A task force to develop some of Scotland's 12,000 hectares of vacant and derelict land is being launched, with Sarah Boyack, SFHA Head of Public Affairs, as Vice Chair.

The project aims to find ways of bringing derelict land back into productive use, with the intended effects of rejuvenating the land, improving the economy, unlocking growth, reviving communities and reducing inequalities.

The target of the task force – set up by the Scottish Land Commission and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) - is to halve the amount of land on the register by 2025. It will also look at practical ways for the land to be utilised.

Steve Dunlop, Chair of the new task force, said:

"In disadvantaged areas of Scotland it is estimated that three in every five people live within 500m of a vacant or derelict site. The task force will help drive practical action and look for innovative ways to make productive use of vacant and derelict land for housing, commercial and green space uses.

"Rejuvenating vacant and derelict land brings about long-term regeneration and renewal - unlocking growth, reviving communities, increasing community empowerment, reducing inequalities and inspiring local pride and activities."

The task force aims to "challenge and reshape" the approach to bringing vacant land back into use.

SFHA is excited to support the efforts of this new task force. Speaking of her involvement with the task force, Sarah Boyack, SFHA Head of Public Affairs, said:

“I’m delighted to have been appointed Vice Chair of the new Task Force on Vacant and Derelict Land.

“It’s a great opportunity to feed in the experiences of SFHA members in sharing the impact of the fantastic work which has been done bringing sites back into productive use. It will also be important to identify and overcome the obstacles to making the best use of land in the interest of our communities.”

For further information on the task force, please contact Sarah Boyack at sboyack@sfha.co.uk.