Scottish Court of Session Decisions

This was an appeal from the Sheriff Court of Lanarkshire in an action by James Robb, residing in Glasgow, against William Eglin, boot and shoe factor there, to recover the sum of £250 alleged to be due by the defender to the pursuer. The case was ordered to the Debate Roll in the Sheriff-Court of 27th February 1877, and when the case was called on that day no appearance was made for either party, and the Sheriff-Substitute, as directed by section 20 of the Sheriff Court Act of 1876, dismissed the action, finding no expenses due to either party.

The pursuer did not appeal to the Sheriff, but on the 10th March, while an appeal to the Sheriff was still competent under sec. 33 of the above Act, he appealed to the Court of Session.

It was stated in the Single Bills that at the time that the debate should have taken place in the Sheriff Court the process had been borrowed up to be transmitted to Edinburgh and produced in a Court of Session action pending between the same parties, which was set down for trial on the 8th of March.

The pursuer argued that the appeal was competent, and cited Morrison v. Walker, June 24, 1871, 9 Macph. 902.

The Court, in respect of the authority above cited, held that the appeal was competent, and reponed the appellant on payment of £3, 3s. of expenses to the respondent. They further remitted the cause back to the Sheriff-Substitute to be proceeded with.