Choose how you want to get help
The Scottish Government lists free advice services available by phone, online and face to face. You do not have to know which debt solution you want before contacting them.
- MoneyHelper debt advice locator: find free advice by location and preferred contact method.
- Scottish Government advice directory: links to services and local council money advice.
- Citizens Advice Scotland: find local advice and support.
- National Debtline: debt information and advice; make clear your circumstances are in Scotland.
- StepChange Debt Charity: online and telephone support, including Scottish debt options.
These are external services, not departments of this website. Check their current availability and privacy information directly. We do not send them your details.
If the problem is urgent
Explain any court date, threatened eviction, action against earnings or inability to meet essentials at the start of the conversation. Tell the adviser the date on each notice.
Do not wait until you have completed all our guides. A debt adviser can assess whether immediate action or temporary protection is appropriate.
What to bring
Gather income records, household costs, creditor letters and details of property or vehicles. If you have an existing trust deed, include the proposal, recent correspondence and trustee contact details.
Use our private budget worksheet if helpful. It is fine to say that figures are approximate or documents are missing.
Questions to ask
Ask which Scottish options fit, why a trust deed is or is not suitable, what happens to your assets and what the total commitment would be. Ask how fees, changes in income and joint debts affect the comparison.
If a trust deed is proposed, read the provider checklist and signing process.
What this website can and cannot do
Scottish Trust Deed provides general information. It does not give regulated debt advice, take applications, recommend a named trustee or manage existing arrangements.
There is no enquiry form or callback request on this site. To receive personal advice, contact one of the services above through its official website.
Sources & further reading
Sources checked for this guide on 6 September 2026. Follow the original guidance for full detail.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 where indicated by the source. No government endorsement is implied.