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Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Act 1907 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 21 November 2024. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations.
Revised legislation carried on this site may not be fully up to date. Changes and effects are recorded by our editorial team in lists which can be found in the ‘Changes to Legislation’ area. Where those effects have yet to be applied to the text of the legislation by the editorial team they are also listed alongside the legislation in the affected provisions. Use the ‘more’ link to open the changes and effects relevant to the provision you are viewing.
Whole provisions yet to be inserted into this Act (including any effects on those provisions):
This Act may be cited for all purposes as the Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Act 1907.
Textual Amendments
F1S. 2 repealed by Statute Law Revision Act 1927 (c. 42), Sch. Pt. I
In construing this Act (unless where the context is repugnant to such construction)—
(a)[F2 “ sheriff principal” ] includes [F2sheriff];
(b)“Tenant” includes sub-tenant;
(c)“Lease” includes sub-lease;
(d)“Action” [F3or “cause”] includes every civil proceeding competent in the ordinary sheriff court;
(e)“Person” includes company, corporation, or association and firm of any description nominate or descriptive, or any Board corporate or unincorporate;
(f)“Sheriff clerk” includes sheriff-clerk depute;
(g)“Agent” means a law-agent enrolled in terms of the M1Law Agents (Scotland) Act 1873;
(h)“Final judgment” means an interlocutor which, by itself, or taken along with previous interlocutors, disposes of the subject-matter of the cause, notwithstanding that judgment may not have been pronounced on every question raised, and that expenses found due may not have been modified, taxed, or decerned for;
(i). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F4
(j)“Small Debt Acts” means and includes the Small Debt (Scotland) Acts 1837 to 1889, and Acts explaining or amending the same;
(k)“Initial writ” means the statement of claim, petition, note of appeal, or other document by which the action is initiated;
(l)“Procurator-Fiscal” means procurator-fiscal in the sheriff-court;
(m). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F5
(n)“Pursuer” means and includes any person making a claim or demand, or seeking any warrant or order competent in the sheriff court;
(o)“Defender” means and includes any person who is required to be called in any action;
(p)“Summary application” means and includes all applications of a summary nature brought under the common law jurisdiction of the [F2sheriff principal], and all applications, whether by appeal or otherwise, brought under any Act of Parliament which provides, or, according to any practice in the sheriff court, which allows, that the same shall be disposed of in a summary manner, but which does not more particularly define in what form the same shall be heard, tried, and determined;
(q). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F6
Textual Amendments
F2Words substituted by virtue of Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Act 1971 (c. 58), s. 4
F3Words inserted by Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Act 1913 (2 & 3 Geo. 5 c. 28), Sch. 1
F5S. 3(m) repealed by Statute Law (Repeals) Act 1989 (c. 43), s. 1(1), Sch. 1 Pt. I Gp. 3
F6S. 3(q) repealed by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1980 (c. 55, SIF 72:2), s. 28(2), Sch. 3
Marginal Citations
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Textual Amendments
F7Ss. 4-7 repealed (1.4.2015 for the repeal of ss. 4-6, 22.9.2015 in so far as not already in force) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 4(a); S.S.I. 2015/77, art. 2(2)(3), sch.; S.S.I. 2015/247, art. 2, sch. (with art. 3(1))
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Textual Amendments
F7Ss. 4-7 repealed (1.4.2015 for the repeal of ss. 4-6, 22.9.2015 in so far as not already in force) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 4(a); S.S.I. 2015/77, art. 2(2)(3), sch.; S.S.I. 2015/247, art. 2, sch. (with art. 3(1))
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Textual Amendments
F7Ss. 4-7 repealed (1.4.2015 for the repeal of ss. 4-6, 22.9.2015 in so far as not already in force) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 4(a); S.S.I. 2015/77, art. 2(2)(3), sch.; S.S.I. 2015/247, art. 2, sch. (with art. 3(1))
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Textual Amendments
F7Ss. 4-7 repealed (1.4.2015 for the repeal of ss. 4-6, 22.9.2015 in so far as not already in force) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 4(a); S.S.I. 2015/77, art. 2(2)(3), sch.; S.S.I. 2015/247, art. 2, sch. (with art. 3(1))
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Textual Amendments
F8Ss. 4-7 repealed (1.4.2015 for the repeal of ss. 4-6, 22.9.2015 in so far as not already in force) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 4(a); S.S.I. 2015/77, art. 2(2)(3), sch.; S.S.I. 2015/247, art. 2, sch. (with art. 3(1))
Textual Amendments
Textual Amendments
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Textual Amendments
F11S. 10 repealed (1.4.2015) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 4(b); S.S.I. 2015/77, art. 2(2)(3), sch.
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Textual Amendments
F12S. 11 repealed (1.4.2015) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 4(b); S.S.I. 2015/77, art. 2(2)(3), sch.
Textual Amendments
F13Ss. 12, 13, 15, 16, 18 and 19 repealed by Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Act 1971 (c. 58), Sch. 2 Pt. I
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Textual Amendments
F14S. 14 repealed (1.4.2015) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 4(c); S.S.I. 2015/77, art. 2(2)(3), sch.
Textual Amendments
F15Ss. 12, 13, 15, 16, 18 and 19 repealed by Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Act 1971 (c. 58), Sch. 2 Pt. I
The [F16sheriff principal] may by writing under his hand appoint such persons as he thinks proper to hold the office of [F16honorary sheriff] within his sheriffdom during his pleasure, and for whom he shall be answerable. An [F16honorary sheriff], during the subsistence of his commission, shall be entitled to exercise the powers and duties appertaining to the office of [F16sheriff]. An [F16honorary sheriff] shall hold office, notwithstanding the death, resignation, or removal of the [F16sheriff principal], until his commission shall be recalled by a succeeding [F16sheriff principal]. In this section [F16“sheriff principal”]does not include [F16sheriff.]
Textual Amendments
F16Words substituted by virtue of Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Act 1971 (c. 58), s. 4
Textual Amendments
F17Ss. 12, 13, 15, 16, 18 and 19 repealed by Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Act 1971 (c. 58), Sch. 2 Pt. I
Textual Amendments
F18S. 20 repealed by Sheriffs' Pensions (Scotland) Act 1961 (c. 42), s. 8(3), Sch. 2
Textual Amendments
Textual Amendments
Textual Amendments
F21Ss. 25, 26 repealed by Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Act 1971 (c. 58), Sch. 2 Pt. I
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Textual Amendments
F22Ss. 27-29 repealed (1.1.2016) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 4(e); S.S.I. 2015/378, art. 2, sch. (with art. 3)
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Textual Amendments
F22Ss. 27-29 repealed (1.1.2016) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 4(e); S.S.I. 2015/378, art. 2, sch. (with art. 3)
Textual Amendments
Textual Amendments
Textual Amendments
Textual Amendments
F26S. 33 repealed by Juries Act 1949 (c. 27), Sch. 3
Where lands exceeding two acres in extent are held under a probative lease specifying a term of endurance, and whether such lease contains an obligation upon the tenant to remove without warning or not, such lease, or an extract thereof from the books of any court of record, shall have the same force and effect as an extract decree of removing obtained in an ordinary action at the instance of the lessor, or any one in his right, against the lessee or any party in possession, and such lease or extract shall, along with authority in writing signed by the lessor or any one in his right or by his factor or law agent, be sufficient warrant to any sheriff officer or messenger-at-arms of the sheriffdom within which such lands or heritages are situated to eject such party in possession, his family, sub-tenants, cottars, and dependants, with their goods, gear and effects, at the expiry of the term or terms of endurance of the lease: Provided that previous notice in writing to remove shall have been given—
(A)When the lease is for three years and upwards not less than one year and not more than two years before the termination of the lease; and
(B)In the case of leases from year to year (including lands occupied by tacit relocation) or for any other period less than three years, not less than six months before the termination of the lease (or where there is a separate ish as regards land and houses or otherwise before that ish which is first in date):
Provided that if such written notice as aforesaid shall not be given the lease shall be held to be renewed by tacit relocation for another year, and thereafter from year to year: Provided further that nothing contained in this section shall affect the right of the landlord to remove a tenant who has been sequestrated under the M2Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act [F271985 or 2016], or against whom a decree of cessio has been pronounced under the M3Debtors (Scotland) Act 1880, or who by failure to pay rent has incurred any irritancy of his lease or other liability to removal: Provided further that removal or ejectment in virtue of this section shall not be competent after six weeks from the date of the ish last in date: Provided further that nothing herein contained shall be construed to prevent proceedings under any lease in common form; and that the foregoing provisions as to notice shall not apply to any stipulations in a lease entitling the landlord to resume land for building, planting, feuing, or other purposes or to subjects let for any period less than a year.
Textual Amendments
F27Words in s. 34 substituted (30.11.2016) by Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 2016 (asp 21), s. 237(2), sch. 8 para. 2 (with ss. 232, 234(3), 235, 236); S.S.I. 2016/294, reg. 2
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1Reference to Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 1856 (c. 79) to be construed as reference to Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 1913 (c. 34); Interpretation Act 1889 (c. 63), s. 38(1)
C2Ss. 34-38A excluded (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 31.1.2018 in so far as not already in force) by 2002 c. 29, s. 269A(5) (as inserted by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), ss. 29(5), 58(1)(6); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 3(l))
Marginal Citations
Where any tenant in possession of any lands exceeding two acres in extent (whether with or without a written lease) shall, either at the date of entering upon the lease or at any other time, have granted a letter of removal, F28. . .such letter of removal shall have the same force and effect as an extract decree of removing, and shall be a sufficient warrant for ejection to the like effect as is provided in regard to a lease or extract thereof, and shall be operative against the granter of such letter of removal or any party in his right within the same time and in the same manner after the like previous notice to remove: Provided always that where such letter is dated and signed within twelve months before the date of removal or before the first ish, if there be more than one ish, it shall not be necessary that any notice of any kind shall be given by either party to the other.
Textual Amendments
F28Words in s. 35 repealed (1.8.1995) by 1995 c. 7, ss. 14(2), 15(2), Sch. 5 (with ss. 9(3)(5)(7), 13)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C2Ss. 34-38A excluded (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 31.1.2018 in so far as not already in force) by 2002 c. 29, s. 269A(5) (as inserted by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), ss. 29(5), 58(1)(6); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 3(l))
Where lands exceeding two acres in extent are occupied by a tenant without any written lease, and the tenant has given to the proprietor or his agent no letter of removal, the lease shall terminate on written notice being given to the tenant by or on behalf of the proprietor, or to the proprietor by or on behalf of the tenant not less than six months before the determination of the tenancy, and such notice shall entitle the proprietor, in the event of the tenant failing to remove, to apply for and obtain a summary warrant of ejection against the tenant and everyone deriving right from him.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C2Ss. 34-38A excluded (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 31.1.2018 in so far as not already in force) by 2002 c. 29, s. 269A(5) (as inserted by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), ss. 29(5), 58(1)(6); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 3(l))
C3S. 36 applied (10.6.2002) by Act of Sederunt (Summary Cause Rules) 2002 (S.S.I. 2002/132), art. 2, {Sch. 1 rule 30.3} (with art. 3)
In all cases where houses, with or without land attached, not exceeding two acres in extent, lands not exceeding two acres in extent let without houses, mills, fishings, shootings, and all other heritable subjects (excepting land exceeding two acres in extent) are let for a year or more, notice of termination of tenancy shall be given in writing to the tenant by or on behalf of the proprietor or to the proprietor by or on behalf of the tenant: Provided always that notice under this section shall not warrant summary ejection from the subjects let to a tenant, but such notice, whether given to or by or on behalf of the tenant, shall entitle the proprietor to apply to the [F29sheriff principal] for a warrant for summary ejection in common form against the tenant and every one deriving right from him: Provided further that the notice provided for by this section shall be given at least forty days before the fifteenth day of May when the termination of the tenancy is the term of Whitsunday, and at least forty days before the eleventh day of November when the termination of the tenancy is the term of Martinmas.
Textual Amendments
F29Words substituted by virtue of Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Act 1971 (c. 58), s. 4
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C2Ss. 34-38A excluded (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 31.1.2018 in so far as not already in force) by 2002 c. 29, s. 269A(5) (as inserted by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), ss. 29(5), 58(1)(6); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 3(l))
C4S. 37 applied (10.6.2002) by Act of Sederunt (Summary Cause Rules) 2002 (S.S.I. 2002/132), art. 2, {Sch. 1 rule 30.3} (with art. 3)
The provisions of this Act relating to removings (including summary removings) shall not apply to or in relation to short limited duration tenancies [F31, limited duration tenancies, modern limited duration tenancies or repairing tenancies] within the meaning of the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 11).]
Textual Amendments
F30S. 37A inserted (27.11.2003) by Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp. 11), ss. 94, 95(3)(4), Sch. para. 1 (with s. 95(1)); S.S.I. 2003/548, art. 2 (with art. 3, Sch.)
F31Words in s. 37A substituted (30.11.2017) by Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016 (asp 18), s. 130(1), sch. 2 para. 1(2) (with s. 128); S.S.I. 2017/299, reg. 2 (with reg. 6)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C2Ss. 34-38A excluded (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 31.1.2018 in so far as not already in force) by 2002 c. 29, s. 269A(5) (as inserted by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), ss. 29(5), 58(1)(6); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 3(l))
Where houses or other heritable subjects are let for a shorter period than a year, any person by law authorised may present to the [F32sheriff principal] a summary application for removing, and a decree pronounced in such summary cause shall have the full force and effect of a decree of removing and warrant of ejection. Where asuch a let is for a period not exceeding four months, notice of removal therefrom shall, in the absence of express stipulation, be given as many days before the ish as shall be equivalent to at least one-third of the full period of the duration of the let; and where the let exceeds four months, notice of removal shall, in the absence of express stipulation be given at least forty days before the expiry of the said period.
[F33Provided that in no case shall notice of removal be given less than 28 days before the date on which it is to take effect.]
Textual Amendments
F32Words substituted by virtue of Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Act 1971 (c. 58), s. 4
F33S. 38 proviso added by Rent (Scotland) Act 1971 (c. 28), s. 135(3), Sch. 18 Pt. II
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C2Ss. 34-38A excluded (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 31.1.2018 in so far as not already in force) by 2002 c. 29, s. 269A(5) (as inserted by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), ss. 29(5), 58(1)(6); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 3(l))
C5S. 38 applied (10.6.2002) by Act of Sederunt (Summary Cause Rules) 2002 (S.S.I. 2002/132), art. 2, {Sch. 1 rule 30.3} (with art. 3)
Any notice of termination of tenancy or notice of removal given under section 37 or 38 above in respect of a dwelling-house, on or after 2nd of December 1974, shall be in writing and shall contain such information as may be prescribed by virtue of section 112 of the M4Rent (Scotland) Act 1984, and Rule 112 of Schedule 1 to this Act shall no longer apply to any such notice under section 37 above.]
Textual Amendments
F34S. 38A inserted (S.) by virtue of Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 (c. 26, SIF 61), ss. 335, 339, Sch. 23 para. 4
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C2Ss. 34-38A excluded (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 31.1.2018 in so far as not already in force) by 2002 c. 29, s. 269A(5) (as inserted by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), ss. 29(5), 58(1)(6); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 3(l))
Marginal Citations
Textual Amendments
F35Ss. 38B, 38C inserted (S.) by Court of Session Act 1988 (c. 36, SIF 36:1), s. 52(1), Sch. 1 para. 2
F36. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
F36S. 38B repealed (4.5.2006) by Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 (asp 2), ss. 45(2), 46(2), Sch. 3; S.S.I. 2006/212, art. 2 (subject to arts. 3-13)
Textual Amendments
F37S. 38C repealed (1.11.1996) by 1995 c. 36, s. 105(5), Sch. 5; S.I. 1996/2203, art. 3, Sch.
Subject to the provisions of any Act of Parliament in force after the passing of this Act, the procedure in all civil causes shall be conform to the rules of procedure set forth in the First Schedule hereto annexed. Such rules shall be construed and have effect as part of this Act.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C6S. 39 excluded (1.4.1997) by S.I. 1997/291, rule 3.24, Sch. 3
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Textual Amendments
F38S. 40 repealed (1.4.2015) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 4(f); S.S.I. 2015/77, art. 2(2)(3), sch. (with art. 7)
Textual Amendments
Textual Amendments
Textual Amendments
In summary applications (where a hearing is necessary) the [F42sheriff principal] shall appoint the application to be heard at a diet to be fixed by him, and at that or any subsequent diet (without record of evidence unless the [F42sheriff principal] shall order a record) shall summarily dispose of the matter and give his judgment in writing: Provided that wherever in any Act of Parliament an application is directed to be heard, tried, and determined summarily or in the manner provided by section fifty-two of the M5Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Act 1876, such direction shall be read and construed as if it referred to this section of this Act: Provided also that nothing contained in this Act shall affect any right of appeal provided by any Act of Parliament under which a summary application is brought.
Textual Amendments
F42Words substituted by virtue of Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Act 1971 (c. 58), s. 4
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C7S. 50 applied (14.7.2000) by S.S.I. 2000/233, art. 44(4)
C8S. 50 applied (23.5.2008) by The Dumfries and Galloway Council (Port William) Harbour Empowerment Order 2008 (S.S.I. 2008/188), art. 33(4) (with arts. 53-56)
C9S. 50 applied (23.5.2008) by The Dumfries and Galloway Council (Isle of Whithorn) Harbour Empowerment Order 2008 (S.S.I. 2008/189), art. 33(4) (with arts. 53-56)
C10S. 50 applied (23.5.2008) by The Dumfries and Galloway Council (Garlieston) Harbour Empowerment Order 2008 (S.S.I. 2008/190), art. 33(4) (with arts. 53(1), 54-56)
Marginal Citations
Textual Amendments
F43S. 51 repealed by Statute Law (Repeals) Act 1973 (c. 39), Sch. 1 Pt. XII
Textual Amendments
F44S. 52 repealed by Statute Law Revision Act 1927 (c. 42), Sch. Pt. I
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