Scottish DR: prescription and limitation

This subtopic provides guidance on the concepts of prescription and limitation in Scots law.

For guidance on other key aspects of Scottish civil litigation, see the following overviews, which link through to more detailed guidance:

1. •

   Scottish DR: key developments—overview

2. •

   Scottish DR: courts and civil procedure—overview

3. •

   Scottish DR: starting a claim—overview

4. •

   Scottish DR: case management and evidence—overview

5. •

   Scottish DR: expenses and funding—overview

6. •

   Scottish DR: civil appeals and judicial review—overview

7. •

   Scottish DR: claims and remedies—overview

8. •

   Scottish DR: enforcement—overview

9. •

   Scottish DR: settlement and ADR—overview

Although both limitation and prescription are dealt with under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973 (PL(S)A 1973), they are very different concepts:

1. •

   the law of limitation in Scotland provides for a time limit within which a claim must be raised in court. If the