The Scottish Government publishes the Scottish Vacant and Derelict Land Survey sharing all the derelict land and empty space across Scotland.
The amount of derelict and urban vacant land fell by 1% in 2023. This continued the downward trend. The amount has fallen by more than a quarter (28%) since 2016.
Some derelict space in Glasgow is currently being developed into student accommodation, though many sites have remained derelict since the 80s - some owned by Glasgow City Council, and some by the private sector.
A fifth (20%) of urban vacant land in Scotland is located in Glasgow City.
Five councils (North Lanarkshire, North Ayrshire, Glasgow, East Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway) together contain over 50% of all derelict and urban vacant land. The number of sites was 3,109.
11 percent of derelict and urban vacant land in Scotland is located within the 15% most deprived data zones. More than half (52%) of all derelict and urban vacant land located within the 15% most deprived data zones is in Glasgow City.
Take a look below as we share 15 of the most prominent derelict sites in Glasgow city centre.
13. Broomielaw / Anderston Quay - 34 years~
Vacant since 1986-1990, this land near Anderston was previously used as utility services before becoming derelict. It is owned by Scottish Enterprise. | Google Maps
14. Anderston Quay / Washington Street - 20 years~
Vacant since 2001-2004, this land is currently used as a car park and was previously used as offices. It is owned by a private developer. | Google Maps
15. India Street / Elmbank Street - 9 years
Vacant since 2009 this land near Charing Cross station was last in use in 2015. It's owned by Glasgow City Council and was previously used as offices. | Google Maps