The Registers of Scotland (RoS) has introduced a new register, The Register of Applications by Community Bodies to buy Land, which will record all applications by community bodies to buy land or property that is abandoned, neglected or causing harm to the community, where the owner is not willing to sell that land.
The register is the 20th register to be maintained by the RoS and will show all applications by eligible community bodies to obtain consent from Scottish Ministers to purchase land or property deemed to be neglected by said Scottish Ministers.
Community bodies can only apply:
- If the purchase is in the public interest.
- Compatible with the achievement of sustainable development of the land.
- If the community body has already attempted to buy the land or property from the owner and failed.
All decisions relating to applications will be taken solely by Scottish Ministers, while RoS will ensure that the register is maintained and available for public inspection, which will be free to access.
The Keeper of the Registers of Scotland, Jennifer Henderson commented “Scotland became home to the world’s oldest register in 1617, and I’m delighted that, over 400 years later, we have been entrusted with the guardianship of our 20th public register”.
“The new register will be an important resource for community bodies, solicitors, land owners, and for those with an interest in land reform” she further states.
For expert legal advice on property law in Scotland then please contact Alison Gourley on 0141 552 3422 or by email on ajg@mitchells-roberton.co.uk