Trusts can be used for making sure your money goes where you want it to go too. Not just property. Unlike in England you can't just write your children out of your will in Scotland. They are legally entitled to their percentage of moveable assets - that is money, investments etc etc etc. So if you were a widower and died leaving 100% of your cash/investments etc to a new girlfriend or the cat home in your will it doesn't affect your children's rights. At least a third and up to a half would go to them before the will takes effect. Writing an investment it in Trust though takes it out of the estate.