17.—(1) Where a child has indicated his wish to express his views the sheriff, without prejudice to rule 12(3)(u)—
(a)may order such procedural steps to be taken as he considers appropriate to ascertain the views of that child; and
(b)must not make an order under this Chapter unless an opportunity has been given for the views of that child to be obtained or heard.
(2) Where the views of a child, whether obtained under this rule or under rule 12(3)(u) have been recorded in writing, the sheriff may direct that such a written record is to—
(a)be sealed in a envelope marked “Views of the child – confidential”;
(b)be available to a sheriff only;
(c)not be opened by any person other than a sheriff; and
(d)not form a borrowable part of the process.