Debt help in Scotland
This guide covers Scotland
The short answer
The rules are different in Scotland. This site covers England and Wales, so most of its guides do not apply to you. The official sites below are the right place to start.
Scotland uses its own options, such as a trust deed, bankruptcy (sequestration) and the Debt Arrangement Scheme. Free debt advice is available.
Last checked against Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 2016 on 30 October 2026.
Checked Sources
Editorial responsibility: IVAs & Bankruptcy — how we check and correct information.
Why this site does not cover Scotland
IVAs, Debt Relief Orders and bankruptcy as described on this site are England and Wales rules. In Scotland, different laws and different bodies apply. Do not rely on our guides for a Scottish case.
Options named by official Scottish sources
The Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 2016 deals with bankruptcy, which it calls sequestration, and with voluntary trust deeds for creditors. Those that get protected status are called protected trust deeds.
The Accountant in Bankruptcy's website also names the Debt Arrangement Scheme. It is a Scottish scheme where people in debt can have repayments handled through the scheme's system.
Who runs it
The Accountant in Bankruptcy (AiB) calls itself Scotland's Insolvency Service. It runs the Debt Arrangement Scheme systems and the Register of Insolvencies, where you can check whether someone has a trust deed.
A trust deed is run by an insolvency practitioner acting as trustee.
Free advice in Scotland
mygov.scot says the Scottish Government funds organisations that give free debt advice by phone, online or in person. Money Advice Scotland, a charity, points people to Citizens Advice Scotland to find free local money and debt advice.
Always check details with the official sources, because this page is only a signpost.
What to do next
Free, independent debt advice
These services are free. They will not judge you, and they can look at your whole situation.
Free debt advice charity. They can talk through all your options with you.
Call free: 0800 138 1111 (number checked on their website on 24 October 2026)
Covers: UK
Free, confidential debt advice by phone and online.
Call free: 0808 808 4000 (number checked on their website on 24 October 2026)
Covers: England, Wales and Scotland
Free advice on debt, housing, benefits and more. By phone, online or in person.
Call free: 0800 144 8848 (number checked on their website on 24 October 2026)
Covers: England (this is the Adviceline number for England)
Free money guidance backed by government. It has a tool to find free debt advice near you.
Covers: UK
Related guides
- Debt options: IVA, bankruptcy, DROThe main ways to deal with debt you cannot pay, in plain English: IVA, bankruptcy, DRO, debt management plan and Breathing Space. Costs and risks.
- Find free debt and housing helpFree, independent debt advice and urgent housing help in England and Wales: StepChange, National Debtline, Citizens Advice, Shelter and more.
- Debt help in Northern IrelandNorthern Ireland has its own debt rules, including Debt Relief Orders and bankruptcy. This site covers England and Wales, so see official sources.
Sources
- Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 2016 (checked )
- Accountant in Bankruptcy: Scotland's Insolvency Service (checked )
- Accountant in Bankruptcy: Debt Arrangement Scheme (checked )
- mygov.scot: Bankruptcy (checked )
- Money Advice Scotland (checked )