 Many people who are involved with civil court cases find the process time consuming, costly and stressful. Equally however many of these people may be unaware that there is an alternative to court proceedings which can result in a much more positive experience than outcome. I'm Margaret Mitchell MSP for Central Scotland and I'm lodging a draft proposal for a members bill to improve both the use and consistency of mediation services in Scotland. My proposed bill will make it mandatory for anyone involved in civil legal action unless it relates to an issue excluded in the bill to meet with a duty mediator to find out what mediation can do for them. Thereafter it will be for that individual crucially to make an informed choice about whether to mediate or not. I hope you will respond to the consultation on my proposed bill and I very much look forward to reading these responses.