Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Act 1907

Lodging of minutesS

F1[14.3.(1)Before intimating any minute, the minuter shall lodge the minute in process.

(2)On the lodging of a minute, and any document under rule 21.1(1)(b) (lodging documents founded on or adopted), the sheriff–

(a)may make an order for answers to be lodged;

(b)may order intimation of the minute without making an order for answers; or

(c)where he considers it appropriate for the expeditious disposal of the minute or for any other specified reason, may fix a hearing.

(3)Any answers ordered to be lodged under paragraph (2)(a) shall, unless otherwise ordered by the sheriff, be lodged within 14 days after the date of intimation of the minute.

(4)Where the sheriff fixes a hearing under paragraph (2)(c), the interlocutor fixing that hearing shall specify whether–

(a)answers are to be lodged;

(b)the sheriff will hear evidence at that hearing; and

(c)the sheriff will allow evidence by affidavit.

(5)Any answers or affidavit evidence ordered to be lodged under paragraph (4) shall be lodged within such time as shall be specified in the interlocutor of the sheriff.

(6)The following rules shall not apply to any hearing fixed under paragraph (2)(c):–

• rule 14.7 (opposition where no order for answers made),

• rule 14.8 (hearing of minutes where no opposition or no answers lodged),

• rule 14.10 (notice of opposition or answers lodged).

(7)The sheriff clerk shall forthwith return the minute to the minuter with any interlocutor pronounced by the sheriff.]