[en] Cross sections for inelastic scattering of protons by ⁴⁵Sc have been measured over the energy range Esub(p)=1.2-2.5 MeV for protons leading to the second, third, fourth, sixth and eighth excited states of ⁴⁵Sc. Statistical model calculations are in good agreement with the data. Further statistical model cross section calculations are used in an investigation of the part played by inelastic and superelastic scattering of protons in bringing about a thermal distribution of states in ⁴⁵Sc in a stellar interior under the conditions of explosive silicon burning. This mechanism is found to be effective for temperatures above 4.5x10⁹ K