Tenant owes rent from 1 year ago. Can I take them to court?

[Pisspoorresults]

In Scotland.

They owe around 1000£. Gave various excuses over a few months then a midnight flit last May.

I've since discovered their new address.

Really pisses me off because they were getting the rent from the DSS to pay landlord (us) but never forwarded it on. Now I've since discovered they have a brand new fucking council home in a really nice town and they both drive a brand new car.

Now I know we can survive without this money BUT I feel as though they have not only stolen from us but also the fact the were claiming this money from the council is a double whammy!

How do I go about claiming this rent back.

Small Claims Court?

Think I will try the small claims, thanks. DH has a new phone now and text messages from tenant prominsing payment are on the old one which was handed back to work.

Could you also report to council re. misappropriation of HB