In Scotland, a Trust Deed is a formal, legally binding arrangement that allows individuals to repay a portion of their debts at an affordable rate, with the remainder potentially written off within four years. If you're facing debt stress in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, Aberdeen, or Perth, this short guide explains how a Trust Deed can give you back control.
At Fresh Start Debt Support, we help Scots access the trust deed route — one of the most effective ways to stop interest, halt bailiffs, and achieve a genuine fresh start.
See If I Qualify for a Trust DeedA Trust Deed is a formal insolvency agreement tailored for debtors in Scotland. Unlike a DMP, it's legally binding and managed by a licensed Insolvency Practitioner. It allows you to pay what you can afford monthly — based on your financial circumstances — and after usually 4 years, any debt included in the deed is legally written off.
Common debts included: credit cards, loans, council tax arrears, store debts, overdrafts, utility bills, payday loans, HMRC debts, and more.
During the Trust Deed period:
When considering a **Trust Deed**, it’s essential to compare it with options like Debt Management Plans, Debt Relief Orders, or even bankruptcy. Below is why a Trust Deed is often considered the best option for many Scots:
If you're based in Glasgow and struggling with debt, a Trust Deed could offer the relief you need. With high living costs and rising bills, more Glaswegians are turning to protected Trust Deeds to consolidate their payments and protect their income.
At Fresh Start, we’ve helped hundreds of clients across Glasgow — from the City Centre to areas like Partick, Govan, Easterhouse and Pollokshields — to freeze interest, stop wage arrestment, and secure peace of mind.
Don’t let debt define your future in Glasgow. A Trust Deed could help you write off unaffordable debts and move forward without pressure from creditors.
Glasgow Residents – Check If You QualifyIn Edinburgh, many people are struggling with the rising cost of living, payday loans, and credit card repayments. If you’re in the capital and finding it difficult to keep up with repayments, a Trust Deed could be the solution.
Whether you live in Leith, Morningside, Gorgie or Craigmillar, our team can help you secure a Trust Deed that fits your income and protects your home from further creditor action.
Check Trust Deed Options in EdinburghWe don’t just help people in the central belt. If you live in Dundee, Aberdeen, Inverness, Perth, Stirling, Ayr, Falkirk or elsewhere in Scotland, our advisers can help you access the same protection through a Scottish Trust Deed.
No matter your location, a Trust Deed could:
You may qualify for a Trust Deed in Scotland if you:
If you're unsure what debts you owe, we offer a free credit search and a full income and expenditure check to tailor the right solution. If a Trust Deed isn’t the best route, we’ll help you explore others — without judgment or pressure.
Check My Trust Deed EligibilityHere’s what happens when you apply for a Trust Deed with Fresh Start:
We handle all communication with creditors and support you through the full process, start to finish.
Start the Trust Deed ProcessYes. Once your Trust Deed is approved by creditors, it becomes a Protected Trust Deed under Scottish law. This means creditors can’t take further legal action as long as you stick to the agreed payments.
Yes — entering a Trust Deed will be recorded on your credit file for 6 years. However, if you’re already behind on payments, your credit is likely affected already. A Trust Deed shows you’re taking action to deal with debt.
Most homeowners can keep their property as long as there’s little or no equity. We’ll review your mortgage and property situation as part of your application. If there’s equity, arrangements can often be made without selling.
Most Trust Deeds last four years. After that, any remaining unsecured debts included in the agreement are legally written off — meaning you can move on debt free.
Yes. Council tax arrears, payday loans, credit cards, overdrafts, and other unsecured debts are commonly included in Scottish Trust Deeds. We’ll check what’s eligible in your situation.
Speak to a Trust Deed Expert Now“I was facing a wage arrestment and sleepless nights. Fresh Start helped me get a Trust Deed in place fast. No more calls, no more bailiffs. I now make one payment I can afford.”
“Everything was explained clearly. The team really cared. My payments are now manageable and I can finally plan for the future again.”
“I had over £18k of debt and couldn’t cope. The Fresh Start team arranged a Trust Deed and took care of everything. Life feels normal again.”
“I didn’t think I’d qualify as I’m on Universal Credit, but they found a way to make it work. Best decision I’ve made.”
“No pressure, just genuine advice. I never knew a Trust Deed could write off so much debt. I recommend Fresh Start to anyone struggling.”
Get Started With Fresh StartNo matter your financial background or location, our team is here to help you make a fresh start.
See Which Option Fits You BestA Trust Deed is a formal agreement between you and your creditors that allows you to repay your unsecured debts through a single, affordable monthly payment over a set period — usually 4 years. After this period, any remaining included debts are written off.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how a Scottish Trust Deed works:
The process begins with a free and confidential conversation. Our team will ask about your debts, income, and living costs. We can even do a soft credit check if you're unsure who you owe.
We’ll go through a detailed income and expenditure review to work out what you can realistically afford to pay each month. This ensures your Trust Deed payment is sustainable.
Once you're happy, your dedicated Insolvency Practitioner drafts your Trust Deed proposal and sends it to your creditors. This includes your debt level, proposed payment, and term.
Creditors have 5 weeks to approve the proposal. If no objections are made by the majority (based on debt value), your Trust Deed becomes legally binding and gains Protected status.
Once protected, your creditors must stop all enforcement actions, court processes, and interest. You make one monthly payment to cover your debts and Trust Deed fees.
You make your agreed monthly payment for four years. After that, any unpaid debts included in the Trust Deed are written off — giving you a fresh financial start.
At the end of the term, you’ll receive a discharge certificate. You’re now free from the debts included in your Trust Deed — without needing to pay them in full.
Throughout the process, Fresh Start Debt Support is here to guide you — from day one to completion.
Start My Trust Deed ApplicationIf you're living in Scotland and struggling with unmanageable debts, a Trust Deed could offer you a legal and structured way to reset your finances. It allows you to make affordable payments, protects you from creditors, and writes off any remaining qualifying debt at the end of the term.
At Fresh Start Debt Support, we guide you from the first phone call to the final discharge. We don’t just help you apply — we make sure a Trust Deed is the right solution for you. If it isn’t, we’ll help you explore alternatives like the Debt Management Plan, Debt Relief Order, or bankruptcy.
We’re not a call centre. We’re real people who understand what it feels like to be in debt — and how powerful it can be to finally take back control.
It's never too late to turn things around. Let today be your Fresh Start.
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