Hi Milngavie, I took this from the CAB website, hope this helps

What are the financial conditions for the scheme

Both capital and income are taken into account when determining eligibility.

Savings

If you have savings over a certain amount you will not be eligible for advice and assistance. This amount will be different if you have dependant relatives (partner - including a same sex partner, child, or other relatives).

If you are over state pension age the allowance is higher.

You can check your eligibility using the advice and assistance calculator on the Scottish Legal Aid (SLAB) website or by phoning the SLAB helpline on 0845 123 2330 weekdays 8.30am ÔÇô 5.00pm.

Income

If you are getting income support, income-based jobseeker's allowance, income-related employment and support allowance or the guarantee credit part of pension credit you will be eligible for free legal advice and assistance, unless you have savings over the limit.

If you are not getting income support, income-based jobseeker's allowance, income-related employment and support allowance or the guarantee credit part of pension credit your eligibility for advice and assistance will depend on your income.

If you are married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting (same sex or opposite sex), your partner's income and savings will also be taken into account unless you live apart and are financially separate or there is a conflict of interest between you (for example in a case of divorce or dissolution or a dispute about children), or it would be inequitable or impracticable to do so.

If the applicant is a child, s/he will be assessed on her/his own income and savings, and not that of her/his parents.

I dont think the Trust Deed has any bearing on legal aid. It is simply income based. You will generate an income to allow for your entry in to the Trust Deed so unfortunately I would assume this would prevent you from claiming legal aid.

No harm in enquiring though and a good point none the less!