Eligibility
Who can qualify?
Check the Scottish trust deed eligibility factors: debt level, income, affordability, insolvency status and assets. Learn what an adviser must assess.
Protected trust deeds · Scotland
Scottish trust deeds explained — clearly.
Understand how a trust deed works, what it costs and what it could mean for your home, income and future. Get the facts before you decide.
Free information · No application · No credit check
The essentials
What is a Scottish trust deed?
A trust deed is a formal agreement in Scotland to pay what you can towards your debts through a licensed insolvency practitioner, known as your trustee.
If it becomes protected, it binds the creditors covered by it. Remaining qualifying debt can be written off when you meet the terms and receive your discharge.
It is a form of insolvency—not a loan, a grant or a way to avoid every debt. Your circumstances matter more than a headline write-off figure.
Read the full protected trust deed guide →- Usually 4 years
- Monthly contributions normally last at least 48 months. Some arrangements take longer.
- £5,000+
- The minimum debt threshold is only one part of a full suitability assessment.
- Fees apply
- The trustee is paid from the money collected under the arrangement.
- 6-year record
- A trust deed normally appears on your credit file for six years from its start.
- Assets matter
- Your home, car and other assets need individual assessment.
Start with the right questions
Your essential trust deed guides
Understand the details that make a difference to your decision.
Fees & affordability
Costs & monthly payments
Understand Scottish trust deed fees, monthly contributions, affordability reviews and the questions to ask before accepting a payment proposal.
Property & belongings
Your home, car & assets
Learn how a Scottish trust deed can affect home equity, joint ownership, vehicles and other assets, and what to get in writing before signing.
Credit & borrowing
Your credit record
Understand the six-year credit record, borrowing and mortgage implications of a Scottish trust deed, and what to check after discharge.
Debt types
Debts that can be included
Check how a Scottish trust deed treats credit cards, loans, arrears, secured debts and excluded liabilities, and why new debts are different.
Compare Scottish options
Scottish alternatives
Compare a protected trust deed with Scotland’s Debt Arrangement Scheme, sequestration and informal repayment, with questions for an independent adviser.
From questions to a decision
How the process works
There is time to understand the proposal before making a legal commitment.
Get independent advice
Review your debts, income, household costs and assets. Compare a trust deed with other Scottish options.
Understand the proposal
A licensed trustee explains payments, fees and property arrangements. Read the documents and take time to consider them.
Check protected status
Creditors have a five-week objection period. Signing alone does not mean your trust deed is protected.
The whole picture
Possible benefits. Important consequences.
A responsible decision starts with both sides, not just a monthly payment.
What a protected trust deed can do
- Bring covered unsecured debts into one formal arrangement.
- Restrict recovery action by the creditors bound by it.
- Base contributions on assessed affordability.
- Release you from remaining qualifying debts on discharge.
What you need to weigh up
- Your credit record will be affected and the arrangement is public.
- Your home or other assets may need to contribute.
- Fees reduce the money distributed to creditors.
- Failure to meet the terms can leave debts outstanding.
Protection has limits. Secured creditors retain rights over their security, and some debts are not discharged.
Understand the benefits and risks in detail →A practical first step
Get your budget ready.
Keep your details to yourself.
Our worksheet helps you organise monthly income and essential costs before a conversation with a debt adviser.
It runs in your browser. There is no email gate, credit search or trust deed recommendation.
Open the budget worksheetBring to your advice appointment
- A list of debts, balances and any recent letters.
- Income records and benefit award notices.
- Rent or mortgage, bills and everyday living costs.
- Details of your home, vehicle and other assets.
Common questions
Scottish trust deeds: quick answers
Is a Scottish trust deed a loan?
No. It is a formal insolvency arrangement managed by a licensed trustee, not new borrowing. How trust deeds work
Does “protected” mean my home is safe?
No. Protected status concerns the legal position of creditors. Your interest in your home can still be involved, so get the property arrangements in writing before signing. Read the assets guide
Will all my debt be written off?
Not necessarily. Only qualifying debts can be discharged, and you must meet the arrangement’s terms. Secured debts and certain other liabilities are exceptions. Check which debts are covered
Can I get a trust deed if I only receive benefits?
Scottish guidance says you cannot fund trust deed contributions from social security benefits. A benefits-only income is an important reason to seek advice on other Scottish options. Understand benefits and trust deeds
Can I stop if my circumstances change?
A signed trust deed is a legal commitment. Speak to your trustee immediately if payments become difficult; do not assume you can cancel or stop paying without consequences. What to do if you cannot pay
Do you arrange Scottish trust deeds?
No. This website provides general information and a private budget worksheet. It does not give regulated debt advice, accept applications or act as a trustee. Find free Scottish debt advice
Updated 6 September 2026. This is general information, not regulated debt advice. Our guides link to mygov.scot and Accountant in Bankruptcy. Read our editorial policy.
Dealing with debt in Scotland
A letter from a collector or sheriff officer?
Find the firm, check the document and understand your next step. Our Scottish directory separates ordinary debt collection from court enforcement.
Browse the Scottish firm directoryCheck before you act
- Verify a letter or payment request
- Understand a charge for payment
- Know the limits of trust deed protection
Independent information. We do not represent collectors or accept debt payments.
Your next step
Understand your options.
Then decide with advice.
A trust deed is a significant commitment. Free, independent debt advice can help you compare the Scottish options.