Consultation responses and analysis

The KLTR on OPTS:

“The OPTS is an ambitious scheme, a new approach and a new way of thinking, which will require collaborative working between public bodies and representative groups if real and tangible benefits are to be delivered to the people of Scotland."

“I recognise the long-term negative impact that ownerless land and buildings can have on our communities, our cities, our towns and villages and on the residents within these areas. The scheme will provide opportunities for communities throughout Scotland to benefit from converting ownerless property into owned property, both land and buildings in both urban and rural areas, by bringing them back into productive use." 

“I therefore hope the OPTS will play a fundamental part in bringing interested parties together to agree on how ownerless property can be used in the best possible way and to the advantage of local people.” 

Bobby Sandeman, KLTR’s Head of Department said:

“KLTR officials will work closely with key stakeholders, such as the Scottish Government, local authorities, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the Scottish Land Commission, Community Land Scotland and others to ensure the potential benefits of the scheme are recognised.” 

He added: “This scheme will transform the way in which the KLTR deals with ownerless property and the way in which we deal with those who refer property to us. It will encourage, and require, collaborative working between public bodies and representative groups. Views expressed during the consultation will help to shape the new scheme.

The Ownerless Property Transfer Scheme consultation closed on the 16 December 2022.

A link to the consultation analysis report and consultation document is below.

Opts consultation analysis report

OPTS consultation paper

The Ownerless Property Transfer Scheme consultation closed on the 16 December 2022.

All responses can be found in the table below, each response can be viewed by clicking on the blue links within the table.

OPTS Seminar Dates 

We have worked closely with key partners and stakeholders to ensure the OPTS is workable, including the Scottish Government, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Local Authorities and other public bodies, including the Scottish Land Commission, as well as representative organisations such as Community Land Scotland and individuals with experience in land-related issues.