4.—(1) Prior to the execution of a decree for removing from heritable property, notice of the date of removal shall be served by the sheriff officer, in Form 4, by—
(a)leaving the notice at the heritable property; and
(b)sending a copy of the notice by first class post to the address at which he thinks it most likely that the defender may be found.
(2) The date specified in the notice of the date of removal shall be a period of notice of not less than 48 hours after the notice is served.
(3) The sheriff may, on the application of the pursuer, on cause shown, vary or dispense with the period of notice mentioned in subparagraph (2).