🏴 Scotland · Hiring
A independent contractor agreement drafted under the law of Scotland. Below: what it is usually called here, what the legislation says, and the governing-law clause this draft prints.
In Scotland this is usually called a contractor agreement (or consultancy agreement).
Lex drafts it in Plain English beside the legal wording. Share one link; both sides agree and sign.
Scots law has its own rules on execution and delivery. The Legal Writings (Counterparts and Delivery) (Scotland) Act 2015 means each party can sign their own copy and deliver it electronically, which suits remote contractors.
In Scotland, a document may be executed in counterpart, and a traditional or electronic document may be delivered electronically.
Source: Legal Writings (Counterparts and Delivery) (Scotland) Act 2015Checked 7 October 2026Pending lawyer review
Statutory interest on late payment of commercial debts is set by order under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998; gov.uk states the rate as 8% plus the Bank of England base rate.
Source: Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998, s.6; gov.uk guidanceChecked 7 October 2026Pending lawyer review
More on Scotland: how contracts work in Scotland.
This agreement is governed by the law of Scotland. The parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Scottish courts.
In Plain English: if there is a dispute, the law of Scotland decides what the contract means, and the named courts hear it. It does not say this is the right choice for you; that depends on where the parties are and what they agree.
Legal wording · example
The Contractor is an independent contractor. Nothing in this agreement creates an employment relationship, partnership or agency.
In Plain English
The contractor runs their own business; this is not a job. The label helps, but how the work really happens matters more.
Legal wording · example
The Contractor assigns to the Company all intellectual property rights in the Work Product on creation, in consideration of the Fees.
In Plain English
What the contractor makes for you belongs to you once it is created and paid for under the agreement.
How this clause works →Legal wording · example
The Contractor shall keep the Company's confidential information confidential during and after the engagement.
In Plain English
The contractor keeps your business information private, during the work and after.
How this clause works →Legal wording · example
The Company shall pay the Contractor [rate] per [day/hour] against monthly invoices, payable within [30] days.
In Plain English
The contractor invoices monthly at the agreed rate, and you pay within the days agreed.
How this clause works →Yes. The Legal Writings (Counterparts and Delivery) (Scotland) Act 2015 allows execution in counterpart and electronic delivery.
Between businesses, statutory interest is available under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998. gov.uk states the rate as 8% plus the Bank of England base rate. A contract can also set its own rate.
Scots law is a separate system. Contracts usually name 'the law of Scotland' rather than 'UK law'.