Rutherford & Macpherson: what a letter means and what to do

Rutherford & Macpherson is one of the oldest firms of its kind in Scotland, but the rules it works under are the same as for every other firm. What matters is the document it has served on you and the deadline in it, particularly the 14 days after a charge for payment. This page covers Scotland only.

Who are Rutherford & Macpherson?

The firm is a member of the Society of Messengers-at-Arms and Sheriff Officers (SMASO). SMASO lists one office, in Glasgow, and two officers, John Ross and R. A. Macpherson, both messengers-at-arms and sheriff officers.

The firm dates its start to 25 September 1899, when its founder was admitted as a messenger-at-arms. Its name comes from a 1947 partnership between two officers, Rutherford and Macpherson. Its principal says he is the fourth generation in the family firm, that it has been at the same Glasgow premises since 1905, and that he is not under contract to any particular court user. He also holds the heraldic office of Unicorn Pursuivant at the Court of the Lord Lyon.

We found no entry for the firm on Companies House. Ordinary partnerships and sole practices do not have to register there, so this is not unusual.

Why are Rutherford & Macpherson contacting you?

The firm lists citation (serving documents), diligence (enforcing payment), summary diligence, enforcement of registered judgments from elsewhere in the UK, recovering Scottish debts abroad, and tracing and research.

Your letter is likely to be one of these:

• Court papers, such as a summons or simple procedure claim. This is not enforcement. Respond by the date given.
• A charge for payment after a decree. It gives you 14 days to pay if you are in the UK.
• A charge under summary diligence, where no court case was needed. The firm says this applies when a debt document, such as a loan agreement or lease, was registered for execution in the Books of Council and Session, and it markets this to credit unions and landlords of commercial premises.
• An arrestment of your wages or bank account.

What can Rutherford & Macpherson do, and what can they not do?

Officers of court use diligence, which our guide to what sheriff officers can do in Scotland explains in full. The main points:

• Wage deductions under an earnings arrestment follow statutory tables that the firm cannot change.
• The first £1,000 in a bank account is protected, and arrested money is released to the creditor after 14 weeks unless something stops it.
• Goods inside your home can only be attached under an exceptional attachment order from the sheriff.
• Fees are set by the Court of Session, with a new fee scale for work done from 25 September 2026.

What should you do now?

1. Identify the document and note its date. Look for whether it mentions a decree, a summary warrant or a registered document.
2. Check the debt is yours and the amount is right. Ask the creditor for a breakdown and a copy of any registered agreement.
3. Contact the firm or the creditor, using the details on your paperwork, with an offer you can afford.
4. If you have been charged, act within 14 days. For most debts under £25,000 you can ask the sheriff court for a time to pay order.
5. Get free money advice from MoneyHelper, StepChange, Citizens Advice Scotland or National Debtline: see where to get free debt advice. An adviser can apply for a 6-month moratorium on diligence.
6. For wider debt problems, compare debt solutions in Scotland, such as the Debt Arrangement Scheme or a Protected Trust Deed.

How do you complain about Rutherford & Macpherson?

1. Complain to the firm first, in writing.
2. Complain to the creditor that instructed it.
3. Complain in writing to SMASO. It has no disciplinary powers, but can refer a serious complaint to the judge responsible.
4. Complain to the sheriff principal through your local sheriff court. For a messenger-at-arms, conduct is investigated by a Court of Session judge nominated by the Lord President.

For your rights with debt collectors more generally, see dealing with debt collectors.

Is the letter really from Rutherford & Macpherson?

Check the firm and the officer’s name in the SMASO member directory. Use contact details from your paperwork or the creditor’s official website, and be wary of anyone pressing you to pay at once into an unfamiliar account. This page does not list the firm’s contact details.