Humza Yousaf MSP yesterday (Thursday) raised the issue of derelict land in the East End of Glasgow in the Scottish Parliament. In a question to the Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment, Mr Yousaf asked what steps the Scottish Government is taking to regenerate at least some of the derelict sites in time for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Commenting Mr Yousaf said: "During the Commonwealth Games, Glasgow will be on display to the world. An average of 100,000 spectators will come to the Games site every day, which may rise to over 200,000 people on peak days. In a two to three mile radius in the East End of Glasgow there are over 20 derelict land sites. Some of these sites have remained derelict for over 10 years.

"With such attention focussing on our city, we cannot afford to have these eyesores on display in such close proximity to the Games. These blights on Glasgow's landscape need to be regenerated, and ownership of the sites should be passed over to the community who know how to make best use of the land, be it for housing, leisure or even allotments.

"I welcome the Cabinet Secretary's support of my concerns. In his response to me, he stated that Glasgow City Council have been asked to focus the entirety of their £3 million Vacant and Derelict Land Fund award on sites related to the Commonwealth Games. I encourage the Council to engage with local stakeholders and community groups so that this fund is used to its full effect.

Notes:

Question from Humza Yousaf MSP to The Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment (Alex Neil):
"An average of around 100,000 spectators will come to Glasgow on each day of the Commonwealth games. Does the minister agree that the numerous areas of derelict land in close proximity to games venues are an eyesore? In a 2 to 3-mile radius in the east end of Glasgow, there are around 20 to 25 derelict land sites. What steps is the Government taking, along with local authorities, to regenerate at least some of those sites in time for the 2014 games?"

Official Report can be found: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28862.aspx?r=6976&mode=html#iob_63525