Vacant and Derelict Land - Scotland

The Scottish Vacant and Derelict Land Survey (SVDLS) is a national data collection undertaken to establish the extent and state of vacant and derelict land in Scotland. The survey has been operating since 1988. This survey is associated with the Scottish Vacant and Derelict Land Fund, under which cash allocations are made to Planning Authorities.

Every year the Scottish Government Communities Analysis Division produce a National Statistics statistical publication based on data collected and processed from all Local Authorities and Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority. This includes an SVDLS Site Register. Where spatial data is provided by Planning Authorities, the data is reviewed to make sure it matches the published SVDLS Site Register.

Improvement Service then combine the spatial data with the SVDLS site Register for the current survey year (2023 published in 2024 for most authorities) and combined it to this year's SVDLS Site Register (using the site reference).

Where Planning Authorities have not provided spatial data for the current year, their previous spatial data return has been used, or where there is no spatial data at all for site we have buffered the easting and northing provided in the survey, to create a circular polygon area for the site.

The definitive data source is the SVDLS Site Register available here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-vacant-and-derelict-land-survey---site-register/

The Scottish Government vacant and derelict land statistics are also available as a map, and can be accessed at https://isshinyapps.shinyapps.io/SVDL_mapping_2023/

The map also shows planning application information as of October 2024, where a planning application has been submitted within an SVDL site boundary. This data is drawn directly from local authorities and does not form part of the Scottish Government vacant and derelict land statistical return or the Scottish Government Planning Applications statistical return. These statistics may be found on the Scottish Government Planning Statistics website: https://www.gov.scot/collections/planning-statistics/ -these data have been quality assured by the Scottish Government.