Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 1985 (repealed)

[F1 Replacement of trustee] S

Textual Amendments

F1 Cross-heading preceding s. 28 substituted (1.4.2008) by virtue of Bankruptcy and Diligence etc. (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 3), ss. 36, 227(3), Sch. 1 para. 28(6) (with s. 223); S.S.I. 2008/115, art. 3(1)(i) (with arts. 4-6, 10 (as amended (with effect from 31.1.2011) by S.S.I. 2011/31, art. 5))

28 [F2 Resignation and death of trustee] S

F3 [(1) The F4 . . . trustee may apply to the [F5 Accountant in Bankruptcy] for authority to resign office and, where the [F5 Accountant in Bankruptcy] is satisfied that [F6 the trustee—

(a) is unable to act (whether by, under or by virtue of a provision of this Act or from any other cause whatsoever); or

(b) has so conducted himself that he should no longer continue to act,

the Accountant in Bankruptcy] shall grant the application.

(1A) The [F5 Accountant in Bankruptcy] may make the granting of an application under subsection (1) above subject to the election of a new F4 . . . trustee and to such conditions as he thinks appropriate in all the circumstances of the case.]

(2) Where the [F5 Accountant in Bankruptcy] grants an application under F7 . . . subsection (1) above—

(a) except where paragraph (b) below applies, the commissioners, or if there are no commissioners, the Accountant in Bankruptcy, shall call a meeting of the creditors, to be held not more than 28 days after the F4 . . . trustee has resigned, for the election by them of a new F4 . . . trustee;

(b) if the application has been granted subject to the election of a new F4 . . . trustee, the resigning F4 . . . trustee shall himself call a meeting of the creditors, to be held not more than 28 days after the granting of the application, for the purpose referred to in paragraph (a) above.

(3) Where the commissioners become, or if there are no commissioners the Accountant in Bankruptcy becomes, aware that the F4 . . . trustee has died, they or as the case may be the Accountant in Bankruptcy shall as soon as practicable after becoming so aware call a meeting of creditors for the election by the creditors of a new F4 . . . trustee.

(4) The foregoing provisions of this Act relating to the election [F8 of a replacement trustee and the appointment of that]F4 . . . trustee shall, subject to any necessary modifications, apply in relation to the election and [F9 appointment] of a new F4 . . . trustee in pursuance of subsection (1), [F10 (1A),] (2) or (3) above.

[F11 (5) Where no new trustee is elected in pursuance of subsection (2) or (3) the Accountant in Bankruptcy may appoint as the trustee in the sequestration—

(a) a person who applies to the Accountant in Bankruptcy within the period of 14 days beginning with the day of the meeting arranged under subsection (2) or (3), or

(b) any other person as may be determined by the Accountant in Bankruptcy and who consents to the appointment.

(5A) A person may not be appointed under subsection (5) if the person is ineligible for election as a replacement trustee under section 24(2).

(5B) If, after the expiry of the period mentioned in subsection (5)(a), the Accountant in Bankruptcy determines that no person is to be appointed under subsection (5), the Accountant in Bankruptcy is deemed to be the trustee in the sequestration.]

(6) The new F4 . . . trustee may require—

(a) delivery to him of all documents relating to the sequestration in the possession of the former trustee or his representatives, except the former trustee’s accounts of which he shall be entitled to delivery of only a copy;

(b) the former trustee or his representatives to submit the trustee’s accounts for audit to the commissioners or, if there are no commissioners, to the Accountant in Bankruptcy, and the commissioners or the Accountant in Bankruptcy shall issue a determination fixing the amount of the outlays and remuneration payable to the trustee or representatives in accordance with section 53 of this Act.

(7) The former trustee or his representatives, the new F4 . . . trustee, the debtor or any creditor may appeal against a determination issued under subsection (6)(b) above within 14 days after it is issued—

(a) where it is a determination of the commissioners, to the Accountant in Bankruptcy; and

(b) where it is a determination of the Accountant in Bankruptcy, to the sheriff;

and the determination of the Accountant in Bankruptcy under paragraph (a) above shall be appealable to the sheriff.

F10 [(8) The decision of the sheriff on an appeal under subsection (7) above shall be final.]

Textual Amendments

F2 S. 28 heading substituted (1.4.2008) by virtue of Bankruptcy and Diligence etc. (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 3), ss. 36, 227(3), Sch. 1 para. 28(5) (with s. 223); S.S.I. 2008/115, art. 3(1)(i) (with arts. 4-6, 10 (as amended (with effect from 31.1.2011) by S.S.I. 2011/31, art. 5))

F3 S. 28(1)(1A) substituted for s. 28(1) (1.4.1993, subject to savings in arts. 4, 5 of S.I. 1993/438) by 1993 c. 6, s. 11(3), Sch. 1 para. 17(2) (with s. 12(6)); S.I. 1993/438, art.3

F4 Words in s. 28 repealed (1.4.2008) by Bankruptcy and Diligence etc. (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 3), ss. 226, 227(3), Sch. 6 Pt. 1 (with s. 223); S.S.I. 2008/115, art. 3(2)(3), Sch. 2 (with arts. 4-6, 10 (as amended (with effect from 31.1.2011) by S.S.I. 2011/31, art. 5))

F5 Words in s. 28(1)(1A)(2) substituted (1.4.2008) by Bankruptcy and Diligence etc. (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 3), Sch. 1 para. 28(2) (with s. 223); S.S.I. 2008/115, art. 3(1)(i) (with arts. 4-6, 10 (as amended (with effect from 31.1.2011) by S.S.I. 2011/31, art. 5))

F6 Words in s. 28(1) substituted (1.4.2008) by Bankruptcy and Diligence etc. (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 3), s. 9(2), 227(3), (with s. 223); S.S.I. 2008/115, art. 3(1)(a) (with arts. 4-6, 10 (as amended (with effect from 31.1.2011) by S.S.I. 2011/31, art. 5))

F7 Words in s. 28(2) repealed (1.4.1993, subject to savings in arts. 4, 5 of S.I. 1993/438) by 1993 c. 6, s. 11(4), Sch.2 (with s. 12(6)); S.I. 1993/438, art.3

F8 Words in s. 28(4) substituted (1.4.2008) by Bankruptcy and Diligence etc. (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 3), ss. 36, 227(3), Sch. 1 para. 28(3)(a) (with s. 223); S.S.I. 2008/115, art. 3(1)(i) (with arts. 4-6, 10 (as amended (with effect from 31.1.2011) by S.S.I. 2011/31, art. 5))

F9 Word in s. 28(4) substituted (1.4.2008) by Bankruptcy and Diligence etc. (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 3), ss. 36, 227(3), Sch. 1 para. 28(3)(b) (with s. 223); S.S.I. 2008/115, art. 3(1)(i) (with arts. 4-6, 10 (as amended (with effect from 31.1.2011) by S.S.I. 2011/31, art. 5))

F10 Word in s. 28(4) inserted (1.4.1993, subject to savings in arts. 4, 5 of S.I. 1993/438) by 1993 c. 6, s. 11(3), Sch. 1 para. 17(3) (with s. 12(6)); S.I. 1993/438, art.3

S. 28(8) inserted (1.4.1993, subject to savings in arts. 4, 5 of S.I. 1993/438) by 1993 c. 6, s. 11(3), Sch. 1 para. 17(5) (with s. 12(6)); S.I. 1993/438, art.3

F11 S. 28(5)-(5B) substituted for s. 28(5) (1.4.2015) by Bankruptcy and Debt Advice (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 11), ss. 28(2), 57(2); S.S.I. 2014/261, art. 3 (with arts. 4-7, 12) (as amended by S.S.I. 2015/54, art. 2)

[F12 28A Replacement of trustee acting in more than one sequestration S

(1) This section applies where a trustee acting as such in two or more sequestrations—

(a) dies,

(b) ceases to be qualified to continue to act as trustee by virtue of section 24(2), or

(c) becomes subject to the circumstances mentioned in subsection (2).

(2) The circumstances are that—

(a) there is a conflict of interest affecting the trustee, or

(b) there is a change in the personal circumstances of the trustee,

which prevents, or makes it impracticable for, the trustee to carry out the trustee’s functions.

(3) The Accountant in Bankruptcy may in a case where subsection (1)(b) or (c) applies, determine that the trustee is removed from office in each sequestration in which the trustee has ceased to be qualified.

(4) The Accountant in Bankruptcy may appoint as the trustee in each sequestration in which the former trustee was acting a person—

(a) determined by the Accountant in Bankruptcy, and

(b) who consents to the appointment.

(5) A person may not be appointed under subsection (4) if the person is ineligible for election as a replacement trustee under section 24(2).

(6) If, in relation to any sequestration, the Accountant in Bankruptcy determines that no person is to be appointed under subsection (4), the Accountant in Bankruptcy is deemed to be the trustee in that sequestration.

(7) A determination or appointment under this section may be made—

(a) on the application of any person having an interest, or

(b) without an application, where the Accountant in Bankruptcy proposes to make a determination or appointment of the Accountant in Bankruptcy’s own accord.

(8) The applicant must notify all interested persons where an application is made under subsection (7)(a).

(9) The Accountant in Bankruptcy must notify all interested persons where the Accountant in Bankruptcy proposes to make a determination or appointment by virtue of subsection (7)(b).

(10) A notice under subsection (8) or (9) must inform the recipient that the person has a right to make representations to the Accountant in Bankruptcy in relation to the application or the proposed determination or appointment before the expiry of the period of 14 days beginning with the day on which the notice is given.

(11) Before making a determination or appointment under this section, the Accountant in Bankruptcy must take into account any representations made by an interested person.

(12) The Accountant in Bankruptcy must notify any determination or appointment under this section to—

(a) the former trustee (or in the case where the former trustee has died, the former trustee’s representatives),

(b) the debtor,

(c) the trustee appointed under this section (where the trustee appointed is not the Accountant in Bankruptcy),

(d) each sheriff who awarded sequestration or to whom sequestration was transferred under section 15(2) of this Act.

(13) The trustee appointed under this section—

(a) must notify the determination or appointment under this section to every creditor known to the trustee,

(b) may require—

(i) delivery of all documents relating to each sequestration in which the former trustee was acting which are in the possession of the former trustee or the former trustee’s representatives (other than the former trustee’s accounts),

(ii) delivery of a copy of the former trustee’s accounts,

(iii) the former trustee or the former trustee’s representatives to submit the trustee’s accounts for audit to the commissioners or, if there are no commissioners, to the Accountant in Bankruptcy.

(14) Where the trustee appointed under this section requires submission of the accounts in accordance with subsection (13)(b)(iii), the commissioners or, as the case may be, the Accountant in Bankruptcy must issue a determination fixing the amount of the outlays and remuneration payable to the former trustee or the former trustee’s representatives in accordance with section 53.

Textual Amendments

F12 Ss. 28A, 28B substituted (1.4.2015) for s. 28A by Bankruptcy and Debt Advice (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 11), ss. 29, 57(2); S.S.I. 2014/261, art. 3 (with arts. 4-7, 12) (as amended by S.S.I. 2015/54, art. 2)

28B Determination etc. under section 28A: review S

(1) The persons mentioned in subsections (12)(a) and (b) and (13)(a) of section 28A may apply to the Accountant in Bankruptcy for a review by the Accountant in Bankruptcy of any determination or appointment under that section.

(2) An application under subsection (1) must be made before the expiry of the period of 14 days beginning with the day on which notice of the determination or appointment is given.

(3) If an application under subsection (1) is made, the Accountant in Bankruptcy must—

(a) take into account any representations made by an interested person before the expiry of the period of 21 days beginning with the day on which the application is made, and

(b) confirm, amend or revoke the determination or appointment before the expiry of the period of 28 days beginning with the day on which the application is made.

(4) The persons mentioned in subsections (12)(a) and (b) and (13)(a) of section 28A may appeal to the sheriff against a decision by the Accountant in Bankruptcy under subsection (3)(b) before the expiry of the period of 14 days beginning with the day of the decision.

(5) The Accountant in Bankruptcy may refer a case to the court for a direction before—

(a) making any determination or appointment under section 28A, or

(b) undertaking any review under this section.

(6) An appeal under subsection (4) and a referral under subsection (5) must be made—

(a) by a single petition to the Court of Session, where the appeal relates to two or more sequestrations and the sequestrations are, by virtue of section 9, in different sheriffdoms, and

(b) in any other case to the sheriff.]

Textual Amendments

F12 Ss. 28A, 28B substituted (1.4.2015) for s. 28A by Bankruptcy and Debt Advice (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 11), ss. 29, 57(2); S.S.I. 2014/261, art. 3 (with arts. 4-7, 12) (as amended by S.S.I. 2015/54, art. 2)

29 [F13 Removal of trustee and trustee not acting] S

(1) The F14 . . . trustee may be removed from office—

(a) by the creditors (other than any such person as is mentioned in section 24(3) of this Act) at a meeting called for the purpose if they also elect forthwith a new F14 . . . trustee; or

[F15 (b) by order made by the Accountant in Bankruptcy, if the Accountant in Bankruptcy is satisfied that there are reasons to do so on the basis of circumstances other than those mentioned in subsection (9),]

[F16 (1A) An order removing a trustee in accordance with subsection (1)(b) may be made—

(a) on the application of—

(i) the commissioners, or

(ii) a person representing not less than one quarter in value of the creditors, or

(b) in any other case, where the Accountant in Bankruptcy is satisfied that there are reasons to do so on the basis of circumstances other than those mentioned in subsection (9).]

[F17 (2) The Accountant in Bankruptcy must—

(a) order an application by a person mentioned in subsection (1A)(a) to be served on the trustee,

(b) enter particulars of the application in the register of insolvencies, and

(c) before deciding whether or not to make an order under subsection (1)(b), give the trustee the opportunity to make representations.]

[F18 (3) The Accountant in Bankruptcy may in ordering, or instead of ordering, the removal of the trustee from office under subsection (1)(b), make such further or other order as the Accountant in Bankruptcy thinks fit.

(3A) The trustee, the commissioners or any creditor may apply to the Accountant in Bankruptcy for a review of any decision of the Accountant in Bankruptcy under subsection (1)(b) or (3).

(3B) An application under subsection (3A) must be made before the expiry of the period of 14 days beginning with the day on which the decision is given.

(3C) If an application for a review under subsection (3A) is made, the Accountant in Bankruptcy must—

(a) take into account any representations made by an interested person before the expiry of the period of 21 days beginning with the day on which the application is made, and

(b) confirm, amend or revoke the decision before the expiry of the period of 28 days beginning with the day on which the application is made.]

[F19 (4) The trustee, the commissioners or any creditor may appeal to the sheriff against any decision of the Accountant in Bankruptcy under subsection (3C)(b) before the end of the period of 14 days beginning with the date of the decision.]

(5) If the F14 . . . trustee has been removed from office under subsection (1)(b) above or under section [F20 1A(2)] of this Act or following [F21 a review under subsection (3A) or] an appeal under subsection (4) above, the commissioners or, if there are no commissioners, the Accountant in Bankruptcy shall call a meeting of creditors, to be held not more than 28 days after such removal, for the election by them of a new F14 . . . trustee.

[F22 (6) If the Accountant in Bankruptcy is satisfied that any of the circumstances mentioned in subsection (9) apply, the Accountant in Bankruptcy may—

(a) declare the office of trustee to have become or to be vacant, and

(b) make any necessary order to enable the sequestration of the estate to proceed or to safeguard the estate pending the election of a new trustee.

(6A) The declaration of the office of trustee as vacant and any necessary order in accordance with subsection (6) may be made—

(a) on the application of—

(i) the commissioners,

(ii) the debtor, or

(iii) a creditor, or

(b) in any other case, where the Accountant in Bankruptcy is satisfied that there are reasons to do so on the basis of the circumstances mentioned in subsection (9).

(6B) The Accountant in Bankruptcy must order such intimation of an application by a person mentioned in subsection (6A)(a) as the Accountant in Bankruptcy considers necessary.

(6C) If the Accountant in Bankruptcy makes a declaration under subsection (6A), the commissioners, or if there are no commissioners the Accountant in Bankruptcy, must call a meeting of creditors for the election of a new trustee by the creditors.

(6D) A meeting called under subsection (6C) must be held before the end of the period of 28 days beginning with the date of the declaration under subsection (6A).

(6E) The trustee, the debtor, the commissioners or any creditor may apply to the Accountant in Bankruptcy for a review of any declaration or any order made by the Accountant in Bankruptcy under subsection (6).

(6F) An application under subsection (6E) must be made before the expiry of the period of 14 days beginning with the day on which the declaration is made.

(6G) If an application for a review under subsection (6E) is made, the Accountant in Bankruptcy must—

(a) take into account any representations made by an interested person before the expiry of the period of 21 days beginning with the day on which the application is made, and

(b) confirm, amend or revoke the declaration or order before the expiry of the period of 28 days beginning with the day on which the application is made.

(6H) The trustee, the debtor, the commissioners or any creditor may appeal to the sheriff against any decision of the Accountant in Bankruptcy under subsection (6G)(b) before the end of the period of 14 days beginning with the date of the decision.

(6I) The Accountant in Bankruptcy may refer a case to the sheriff for a direction before—

(a) making any order under subsection (1)(b) or (3),

(b) making any declaration or any order under subsection (6), or

(c) undertaking any review under this section.

(6J) An application for a review under subsection (3A) or (6E) may not be made in relation to a matter on which the Accountant in Bankruptcy has applied to the sheriff for a direction under subsection (6I).]

(7) The foregoing provisions of this Act relating to the election [F23 of a replacement trustee and the appointment of that]F14 . . . trustee shall, subject to any necessary modifications, apply in relation to the election and [F24 appointment] of a new F14 . . . trustee in pursuance of subsection (5) or [F25 (6C)] above.

(8) Subsections (5) to [F26 (8)] of section 28 of this Act shall apply for the purposes of this section as they apply for the purposes of that section.

(9) The circumstances to which this subsection applies are that the F14 . . . trustee—

(a) is unable to act (whether by, under or by virtue of a provision of this Act or from any other cause whatsoever other than death); or

(b) has so conducted himself that he should no longer continue to act in the sequestration.

[F27 (10) This section does not apply in any case where the Accountant in Bankruptcy is the trustee [F28 and is without prejudice to the powers under section 1A(2)] .]

Textual Amendments

F13 S. 29 heading substituted (1.4.2008) by virtue of Bankruptcy and Diligence etc. (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 3), ss. 36, 227(3), {Sch, 1 para. 29(4)} (with s. 223); S.S.I. 2008/115, art. 3(1)(i) (with arts. 4-6, 10 (as amended (with effect from 31.1.2011) by S.S.I. 2011/31, art. 5))

F14 Words in s. 29 repealed (1.4.2008) by Bankruptcy and Diligence etc. (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 3), ss 226, 227(3), Sch. 6 Pt. 1 (with s. 223); S.S.I. 2008/115, art. 3(2)(3), Sch. 2 (with arts. 4-6, 10 (as amended (with effect from 31.1.2011) by S.S.I. 2011/31, art. 5))

F15 S. 29(1)(b) substituted (1.4.2015) by Bankruptcy and Debt Advice (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 11), ss. 30(a), 57(2); S.S.I. 2014/261, art. 3 (with arts. 4-7, 12) (as amended by S.S.I. 2015/54, art. 2)

F16 S. 29(1A) inserted (1.4.2015) by Bankruptcy and Debt Advice (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 11), ss. 30(b), 57(2); S.S.I. 2014/261, art. 3 (with arts. 4-7, 12) (as amended by S.S.I. 2015/54, art. 2)

F17 S. 29(2) substituted (1.4.2015) by Bankruptcy and Debt Advice (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 11), ss. 30(c), 57(2); S.S.I. 2014/261, art. 3 (with arts. 4-7, 12) (as amended by S.S.I. 2015/54, art. 2)

F18 S. 29(3)-(3C) substituted for s. 29(3) (1.4.2015) by Bankruptcy and Debt Advice (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 11), ss. 30(d), 57(2); S.S.I. 2014/261, art. 3 (with arts. 4-7, 12) (as amended by S.S.I. 2015/54, art. 2)

F19 S. 29(4) substituted (1.4.2015) by Bankruptcy and Debt Advice (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 11), ss. 30(e), 57(2); S.S.I. 2014/261, art. 3 (with arts. 4-7, 12) (as amended by S.S.I. 2015/54, art. 2)

F20 Words in s. 29(1)(b)(5)(6) substituted (1.4.1993, subject to savings in arts. 4, 5 of S.I. 1993/438) by 1993 c. 6, s. 11(3), Sch. 1 para.18 (with s. 12(6)); S.I. 1993/438, art.3

F21 Words in s. 29(5) inserted (1.4.2015) by Bankruptcy and Debt Advice (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 11), ss. 30(f), 57(2); S.S.I. 2014/261, art. 3 (with arts. 4-7, 12) (as amended by S.S.I. 2015/54, art. 2)

F22 S. 29(6)-(6J) substituted for s. 29(6) (1.4.2015) by Bankruptcy and Debt Advice (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 11), ss. 30(g), 57(2); S.S.I. 2014/261, art. 3 (with arts. 4-7, 12) (as amended by S.S.I. 2015/54, art. 2)

F23 Words in s. 29(7) substituted (1.4.2008) by Bankruptcy and Diligence etc. (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 3), ss. 36, 227(3), Sch. 1 para. 29(2)(a) (with s. 223); S.S.I. 2008/115, art. 3(1)(i) (with arts. 4-6, 10 (as amended (with effect from 31.1.2011) by S.S.I. 2011/31, art. 5))

F24 Word in s. 29(7) substituted (1.4.2008) by Bankruptcy and Diligence etc. (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 3), ss. 36, 227(3), {Sch, 1 para. 29(2)(b)} (with s. 223); S.S.I. 2008/115, art. 3(1)(i) (with arts. 4-6, 10 (as amended (with effect from 31.1.2011) by S.S.I. 2011/31, art. 5))

F25 Word in s. 29(7) substituted (1.4.2015) by Bankruptcy and Debt Advice (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 11), ss. 30(h), 57(2); S.S.I. 2014/261, art. 3 (with arts. 4-7, 12) (as amended by S.S.I. 2015/54, art. 2)

F26 Word in s. 29(8) substituted (1.4.2015) by Bankruptcy and Debt Advice (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 11), s. 57(2), sch. 3 para. 19; S.S.I. 2014/261, art. 3 (with arts. 4-7, 12) (as amended by S.S.I. 2015/54, art. 2)

F27 S. 29(10) inserted (1.4.2008) by Bankruptcy and Diligence etc. (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 3), ss. 36, 227(3), {Sch, 1 para. 29(3)} (with s. 223); S.S.I. 2008/115, art. 3(1)(i) (with arts. 4-6, 10 (as amended (with effect from 31.1.2011) by S.S.I. 2011/31, art. 5))

F28 Words in s. 29(10) inserted (1.4.2015) by Bankruptcy and Debt Advice (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 11), ss. 30(i), 57(2); S.S.I. 2014/261, art. 3 (with arts. 4-7, 12) (as amended by S.S.I. 2015/54, art. 2)