Councils across Scotland are to be granted more power regarding the sale of derelict sites, the Scottish government has announced.

In a statement, Minister for Local Government and Housing MSP Kevin Stewart confirmed that local authorities will be able to force the sales with compulsory purchase orders.

The changes will be introduced by 2021.

Councillor Harry Curran, Convener of North Lanarkshire Council's Planning Committee said: "This is a very welcome development by the Scottish Government, as it offers practical help to local authorities to regenerate their communities and bring new life to derelict sites.

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"We have a strong vision to develop our town centres and communities and transform brownfield sites to create new facilities for residents and opportunities for investment. This can be frustrated by landowners holding on to vacant sites with no plans to redevelop them or, perhaps, hoping for an unrealistic price for the land.

"If we can take action to free up these sites and put them to better use, for the benefit of local people, this would be a significant step forward for all councils in Scotland."

Proposals will now be drawn up by the Scottish Land Commission.

(CM/JG)