Since all my responses from BoS (accounts held in Scottish Borders and originated with BoS) have come from Trinity House in Leeds, can 'serve an action from a court close to them' (i.e. England)? I'm in the Borders. I am going to ask the question of an English court, but I wondered if any lawyers/legally-astute people had any opinions.

It would be very helpful to me if I could, and I can cross the Border to an English court in 1/2 hour

Right, thanks for input everyone.

HBoS don't make it easy to figure out what the Leeds /real/ address is - only post boxes - with two major sites there, I've decided to go for the silly move if you have any thoughts of "old boy's networks" and the courts

Yep. Leeds court said "No problem", but for head office, I have to use Halifax County Court. They also said "No problem", so:

Claim for £3,270 + interest (just under £4000) plus costs (£120) sent to Halifax County Court, registered post.

If it works, then I have used the English small claims procedure, saved a lot of time, and will have more than I would have settled for had they been willing to negotiate sensibly. The only problem I can see is that this is on their doorstep - I wonder if that might make them more likely to defend? Worst case I lose my £120, or additional costs too?

And again, I really appreciate all the feedback and help I've had with my posts.

You'll no doubt be delighted to hear that taking HBOS to court in Halifax, when resident in Scotland, for accounts started with Bank Of Scotland, worked perfectly - I was refunded £3,270+£699.pennies+£120 - just over £4,000.

They did indeed play silly buggers with me - I had an account with £5,000 or so owing on it being handled by Blair Oliver & Scott; fortunately, I called Blair Oliver & Scott, and they set up an early repayment settlement figure, which was £3,640 or so. The person I spoke to suggested I may get the extra back since HBOS gave me no choice about the matter; either way, I don't owe them ANY money now - and BO&S should restore my credit file.

No need to faff around with multiple claims in Scotland.