A new type of land register has recently gone live in Scotland.
The Register of Applications by Community to Bodies to Buy Land (RoABCL) records all applications from community bodies to buy land which is neglected, abandoned or causing harm to the environmental well-being of the community, in cases where the owner is not willing to sell the land.
Set to be the 20th register maintained by the Registers of Scotland (RoS), community bodies are able to apply is the purchase is in the public interest and is compatible with the sustainable development of the land.
For applications, it is only when a community body has attempted to buy the land or property from the owner – and failed – can they be made.
Scottish ministers will take decisions relating to applications, whilst RoS will make sure that the register – that will be free to access – is available for public inspection as well as carefully maintained.
Jennifer Henderson, the Keeper of the Registers of Scotland commented on the launch, stating: “Scotland became home to the world’s oldest land 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 launch of ScotLIS [land and property data for Scotland] last year, the strides we are making towards completion of the Land Register, and the launch of the RoACBL, all indicate that we remain at the forefront of transparency, and ensuring that property and land are protected for the good of Scotland’s people.
“The new register will be an important resource for community bodies, solicitors, land owners, and for those with an interest in land reform.”
