As public sector spending cuts and job losses are set to continue hurting some of the most vulnerable people in our society, Shelter Scotland is reminding people in the Borders of its groundbreaking free legal advice service for people facing repossession and eviction.

The Scottish Borders Housing Advice Service delivered by Shelter Scotland’s legal team provides a number of vital services for tenants and homeowners who are facing problems meeting the costs of their housing.


Eleanor Hamilton, Shelter Scotland’s Principal Solicitor said that while uptake of the service is growing, many of its clients’ requests for help come very late in the process – often after a decree to evict or repossess has been granted.

Eleanor Hamilton commented: “The legal advice we offer is free and provided by specialist housing lawyers and advisors with many years’ experience. We want people to contact us as soon as they realise they are in difficulty – either with a landlord or a lender, because once a decree has been granted against them it is much harder to turn round.

“We will help you negotiate with your landlord or lender, give you appropriate information and advice and will represent you in court.”

(GK)