The latest figures on vacant and derelict land in Scotland in 2012 have been released by Scotland’s Chief Statistician.

The main findings show an overall decrease of 114 hectares in the amount of urban vacant and derelict land in Scotland compared with the 2011 survey.

Urban vacant land decreased by 91 hectares and derelict land decreased by 23 hectares.

Between 2006 and 2012 there was a 3% drop in the total extent of urban vacant and derelict land in Scotland, from 11,282 hectares in 2006 to 10,984 hectares by 2012.

The survey shows the discrepancy between urban vacant and derelict land.

Some local authorities, for example Falkirk, South Lanarkshire and Glasgow City, have seen large decreases, whereas others have recorded substantial increases, such as North Ayrshire, between 2006 and 2012.


Between the 2011 and 2012 surveys, 285 hectares of vacant and derelict land were brought back into productive use. The main new use for this land was residential development.

2,476 hectares of derelict or urban vacant land was shown to have a potential preferred or intended residential use. A further 1,772 hectares has been identified for potential office development.

65% of vacant and derelict land in settlements has been out of use for at least twelve years, while 39% of vacant and derelict land within settlements and 52% of derelict land within the countryside had been unused since before 1991.

36% of derelict and urban vacant land was reported to be developable in the short term.

54% of people living in the most deprived areas in Scotland live within 500 meters of derelict land.

Of the 285 hectares brought back into use between 2011 and 2012, 111 hectares received some public funding.

A total of 286 hectares have been brought back into use in Dundee City, Glasgow City, Highland, North Lanarkshire and South Lanarkshire, with either a full or partial contribution from the Scottish government's Vacant and Derelict Land Fund.

(IT)