Over 1,300 people have signed a petition by the Scottish Green Party (SGP) to bring the country's derelict and vacant land back into use.

The petition, which has gathered the signatures over just a week, was launched to demonstrate public support for a Green amendment to the Land Reform Bill.

It is understood the change would bring 11,000 hectares of vacant and derelict Scottish land under the valuation system to be taxed.

The resulting revenue would then be 'ring fenced' for housebuilding.

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The SGP said this method would yield around £300 million of revenue per annum.

Andy Wightman, SGP spokesperson on Communities, said: "When there is a lack of affordable housing, a shortage of space in urban areas and mounting financial pressure on public services, it’s bizarre that wealthy developers and land owners can leave assets sitting unused for decades without having to pay a penny of tax. By valuing and taxing vacant and derelict land, we could encourage it to be put back in use and raise revenue for housebuilding projects.

"Over half of Scotland’s most deprived communities are within 500 metres of vacant and derelict land – so there is huge potential to build in areas where development and regeneration are needed most. Making use of derelict and vacant land would also ease the pressure to build on green space valued by communities."

(LM/MH)