his legal career.

Sheriff Berry finished by thanking all concerned for their support over the years and also acknowledged "the unfailingly accurate" coverage of the criminal proceedings by its regular court reporter.

The sheriff then took his place behind a table laden with presentation gifts, for some souvenir photos with court staff. The presents included a clock in the shape of Caithness county, pictures of Wick, past and present, and a dram or two. He thanked everyone for their kind words and presents.

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.

The sheriff was installed at Wick in January 2007 and also sat at Lochmaddy, Dornoch and Kirkwall.

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