#2026/208Scotland Updates Fees for Messengers-at-Arms and Sheriff Officers
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This rule updates how fees are calculated and charged for work carried out by messengers-at-arms and sheriff officers in Scotland. These officers handle court-related enforcement and service tasks, such as serving documents, carrying out diligence, handling possession work, and executing court orders. The change matters for law firms, creditors, debt recovery teams, public bodies, and anyone who instructs officers of court. They will need to use the new fee structure from 25 September 2026 when budgeting, recovering costs, or passing charges on to clients or debtors.
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Key Changes
- Sets a new fee framework for chargeable work by messengers-at-arms and sheriff officers in Scotland
- Defines key service categories such as service, postal diligence, possession, apprehension, and arranging work
- Applies the updated fee rules from 25 September 2026
Obligations
What this law requires
Apply the Act of Sederunt (Fees of Messengers-at-Arms and Sheriff Officers) 2026 from its commencement date when calculating chargeable fees for messenger-at-arms or sheriff officer work in Scotland.
Insert a certified copy of the Act of Sederunt (Fees of Messengers-at-Arms and Sheriff Officers) 2026 in the Books of Sederunt.
When instructing or arranging officer-of-court work, account for defined chargeable activities including accepting instructions, checking competency, reserving time, advising the instructing agent, making necessary arrangements, and carrying out any required intimation or service before execution.