Defence solicitors are refusing to take part in a fly-on-the-wall documentary about Kilmarnock Sheriff Court amid fears it will become a repeat of The Scheme.
Lawyers were given a presentation by TV production firm Mentorn on Wednesday over its ambitious proposals to film the Scottish justice system in action.
It’s understood some top court officials are keen on the idea and the meeting was proposed to help win over solicitors who expressed concerns.
But the majority of those who practice in the town’s court remain staunchly opposed to appearing in any show.
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They cite the BBC’s 2010 documentary The Scheme, which followed the lives of six families in the deprived estates of Onthank and Knockinlaw in Kilmarnock.
Although it proved a hit with viewers, some of the real-life cast complained of being exploited.
Drug addict Marvin Baird, along with his dog Bullet and ex Dayna McLaughlin, became breakout stars as the show followed their chaotic lives.
In 2011, ex-Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson branded The Scheme “poverty pornography”.
It’s understood Mentorn previously looked at filming at Aberdeen Sheriff Court but that failed to get off the ground, while Hamilton Sheriff Court is still considered to be an option.
Simon Brown, the Scottish Solicitors Bar Association rep for Kilmarnock, said the “overwhelming” view among his fellow solicitors when first canvassed for opinions was against being involved.
He said that position was unchanged following Wednesday’s meeting.
He added: “It remains the view of almost all of the criminal bar that we do not wish to participate.
“The Scheme was mentioned in that it portrayed a negative view of Kilmarnock that still persists and we did not want that to happen again.
“We pointed out that for many of our clients, appearing in court was the worst day of their lives, and we didn’t think entertainment should be made of that.
“We also had concerns on the impact on trials being filmed and whether or not parties would be affected in giving their evidence.”
Any filming in court is up to the presiding sheriff or judges.
A spokesman for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said: “Scotland’s prosecution service supports the principles of open justice and engages constructively with the media to help the public understand our work.”
A Mentorn spokeswoman said no one was available to comment.
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