Scottish Diligence Statistics 2022-23

How are diligence statistics collected?

Officers of the court need to collate and return information to the Lord Advocate. The Lord Advocate may publish the information submitted by the officers of the court. The published information does not include personal details.

Following an agreement in September 2009, AiB handles collecting and publishing diligence statistics. Scottish Government’s Justice Analytical Service division were responsible before. The published statistics are subject to disclosure control. See Section 84 of the Debtors (Scotland) Act 1987 and Code of Practice for Official Statistics for more information.

The Society of Messenger-at-Arms and Sheriff Officers (SMASO) directory identifies officers of court. In 2022-23, all members submitted data collection returns. Thank you to all officers of court for returning diligence data used in the publication.

It is important to note this publication does not include criminal court fines. The Fines Enforcement Officers are responsible for pursuing payment of fines. The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service collates these statistics. These are available at SCTS Official Published Statistics.