Owners of eyesore or abandoned buildings in Dumfries and Galloway have been asked if they would be willing to sell up in a bid to transform them for the benefit of local communities.
A hit list of 44 dilapidated buildings and vacant pieces of land across the area was drawn up by the Scottish Land Commission as part of an ambitious project to breathe new life into the region.
In recent months, South Scotland MSP Emma Harper has met with the chairman and staff of the Scottish Land Commission, council representatives and raised the matter directly with the Holyrood Government to seek immediate action on the sites.
They include the Treasure Cave shop on English Street, Interfloor Factory, 101 club and George Street Art School in Dumfries, the Central Hotel in Annan and the Royal Hotel in Kirkcudbright.
Now, in a letter sent to owners, she has set out concerns over the negative impact the buildings are having on towns and residents living near them.
She said: “I have now written directly to the owners of the sites to ask whether they have any plans to improve their buildings, whether they have engaged with the Scottish Land Commission and whether they would consider a community asset transfer for their building, or its sale, should this be an option.
Ms Harper also highlighted in the letter that a number of support options are available to owners, including the Scottish Land Commission’s £50m fund to transform vacant and derelict buildings, along with a number of powers which are available to Scottish local authorities.
