Your citation is an official letter telling you to come to court and give evidence as a witness.

The citation explains:

• what type of court case it is – a criminal, civil or Children's Hearing court case
• what time and date you need to be there
• where the court is
• how to get there
• how to claim expenses – information and an expenses claim form can be found on the back of the citation

Depending on what type of court case it is, the person who sends you a citation will be:

• your local Procurator Fiscal or a defence lawyer – in criminal court cases (they'll also send you a booklet with the letter called Being a Witness)
• a Children's Reporter – in Children's Hearing court cases
• parties to the case or their lawyers – in civil court cases

Read over your citation carefully and take it with you when you go to court. Make sure you fill in the expenses claim form on the back of your citation to claim expenses from the person who cited you as a witness.

If you cannot make the day of the trial

Tell whoever asked you to be a witness right away if there's an important reason why you cannot make the date of the trial.

If you have a pre-booked holiday, you'll need to post or email copies of your booking confirmation and details of the case you're involved with to whoever cited you as a witness.

If you're worried about giving evidence, you should speak to the person who asked you be a witness. They can direct you to the best advice and support.

You might be eligible for special measures– like a screen or giving evidence in a different room – if your circumstances or the nature of the case might affect the quality of your evidence.