Chapter 12: Prescription and limitation1. IntroductionPrescription (Scotland) Act 2018What is not covered by the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 19732. Short negative prescription (five years)Debts covered by the five-year prescription periodWhat the law saysWhen does prescription start runningWhat is a relevant claimWhat is a relevant acknowledgement3. Long negative prescription (20 years)Debts covered by the 20-year prescription periodWhat the law saysWhen does prescription start runningWhat is a relevant claimWhat is a relevant acknowledgement4. Common debt typesBenefit overpaymentsSheriff court decree/decisionCouncil taxMortgage shortfallStudent loans5. Dealing with a prescription caseContacting creditorsModel lettersDefending at courtPayments after a debt has prescribedFinancial Conduct AuthorityFinancial Ombudsman service