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1. Introduction

• Messengers-at-arms
• Qualification as a messenger-at-arms
• Sheriff officers
• Qualification as an officer of the court

Messengers-at-arms and sheriff officers are the officers of the court who carry out judgment enforcement. Messengers-at-arms are appointed by the Court of Session. They are not employed by the court, but independent contractors, normally acting on instruction from the pursuer. Sheriff officers are appointed by, and are responsible to, the sheriff principal.

The rules for messengers-at-arms and sheriff officers are in the Act of Sederunt (Messengers-at-Arms and Sheriff Officers Rules) 1991.