Debt Arrangement and Attachment (Scotland) Act 2002
S. 60(2)(b) repealed (1.4.2008) by Bankruptcy and Diligence etc. (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 3), s. 227(3), Sch. 6 Pt. 1 (with s. 223); S.S.I. 2008/115, art. 3(2)(3), Sch. 2 (with arts. 4-6 9 10 15) (as amended: (23.2.2009) by S.S.I. 2009/67, art. 7; (31.1.2011) by S.S.I. 2011/31, art. 5(a); and (4.10.2014) by S.S.I. 2014/173, arts. 1(2), 3)
S. 60(1) repealed (1.4.2008) by Bankruptcy and Diligence etc. (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 3), s. 227(3), Sch. 6 Pt. 1 (with s. 223); S.S.I. 2008/115, art. 3(2)(3), Sch. 2 (with arts. 4-6 9 10 15) (as amended: (23.2.2009) by S.S.I. 2009/67, art. 7; (31.1.2011) by S.S.I. 2011/31, art. 5(a); and (4.10.2014) by S.S.I. 2014/173, arts. 1(2), 3)
Words in s. 60(2) substituted (1.4.2008) by Bankruptcy and Diligence etc. (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 3), s. 227(3), Sch. 5 para. 30(14) (with s. 223); S.S.I. 2008/115, art. 3(2)(3), Sch. 1 (with arts. 4-6 10 15) (as amended: (23.2.2009) by S.S.I. 2009/67, art. 7; (31.1.2011) by S.S.I. 2011/31, art. 5(a); and (4.10.2014) by S.S.I. 2014/173, arts. 1(2), 3)
Act modified (21.2.2009) by Banking Act 2009 (Parts 2 and 3 Consequential Amendments) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/317), arts. 1, 3, Sch.
S. 13A inserted (1.4.2008 for specified purposes, 22.4.2009 in so far as not already in force) by Bankruptcy and Diligence etc. (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 3), s. 227(3), Sch. 5 para. 30(4) (with s. 223); S.S.I. 2008/115, art. 3(4), Sch. 3 (with arts. 4-6, 10, 15) (as amended: (23.2.2009) by S.S.I. 2009/67, art. 7; (31.1.2011) by S.S.I. 2011/31, art. 5(a); and (4.10.2014) by S.S.I. 2014/173, arts. 1(2), 3); S.S.I. 2009/67, art. 3(2)(3), Sch. 1 (with arts. 4-6) (as amended (31.1.2011) by S.S.I. 2011/31, art. 5(b))
S. 33(7)(a)(b) substituted (22.4.2009) by Bankruptcy and Diligence etc. (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 3), s. 227(3), Sch. 5 para. 30(9)(a) (with s. 223); S.S.I. 2009/67, art. 3(2)(3), Sch. 1 (with arts. 4-6) (as amended (31.1.2011) by S.S.I. 2011/31, art. 5(b))
Words in s. 33(8) substituted (22.4.2009) by Bankruptcy and Diligence etc. (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 3), s. 227(3), Sch. 5 para. 30(9)(b) (with s. 223); S.S.I. 2009/67, art. 3(2)(3), Sch. 1 (with arts. 4-6) (as amended (31.1.2011) by S.S.I. 2011/31, art. 5(b))
Words in s. 40(3)(a) substituted (22.4.2009) by Bankruptcy and Diligence etc. (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 3), s. 227(3), Sch. 5 para. 30(11)(a)(i) (with s. 223); S.S.I. 2009/67, art. 3(2)(3), Sch. 1 (with arts. 4-6) (as amended (31.1.2011) by S.S.I. 2011/31, art. 5(b))
Sch. 3 para. 9 repealed (1.10.2009) by Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008 (asp 5), s. 128(2), Sch. 3 Pt. 1 (with s. 127); S.S.I. 2009/319, art. 2(a), Sch. 1
S. 11(3) inserted (23.11.2009) by Bankruptcy and Diligence etc. (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 3), s. 227(3), Sch. 5 para. 30(3)(b) (with s. 223); S.S.I. 2009/369, art. 3(2)(3), Sch. (with art. 4) (which transitional provisions in art. 4 are revoked (31.1.2011) by S.S.I. 2011/31, art. 5(c))
S. 11(1)(e) inserted (23.11.2009) by Bankruptcy and Diligence etc. (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 3), s. 227(3), Sch. 5 para. 30(3)(a) (with s. 223); S.S.I. 2009/369, art. 3(2)(3), Sch. (with art. 4) (which transitional provisions in art. 4 are revoked (31.1.2011) by S.S.I. 2011/31, art. 5(c))
S. 11(3) inserted (1.7.2010) by Bankruptcy and Diligence etc. (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 3), s. 227(3), Sch. 4 para. 10 (with s. 223); S.S.I. 2010/249, art. 2 (with art. 3)
Words in s. 45 repealed (31.1.2011) by Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 8), s. 134(7), Sch. 4 Pt. 2; S.S.I. 2011/30, art. 3(1)(3), Sch. 1
Act applied (with modifications) (8.2.2011) by The Investment Bank Special Administration Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/245), reg. 1, Sch. 6 Pt. 1 (with reg. 27(a))
Word in s. 3(2)(a) omitted (1.7.2011) by virtue of The Debt Arrangement Scheme (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (S.S.I. 2011/141), reg. 20(5) (with regs. 49-51)
S. 4(2A) inserted (1.7.2011) by The Debt Arrangement Scheme (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (S.S.I. 2011/141), reg. 33(5)(b) (with regs. 49-51)
S. 4(2)(c) inserted (1.7.2011) by The Debt Arrangement Scheme (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (S.S.I. 2011/141), reg. 33(5)(a)(ii) (with regs. 49-51)
Words in s. 4(2)(b) inserted (1.7.2011) by The Debt Arrangement Scheme (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (S.S.I. 2011/141), reg. 33(5)(a)(i) (with regs. 49-51)
S. 47(4)(h) and word inserted (1.7.2011) by The Debt Arrangement Scheme (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (S.S.I. 2011/141), Sch. 2 para. 3(b) (with regs. 49-51)
Word in s. 10(5) omitted (coming into force in accordance with reg 1(b) of the amending S.S.I.) by virtue of The International Recovery of Maintenance (Hague Convention 2007) (Scotland) Regulations 2012 (S.S.I. 2012/301), reg. 1(b), Sch. para. 2(2)(b)(i)
Words in s. 10(5) substituted (coming into force in accordance with reg 1(b) of the amending S.S.I.) by The International Recovery of Maintenance (Hague Convention 2007) (Scotland) Regulations 2012 (S.S.I. 2012/301), reg. 1(b), Sch. para. 2(2)(c)
Definitions in s. 10(5) inserted (coming into force in accordance with reg 1(b) of the amending S.S.I.) by The International Recovery of Maintenance (Hague Convention 2007) (Scotland) Regulations 2012 (S.S.I. 2012/301), reg. 1(b), Sch. para. 2(2)(d)
Words in s. 62(3) substituted (30.6.2014) by Bankruptcy and Debt Advice (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 11), s. 57(2), Sch. 3 para. 38(a); S.S.I. 2014/172, art. 2, Sch. (with art. 3)
Words in s. 62(4) substituted (30.6.2014) by Bankruptcy and Debt Advice (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 11), s. 57(2), Sch. 3 para. 38(b); S.S.I. 2014/172, art. 2, Sch. (with art. 3)
S. 7(2)(bd) inserted (30.6.2014) by Bankruptcy and Debt Advice (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 11), ss. 3(2), 57(2); S.S.I. 2014/172, art. 2, Sch.
S. 7(2)(ub) inserted (30.6.2014) by Bankruptcy and Debt Advice (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 11), ss. 53(3), 57(2); S.S.I. 2014/172, art. 2, Sch. (with art. 3)
Word in s. 1 substituted (30.6.2014 for specified purposes, 1.4.2015 in so far as not already in force) by Bankruptcy and Debt Advice (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 11), ss. 53(2), 57(2); S.S.I. 2014/172, art. 2, Sch. (with art. 3); S.S.I. 2014/261, art. 3 (with arts. 4-7, 12) (as amended by S.S.I. 2015/54, art. 2)
S. 9(2) repealed (30.6.2014 for specified purposes, 1.4.2015 in so far as not already in force) by Bankruptcy and Debt Advice (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 11), ss. 53(4), 57(2); S.S.I. 2014/172, art. 2, Sch. (with art. 3); S.S.I. 2014/261, art. 3 (with arts. 4-7, 12) (as amended by S.S.I. 2015/54, art. 2)
S. 43 repealed (28.11.2016) by The Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (Relevant Officer and Consequential Provisions) Order 2016 (S.S.I. 2016/387), art. 1, sch. 1 para. 3(3) (with art. 4(1))
Words in s. 9A(4) substituted (28.11.2016) by The Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (Relevant Officer and Consequential Provisions) Order 2016 (S.S.I. 2016/387), art. 1, sch. 1 para. 3(2) (with art. 4(1))
Words in s. 31(1) substituted (30.11.2016) by Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 2016 (asp 21), s. 237(2), sch. 8 para. 18(3) (with ss. 232, 234(3), 235, 236); S.S.I. 2016/294, reg. 2
Word in s. 40(3)(b) substituted (30.11.2016) by Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 2016 (asp 21), s. 237(2), sch. 8 para. 18(4)(a) (with ss. 232, 234(3), 235, 236); S.S.I. 2016/294, reg. 2
Words in s. 40(3)(f) substituted (30.11.2016) by Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 2016 (asp 21), s. 237(2), sch. 8 para. 18(4)(b) (with ss. 232, 234(3), 235, 236); S.S.I. 2016/294, reg. 2
Word in s. 9Q(3)(b) substituted (30.11.2016) by Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 2016 (asp 21), s. 237(2), sch. 8 para. 18(2)(a) (with ss. 232, 234(3), 235, 236); S.S.I. 2016/294, reg. 2
Words in s. 9Q(3)(f) substituted (30.11.2016) by Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 2016 (asp 21), s. 237(2), sch. 8 para. 18(2)(b) (with ss. 232, 234(3), 235, 236); S.S.I. 2016/294, reg. 2
Sch. 3 para. 15 repealed (30.11.2016) by Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 2016 (asp 21), s. 237(2), sch. 9 Pt. 1 (with ss. 232, 234(3), 235, 236); S.S.I. 2016/294, reg. 2
Words in s. 10(5) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Jurisdiction and Judgments (Family) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/519), reg. 1(1), Sch. para. 24(a) (with reg. 8) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1574, regs. 1, 5(2)); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
S. 10(5) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Jurisdiction and Judgments (Family) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/519), reg. 1(1), Sch. para. 24(b)(i) (with reg. 8) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1574, regs. 1, 5(2)); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Words in s. 10(5) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Jurisdiction and Judgments (Family) (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/519), reg. 1(1), Sch. para. 24(b)(ii) (with reg. 8) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1574, regs. 1, 5(2)); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Act applied (with modifications) (8.7.2021) by The Payment and Electronic Money Institution Insolvency Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/716), reg. 2, Sch. 3 paras. 2, 3 (with reg. 5) (as amended (4.1.2024) by S.I. 2023/1399, regs. 1(2), 4, 21(2))
Words in s. 10(5) inserted (coming into force in accordance with reg 1(b) of the amending S.S.I.) by The International Recovery of Maintenance (Hague Convention 2007) (Scotland) Regulations 2012 (S.S.I. 2012/301), reg. 1(b), Sch. para. 2(2)(b)(ii)
Variation of debt payment programmes
Attachment
Restriction on attachment of articles kept in dwellinghouses
Abolition of poindings and warrant sales
Variation of orders and variation or recall of conditions
Ranking of interim attachment
Taxes Management Act 1970 (c.9)
Regulations and orders
Times when attachment is not competent
Times when attachment is not competent
Public Health (Scotland) Act 1897 (c.38)
Abolition of Domestic Rates Etc. (Scotland) Act 1987 (c.47)
Car Tax Act 1983 (c.53)
Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 1985 (c.66)
Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994 (c.39);
Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 (c.46)
Social Security Administration Act 1992 (c.5)
Stamp Duty Reserve Tax Regulations 1986 (S.I. 1986/1711)
Merchant Shipping (Ministry of Defence Yachts) Order 1992 (S.I. 1992/1294)
Proceeds of Crime (Scotland) Act 1995 (c.43)
Landfill Tax Regulations 1996 (S.I. 1996/1527)
Finance Act 1997 (c.16)
Debt arrangement scheme
7A
- (1) The Scottish Ministers may, by regulations, make such further provision as they think fit in connection with debt payment programmes for the purposes of—
- (a) enabling such programmes to provide for the payment of part only of money owed by debtors; and
- (b) on the completion of such programmes or otherwise, enabling any liability of debtors to pay any part of such money owed as is outstanding to be discharged.
- (2) The regulations may, in particular, make provision about—
- (a) the minimum proportion or percentage of debts which shall be paid under such debt payment programmes;
- (b) without prejudice to section 7(2)(h) to (j) above, the consent of creditors for the purposes of section 2(4) above (including the circumstances in which consent by a majority by number or in value shall be sufficient);
- (c) the effect of such programmes on debtors' liabilities for interest, fees, penalties and other charges in relation to debts being paid under such programmes;
- (d) the effect of such programmes on the rights of creditors to charge interest, fees, penalties or other charges in relation to debts being paid under such programmes;
- (e) circumstances in which, on completion of such programmes or otherwise, any liability of debtors to pay—
- (i) part of any debts as are outstanding; or
- (ii) any interest, fees, penalties or other charges in relation to such debts,
is to be discharged.
- (3) Subsections (3) and (4) of section 7 above apply for the purposes of regulations under this section as they apply for the purposes of regulations under subsection (1) of that section.
Public Health (Scotland) Act 1897 (c.38)
Taxes Management Act 1970 (c.9)
Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Extracts Act 1892 (c.17)
Interpretation of this Part and Parts 3 and 4
Debtors (Scotland) Act 1987 (c.18)
Abolition of Domestic Rates Etc. (Scotland) Act 1987 (c.47)
Abolition of Poindings and Warrant Sales Act 2001 (asp 1)
Stamp Duty (Collection and Recovery of Penalties) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/2537)
Stamp Duty Reserve Tax Regulations 1986 (S.I. 1986/1711)
19A
- (1) The officer may at any time remove an attached article without notice if—
- (a) the officer considers it necessary for—
- (i) the security; or
- (ii) the preservation of the value,
of the article; and
- (b) there is insufficient time to obtain an order under section 20(1)(a) below.
- (2) The officer shall remove an article under subsection (1) above—
- (a) to the nearest convenient premises of the debtor or the person in possession of the articles; or
- (b) if—
- (i) no such premises are available; or
- (ii) the officer considers such premises to be unsuitable,
to the nearest suitable secure premises.
- (3) Subsections (2) and (6) of section 19 above shall apply to this section as they apply to that section.
60A
- (1) This section applies where—
- (a) a report or declaration under this Act requires to be signed; and
- (b) provision is made by virtue of this Act or any other enactment permitting the report or declaration to be an electronic communication.
- (2) Where the report or declaration is an electronic communication, the requirement is satisfied by a certified electronic signature.
- (3) Subsection (2) above is to be read in accordance with section 7(2) and (3) of the Electronic Communications Act 2000 (c. 7) (electronic signatures and certification).
Regulations and orders
1A
The expenses referred to in sub-paragraphs (i), (j) and (k) of paragraph 1 above shall not be chargeable against the debtor if the articles are removed under section 19A(1) above.
Companies Clauses Consolidation (Scotland) Act 1845 (c.17)
Interim attachment
Writs Execution (Scotland) Act 1877 (c.40)
Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Extracts Act 1892 (c.17)
Public Health (Scotland) Act 1897 (c.38)
Local Government (Scotland) Act 1947 (c.43)
Application for warrant for interim attachment
Water (Scotland) Act 1980 (c.45)
Ranking of interim attachment
Local Government (Scotland) Act 1947 (c.43)
Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 1985 (c.66)
Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 1985 (c.66)
Debtors (Scotland) Act 1987 (c.18)
Child Support Act 1991 (c.48)
Social Security Administration Act 1992 (c.5)
Local Government Finance Act 1992 (c.14)
Local Government Finance Act 1992 (c.14)
Proceeds of Crime (Scotland) Act 1995 (c.43)
Proceeds of Crime (Scotland) Act 1995 (c.43)
Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 (c.46)
Abolition of Domestic Rates Etc. (Scotland) Act 1987 (c.47)
Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994 (c.39);
Confiscation of the Proceeds of Drug Trafficking (Designated Countries and Territories) (Scotland) Order 1991 (S.I. 1991/1467)
Merchant Shipping (Ministry of Defence Yachts) Order 1992 (S.I. 1992/1294)
Insurance Premium Tax Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994/1774)
Insurance Premium Tax Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994/1774)
Landfill Tax Regulations 1996 (S.I. 1996/1527)
Landfill Tax Regulations 1996 (S.I. 1996/1527)
Confiscation of the Proceeds of Drug Trafficking (Designated Countries and Territories) (Scotland) Order 1991 (S.I. 1991/1467)
Confiscation of the Proceeds of Drug Trafficking (Designated Countries and Territories) (Scotland) Order 1991 (S.I. 1991/1467)
Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994 (c.39);
Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 (c.46)
Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 (c.1)
Abolition of Poindings and Warrant Sales Act 2001 (asp 1)
Stamp Duty Reserve Tax Regulations 1986 (S.I. 1986/1711)
Abolition of Poindings and Warrant Sales Act 2001 (asp 1)
Lloyd’s Underwriters (Gilt-edged Securities) (Periodic Accounting for Tax on Interest) Regulations 1995 (S.I. 1995/3225)
Stamp Duty Reserve Tax Regulations 1986 (S.I. 1986/1711)
Part 1A — Interim attachment
Interim attachment
9A
- (1) Subject to sections 9B to 9E below, the court may grant warrant for diligence by attachment of corporeal moveable property owned (whether alone or in common) by the debtor on the dependence of an action (such attachment is to be known as interim attachment).
- (2) Warrant for interim attachment is competent only where an action contains a conclusion for payment of a sum other than by way of expenses.
- (3) This Part of this Act shall apply to petitions in the Court of Session and to parties to them as it applies to actions and to parties to them.
- (4) In this Part of this Act—
- “ action ” includes, in the sheriff court— a summary cause; a simple procedure case (within the meaning of section 72(9) of the Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014); and a summary application,and references to “summons”, “conclusion” and to cognate expressions shall be construed accordingly;
- “ court ” means— the court before which the action is in dependence; orwhere, by virtue of section 9L(1)(a) below, the interim attachment has effect after the creditor obtains a final interlocutor for payment, the court which granted that interlocutor;
- “ creditor ” means the party who concludes for payment and who seeks, obtains or executes warrant for interim attachment;
- “ debtor ” means the party against whom the conclusion for payment is addressed; and
expressions used in this Part of this Act have, unless the context otherwise requires, the same meanings as those expressions have in Part 2 of this Act.
9B
It is not competent to attach by interim attachment—
- (a) any article within a dwellinghouse;
- (b) any article which, by virtue of section 11 below, it is not competent to attach;
- (c) a mobile home which is the only or principal residence of a person other than the debtor;
- (d) any article of a perishable nature or which is likely to deteriorate substantially and rapidly in condition or value; or
- (e) where the debtor is engaged in trade, any article acquired by the debtor—
- (i) to be sold by the debtor (whether or not after adaptation); or
- (ii) as a material for a process of manufacturing for sale by the debtor,
in the ordinary course of that trade.
Application for interim attachment
9C
- (1) A creditor may, at any time during which an action is in dependence, apply to the court for warrant for interim attachment.
- (2) An application under subsection (1) above shall—
- (a) be in (or as nearly as may be in) the form prescribed by Act of Sederunt;
- (b) subject to subsection (3) below, be intimated to and provide details of—
- (i) the debtor; and
- (ii) any other person having an interest;
- (c) state whether the creditor is seeking the grant, under section 9D(1) below, of warrant for interim attachment in advance of a hearing on the application under section 9E below; and
- (d) contain such other information as the Scottish Ministers may by regulations prescribe.
- (3) An application under subsection (1) above need not be intimated where the creditor is seeking the grant, under section 9D(1) below, of warrant in advance of a hearing on the application under section 9E below.
- (4) The court, on receiving an application under subsection (1) above, shall—
- (a) subject to section 9D below, fix a date for a hearing on the application under section 9E below; and
- (b) order the creditor to intimate that date to—
- (i) the debtor; and
- (ii) any other person appearing to the court to have an interest.
9D
- (1) The court may, if satisfied as to the matters mentioned in subsection (2) below, make an order granting warrant for interim attachment without a hearing on the application under section 9E below.
- (2) The matters referred to in subsection (1) above are—
- (a) that the creditor has a prima facie case on the merits of the action;
- (b) that there is a real and substantial risk enforcement of any decree in the action in favour of the creditor would be defeated or prejudiced by reason of—
- (i) the debtor being insolvent or verging on insolvency; or
- (ii) the likelihood of the debtor removing, disposing of, burdening, concealing or otherwise dealing with all or some of the debtor's assets,
were warrant for interim attachment not granted in advance of such a hearing; and
- (c) that it is reasonable in all the circumstances, including the effect granting warrant may have on any person having an interest, to do so.
- (3) The onus shall be on the creditor to satisfy the court that the order granting warrant should be made.
- (4) Where the court makes an order granting warrant for interim attachment without a hearing on the application under section 9E below, the court shall—
- (a) fix a date for a hearing under section 9M below; and
- (b) order the creditor to intimate that date to—
- (i) the debtor; and
- (ii) any other person appearing to the court to have an interest.
- (5) Where a hearing is fixed under subsection (4)(a) above, section 9M (except subsection (11)) below shall apply as if an application had been made to the court for an order under that section.
- (6) Where the court refuses to make an order granting warrant without a hearing under section 9E below and the creditor insists in the application, the court shall—
- (a) fix a date for such a hearing on the application; and
- (b) order the creditor to intimate that date to—
- (i) the debtor; and
- (ii) any other person appearing to the court to have an interest.
9E
- (1) At the hearing on an application for warrant for interim attachment, the court shall not make any order without first giving—
- (a) any person to whom intimation of the date of the hearing was made; and
- (b) any other person appearing to the court to have an interest,
an opportunity to be heard.
- (2) The court may, if satisfied as to the matters mentioned in subsection (3) below, make an order granting warrant for interim attachment.
- (3) The matters referred to in subsection (2) above are—
- (a) that the creditor has a prima facie case on the merits of the action;
- (b) that there is a real and substantial risk enforcement of any decree in the action in favour of the creditor would be defeated or prejudiced by reason of—
- (i) the debtor being insolvent or verging on insolvency; or
- (ii) the likelihood of the debtor removing, disposing of, burdening, concealing or otherwise dealing with all or some of the debtor's assets,
were warrant for interim attachment not granted; and
- (c) that it is reasonable in all the circumstances, including the effect granting warrant may have on any person having an interest, to do so.
- (4) The onus shall be on the creditor to satisfy the court that the order granting warrant should be made.
- (5) Where the court makes an order granting or, as the case may be, refusing warrant for interim attachment, the court shall order the creditor to intimate that order to—
- (a) the debtor; and
- (b) any other person appearing to the court to have an interest.
- (6) Where the court makes an order refusing warrant for interim attachment, the court may impose such conditions (if any) as it thinks fit.
- (7) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (6) above, those conditions may require the debtor—
- (a) to consign into court such sum; or
- (b) to find caution or to give such other security,
as the court thinks fit.
Execution of interim attachment
9F
- (1) Sections 12, 13, 15 and (subject to subsection (6) below) 17 below apply to execution of an interim attachment as they apply to execution of an attachment.
- (2) The officer shall, immediately after executing an interim attachment, complete a schedule such as is mentioned in subsection (3) below (in this Part of this Act, a “schedule of interim attachment”).
- (3) The schedule of interim attachment—
- (a) shall be—
- (i) in (or as nearly as may be in) the form prescribed by Act of Sederunt; and
- (ii) signed by the officer; and
- (b) shall specify—
- (i) the articles attached; and
- (ii) their value, so far as ascertainable.
- (4) The officer shall—
- (a) give a copy of the schedule of interim attachment to the debtor; or
- (b) where it is not practicable to do so—
- (i) give a copy of the schedule to a person present at the place where the interim attachment was executed; or
- (ii) where there is no such person, leave a copy of the schedule at that place.
- (5) References in this Part of this Act to the day on which an interim attachment is executed are references to the day on which the officer complies with subsection (4) above.
- (6) The application of section 17 below shall be subject to the following modifications—
- (a) subsections (3)(b) and (4) shall not apply;
- (b) in subsections (1), (5) and (6), the references to the sheriff shall be construed as references to the court; and
- (c) in subsection (6)(b), the reference to the sheriff clerk shall, in the case of an action in the Court of Session, be construed as a reference to the clerk of the court.
9G
- (1) This section applies where an interim attachment is executed before the service of the summons on the debtor.
- (2) Subject to subsection (3) below, if the summons is not served on the debtor before the end of the period of 21 days beginning with the day on which the interim attachment is executed, the attachment shall cease to have effect.
- (3) The court may, on the application of the creditor, make an order extending the period referred to in subsection (2) above.
- (4) In determining whether to make such an order the court shall have regard to—
- (a) the efforts of the creditor to serve the summons within the period of 21 days; and
- (b) any special circumstances preventing or obstructing service within that period.
Interim attachment: further procedure
9H
- (1) The court may, on an application, at any time after articles have been attached—
- (a) by the creditor;
- (b) the officer; or
- (c) the debtor,
make an order for the security of any of the attached articles.
- (2) An application for an order under subsection (1) above shall—
- (a) be in (or as nearly as may be in) the form prescribed by Act of Sederunt; and
- (b) be intimated—
- (i) where it is made by the creditor or the officer, to the debtor;
- (ii) where it is made by the debtor, to the creditor and the officer.
- (3) At the hearing on the application under subsection (1) above, the court shall not make any order without first giving—
- (a) any person to whom intimation of the application was made; and
- (b) any other person the court is satisfied has an interest,
an opportunity to be heard.
Interim attachment: effects
9J
Section 21 (except subsections (3) and (15)) below applies to an interim attachment as it applies to an attachment with the following modifications—
- (a) in subsections (10) and (11), the references to the sheriff shall be construed as references to the court; and
- (b) in subsection (12), the references to sections 51 and 54(1) below shall be of no effect.
9K
- (1) Where—
- (a) a third party claims to own an article attached by interim attachment; and
- (b) the court, on the application of the third party, makes an order stating that it is satisfied that the claim is valid,
the interim attachment of that article shall cease to have effect.
- (2) Where—
- (a) a third party claims to own an article attached by interim attachment in common with the debtor;
- (b) the court, on the application of the third party, makes an order stating that it is satisfied—
- (i) that the claim is valid; and
- (ii) that the continued attachment of the article would be unduly harsh to the third party,
the interim attachment of that article shall cease to have effect.
- (3) Subsection (2) of section 34 below applies where a third party makes an application for the purposes of subsection (1)(b) above as it applies where a third party makes an application for the purposes of subsection (1)(b)(ii) of that section.
- (4) Where the attachment of an article ceases, by virtue of an order under subsection (1) or (2) above, to have effect, the officer may attach other articles which are owned by the debtor and kept at the place at which the original interim attachment was executed.
9L
- (1) An interim attachment shall, unless recalled, have effect only until—
- (a) subject to subsections (2), (4) and (7) below, where—
- (i) the creditor obtains a final interlocutor for payment of all or part of a principal sum concluded for in the action on the dependence of which warrant for interim attachment was granted;
- (ii) the creditor obtains a final interlocutor in the creditor's favour in respect of another remedy concluded for in that action; or
- (iii) the final interlocutor is of absolvitor or dismissal and the court grants decree under and for the purposes of section 9Q(1)(b) below,
the expiry of the period of 6 months after the action is disposed of;
- (b) where—
- (i) the final interlocutor is of absolvitor or dismissal; and
- (ii) no decree under and for the purposes of section 9Q(1)(b) below is granted,
the granting of that interlocutor; or
- (c) the creditor consents, by virtue of subsection (3) below, to the interim attachment ceasing to have effect in relation to every article attached.
- (2) An interim attachment shall have effect in relation to a specific article only until the article is attached by the creditor in execution of any such final interlocutor or decree as is mentioned in subsection (1)(a) above.
- (3) The creditor may at any time consent in writing to the interim attachment ceasing to have effect in relation to a specific article attached; and the attachment shall cease to have effect when that consent is notified to the court.
- (4) The court may, on an application by the creditor, extend the period mentioned in subsection (1)(a) above but only if—
- (a) the application is made before the expiry of the period mentioned in that subsection; and
- (b) the court is satisfied that exceptional circumstances make it reasonable to grant the application.
- (5) An application under subsection (4) above shall—
- (a) be in (or as nearly as may be in) the form prescribed by Act of Sederunt; and
- (b) be intimated by the creditor to—
- (i) the debtor; and
- (ii) any other person having an interest.
- (6) The court shall order the creditor to intimate any decision under subsection (4) above disposing of the application under that subsection to—
- (a) the debtor; and
- (b) any other person appearing to the court to have an interest.
- (7) Where such an application is made but not disposed of before the date on which the interim attachment would, but for this subsection, cease to have effect, the interim attachment shall continue to have effect until the application is disposed of.
- (8) In calculating the period mentioned in subsection (1)(a) above, any period during which—
- (a) a time to pay direction under section 1(1) of the Debtors (Scotland) Act 1987 (c. 18); or
- (b) an order under—
- (i) section 6(3) of that Act (interim order sisting diligence); or
- (ii) section 9(4) of that Act (diligence sisted if not recalled on making of time to pay order),
is in effect shall be disregarded.
- (9) For the purposes of subsection (1) above—
- (a) a final interlocutor is obtained when an interlocutor—
- (i) cannot be recalled or altered; and
- (ii) is not subject to review; and
- (b) an action is disposed of on the date on which the final interlocutor mentioned in paragraph (a) of that subsection is obtained unless, on a later date, the creditor obtains a final interlocutor for expenses in the action, in which case it is disposed of on that later date.
Recall etc. of interim attachment
9M
- (1) This section applies where warrant is granted for interim attachment.
- (2) The debtor and any person having an interest may apply to the court for an order—
- (a) recalling the warrant;
- (b) restricting the warrant;
- (c) if an interim attachment has been executed in pursuance of the warrant—
- (i) recalling; or
- (ii) restricting,
that attachment;
- (d) determining any question relating to the validity, effect or operation of the warrant; or
- (e) ancillary to any order mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (d) above.
- (3) An application under subsection (2) above shall—
- (a) be in (or as nearly as may be in) the form prescribed by Act of Sederunt; and
- (b) be intimated to—
- (i) the creditor; and
- (ii) any other person having an interest.
- (4) At the hearing on the application under subsection (2) above, the court shall not make any order without first giving—
- (a) any person to whom intimation of the application was made; and
- (b) any other person the court is satisfied has an interest,
an opportunity to be heard.
- (5) Where the court is satisfied that the warrant is invalid it—
- (a) shall make an order—
- (i) recalling the warrant; and
- (ii) if interim attachment has been executed in pursuance of the warrant, recalling that interim attachment; and
- (b) may make an order ancillary to any order mentioned in paragraph (a) above.
- (6) Where the court is satisfied that an interim attachment executed in pursuance of the warrant is incompetent, it—
- (a) shall make an order recalling the interim attachment; and
- (b) may make an order ancillary to any such order.
- (7) Subject to subsection (8) below, where the court is satisfied that the warrant is valid but that—
- (a) an interim attachment executed in pursuance of it is irregular or ineffective; or
- (b) it is reasonable in all the circumstances, including the effect granting warrant may have had on any person having an interest, to do so,
the court may, subject to subsection (11) below, make any order such as is mentioned in subsection (2) above.
- (8) If no longer satisfied as to the matters mentioned in subsection (9) below, the court—
- (a) shall make an order such as is mentioned in subsection (5)(a) above; and
- (b) may make an order such as is mentioned in subsection (5)(b) above.
- (9) The matters referred to in subsection (8) above are—
- (a) that the creditor has a prima facie case on the merits of the action;
- (b) that there is a real and substantial risk enforcement of any decree in the action in favour of the creditor would be defeated or prejudiced by reason of—
- (i) the debtor being insolvent or verging on insolvency; or
- (ii) the likelihood of the debtor removing, disposing of, burdening, concealing or otherwise dealing with all or some of the debtor's assets; and
- (c) that it is reasonable in all the circumstances, including the effect granting warrant may have had on any person having an interest, for the warrant or, as the case may be, any interim attachment executed in pursuance of it to continue to have effect.
- (10) The onus shall be on the creditor to satisfy the court that no order under subsection (5), (6), (7) or (8) above should be made.
- (11) Where—
- (a) by virtue of section 9L(1)(a) above, the interim attachment continues to have effect after the creditor obtains a final interlocutor for payment; and
- (b) the period of six months mentioned in that paragraph has not expired,
the court shall not make an order under subsection (7) above.
- (12) In granting an application under subsection (2) above, the court may impose such conditions (if any) as it thinks fit.
- (13) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (12) above, those conditions may require the debtor—
- (a) to consign into court such sum; or
- (b) to find such caution or to give such other security,
as the court thinks fit.
- (14) Where the court makes an order under this section, the court shall order the debtor to intimate that order to—
- (a) the creditor; and
- (b) any other person appearing to the court to have an interest.
9N
- (1) Where—
- (a) an order restricting warrant for interim attachment is made under section 9M(7) above; or
- (b) a condition is imposed under—
- (i) section 9E(6) above; or
- (ii) section 9M(12) above,
the debtor may apply to the court for variation of the order or, as the case may be, variation or removal of the condition.
- (2) An application under subsection (1) above shall—
- (a) be in (or as nearly as may be in) the form prescribed by Act of Sederunt; and
- (b) be intimated to—
- (i) the creditor; and
- (ii) any other person having an interest.
- (3) At the hearing on the application under subsection (1) above, the court shall not make any order without first giving—
- (a) any person to whom intimation of the application was made; and
- (b) any other person the court is satisfied has an interest,
an opportunity to be heard.
- (4) On an application under subsection (1) above, the court may if it thinks fit—
- (a) vary the order; or
- (b) vary or remove the condition.
- (5) Where the court makes an order varying the order or, as the case may be, varying or removing the condition, the court shall order the debtor to intimate that order to—
- (a) the creditor; and
- (b) any other person appearing to the court to have an interest.
General and miscellaneous provisions
9P
- (1) Subject to subsection (3)(a) below, a creditor shall be entitled to the expenses incurred—
- (a) in obtaining warrant for interim attachment; and
- (b) where an interim attachment is executed in pursuance of the warrant, in so executing that attachment.
- (2) Subject to subsection (3)(b) below, a debtor shall be entitled, where—
- (a) warrant for interim attachment is granted; and
- (b) the court is satisfied that the creditor was acting unreasonably in applying for it,
to the expenses incurred in opposing that warrant.
- (3) The court may modify or refuse—
- (a) such expenses as are mentioned in subsection (1) above if it is satisfied that—
- (i) the creditor was acting unreasonably in applying for the warrant; or
- (ii) such modification or refusal is reasonable in all the circumstances and having regard to the outcome of the action; and
- (b) such expenses as are mentioned in subsection (2) above if it is satisfied as to the matter mentioned in paragraph (a)(ii) above.
- (4) Subject to subsections (1) to (3) above, the court may make such findings as it thinks fit in relation to such expenses as are mentioned in subsections (1) and (2) above.
- (5) Expenses incurred as mentioned in subsections (1) and (2) above in obtaining or, as the case may be, opposing an application for warrant shall be expenses of process.
9Q
- (1) Subject to subsection (4) below, any expenses chargeable against the debtor which are incurred in executing an interim attachment shall be recoverable only by attachment—
- (a) in execution of a decree granted by virtue of—
- (i) the conclusion for payment in the action on the dependence of which the warrant for interim attachment was granted; or
- (ii) another conclusion in the creditor's favour in that action; or
- (b) where the final interlocutor in the action is of absolvitor or dismissal, in execution of a decree granted under and for the purposes of this subsection.
- (2) Where any such expenses cease to be recoverable in pursuance of subsection (1) above, they cease to be chargeable against the debtor.
- (3) Subsection (4) below applies where interim attachment is—
- (a) recalled under section 2(3), 3(1)(b), 9(2)(cb) or 10(1)(b) of the 1987 Act in relation to a time to pay direction or order;
- (b) in effect immediately before the date of sequestration (within the meaning of the Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 2016 ) of the debtor's estate;
- (c) in effect immediately before the appointment of an administrator under Part II of the Insolvency Act 1986 (c. 45);
- (d) in effect against property of the debtor immediately before a floating charge attaches all or part of that property under section 53(7) (attachment on appointment of receiver by holder of charge) or 54(6) (attachment on appointment of receiver by court) of the 1986 Act;
- (e) in effect immediately before the commencement of the winding up, under Part IV or V of the 1986 Act, of the debtor; or
- (f) rendered unenforceable by virtue of the creditor entering into a composition contract or acceding to a trust deed for creditors or by virtue of the subsistence of a protected trust deed within the meaning of Schedule 4 of the 2016 Act.
- (4) Where this subsection applies—
- (a) the expenses of the interim attachment which were chargeable against the debtor remain so chargeable; and
- (b) if the debtor's obligation to pay the expenses is not discharged under or by virtue of the time to pay direction or order, sequestration, appointment, receivership, winding up, composition contract or trust deed for creditors, those expenses are recoverable in pursuance of subsection (1) above.
9R
- (1) This section applies where—
- (a) any amounts are—
- (i) secured by an interim attachment; and
- (ii) while the attachment is in effect, paid to account of the amounts recoverable from the debtor; and
- (b) that interim attachment ceases to have effect.
- (2) Such amounts shall be ascribed to the following in the order in which they are mentioned—
- (a) the expenses incurred in—
- (i) obtaining warrant for; and
- (ii) executing,
the interim attachment;
- (b) any interest which has accrued, in relation to a sum due under a decree granted by virtue of the conclusion in relation to which warrant for interim attachment was granted, as at the date of execution;
- (c) any sum due under that decree together with such interest as has accrued after that date.
- (3) Where an interim attachment is followed by an attachment in execution of a decree granted by virtue of the conclusion in relation to which the warrant for the interim attachment was granted, section 41 below shall apply to amounts to which this section applies as it applies to amounts to which that section applies.
9S
For the purposes of any enactment or rule of law as to ranking or preference—
- (a) where—
- (i) an interim attachment has been executed; and
- (ii) the creditor has, without undue delay, obtained an interlocutor for payment of all or part of the sum concluded for,
that interim attachment shall be treated as if it were an attachment by virtue of section 10 below of the property attached, executed when the interim attachment was executed; and
- (b) where an interim attachment has ceased to have effect in relation to any article by virtue of section 9L(2) above, the attachment of the article in question shall be taken to have been executed when the interim attachment was executed.
13A
- (1) The officer must, immediately after executing an attachment, complete a schedule such as is mentioned in subsection (2) below (in this section, the “attachment schedule”).
- (2) An attachment schedule—
- (a) must be in (or as nearly as may be in) the form prescribed by Act of Sederunt; and
- (b) must specify—
- (i) the articles attached; and
- (ii) their value, so far as ascertainable.
- (3) The officer must—
- (a) give a copy of the attachment schedule to the debtor; or
- (b) where it is not practicable to do so—
- (i) give a copy of the schedule to a person present at the place where the attachment was executed; or
- (ii) where there is no such person, leave a copy of it at that place.
- (4) An attachment is executed on the day on which the officer complies with subsection (3) above.
Presumption of ownership
Variation of orders and variation or recall of conditions
Articles exempt from attachment
Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Extracts Act 1892 (c.17)
Local Government (Scotland) Act 1947 (c.43)
Water (Scotland) Act 1980 (c.45)
Exceptional circumstances
Matrimonial Homes (Family Protection) (Scotland) Act 1981 (c.59)
Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 1985 (c.66)
Restriction on attachment of articles kept in dwellinghouses
Debtors (Scotland) Act 1987 (c.18)
Local Government Finance Act 1992 (c.14)
Local Government Finance Act 1992 (c.14)
Proceeds of Crime (Scotland) Act 1995 (c.43)
Proceeds of Crime (Scotland) Act 1995 (c.43)
Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 (c.46)
Abolition of Domestic Rates Etc. (Scotland) Act 1987 (c.47)
Merchant Shipping (Ministry of Defence Yachts) Order 1992 (S.I. 1992/1294)
Insurance Premium Tax Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994/1774)
Insurance Premium Tax Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994/1774)
Landfill Tax Regulations 1996 (S.I. 1996/1527)
Landfill Tax Regulations 1996 (S.I. 1996/1527)
Civil Legal Aid (Scotland) Regulations 2002 (S.S.I. 2002/494)
Child Support Act 1991 (c.48)
Taxes Management Act 1970 (c.9)
Exceptional circumstances
Car Tax Act 1983 (c.53)
Gas Act 1986 (c.44)
Debtors (Scotland) Act 1987 (c.18)
Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 (c.46)
Finance Act 1997 (c.16)
Merchant Shipping (Ministry of Defence Commercially Managed Ships) Order 1992 (S.I. 1992/1293)
Lloyd’s Underwriters (Gilt-edged Securities) (Periodic Accounting for Tax on Interest) Regulations 1995 (S.I. 1995/3225)
Stamp Duty (Collection and Recovery of Penalties) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/2537)
Minor and consequential amendments and repeals
Water (Scotland) Act 1980 (c.45)
Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 1985 (c.66)
Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 1985 (c.66)
Debtors (Scotland) Act 1987 (c.18)
Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 (c.1)
Local Government Finance Act 1992 (c.14)
Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994 (c.39);
Proceeds of Crime (Scotland) Act 1995 (c.43)
Confiscation of the Proceeds of Drug Trafficking (Designated Countries and Territories) (Scotland) Order 1991 (S.I. 1991/1467)
Merchant Shipping (Ministry of Defence Commercially Managed Ships) Order 1992 (S.I. 1992/1293)
Merchant Shipping (Ministry of Defence Yachts) Order 1992 (S.I. 1992/1294)
Insurance Premium Tax Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994/1774)
Lloyd’s Underwriters (Gilt-edged Securities) (Periodic Accounting for Tax on Interest) Regulations 1995 (S.I. 1995/3225)
Landfill Tax Regulations 1996 (S.I. 1996/1527)
Stamp Duty (Collection and Recovery of Penalties) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/2537)
Civil Legal Aid (Scotland) Regulations 2002 (S.S.I. 2002/494)
Deduction from earnings
Minor and consequential amendments and repeals
Companies Clauses Consolidation (Scotland) Act 1845 (c.17)
Lands Clauses Consolidation (Scotland) Act 1845 (c.19)
Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Extracts Act 1892 (c.17)
Articles exempt from attachment
Taxes Management Act 1970 (c.9)
Matrimonial Homes (Family Protection) (Scotland) Act 1981 (c.59)
Car Tax Act 1983 (c.53)
Car Tax Act 1983 (c.53)
Gas Act 1986 (c.44)
Abolition of Poindings and Warrant Sales Act 2001 (asp 1)
Merchant Shipping (Ministry of Defence Commercially Managed Ships) Order 1992 (S.I. 1992/1293)
Merchant Shipping (Ministry of Defence Yachts) Order 1992 (S.I. 1992/1294)
Insurance Premium Tax Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994/1774)
Lloyd’s Underwriters (Gilt-edged Securities) (Periodic Accounting for Tax on Interest) Regulations 1995 (S.I. 1995/3225)
Landfill Tax Regulations 1996 (S.I. 1996/1527)
Civil Legal Aid (Scotland) Regulations 2002 (S.S.I. 2002/494)
Presumption of ownership
Regulations and orders
Companies Clauses Consolidation (Scotland) Act 1845 (c.17)
Railway Clauses Consolidation (Scotland) Act 1845 (c.33)
Writs Execution (Scotland) Act 1877 (c.40)
Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Extracts Act 1892 (c.17)
Local Government (Scotland) Act 1947 (c.43)
Taxes Management Act 1970 (c.9)
Water (Scotland) Act 1980 (c.45)
Abolition of Domestic Rates Etc. (Scotland) Act 1987 (c.47)
Social Security Administration Act 1992 (c.5)
Local Government Finance Act 1992 (c.14)
Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994 (c.39);
Proceeds of Crime (Scotland) Act 1995 (c.43)
Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 (c.46)
Finance Act 1997 (c.16)
Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002 (asp 3)
Stamp Duty Reserve Tax Regulations 1986 (S.I. 1986/1711)
Confiscation of the Proceeds of Drug Trafficking (Designated Countries and Territories) (Scotland) Order 1991 (S.I. 1991/1467)
Merchant Shipping (Ministry of Defence Commercially Managed Ships) Order 1992 (S.I. 1992/1293)
Reading this document does not replace reading the official text published on legislation.gov.uk. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies arising from the conversion of the original CLML XML to this format.
This text is published under legislation.gov.uk's own terms of reuse, not a Legalize or public-domain licence.
legislation.gov.uk
Open Government Licence v3.0 (attribution required)
© Crown and database right. Derived from content available under the Open Government Licence v3.0 from legislation.gov.uk.