To ask the Scottish Government, in relation to its policies on land reform and land use, what discussions the rural affairs secretary has had with ministerial colleagues regarding any action that can be taken to address concerns about derelict land and vacant buildings in urban areas, including Glasgow. (S6O-04905)

I have had discussions with ministerial colleagues relating to land reform and particularly to the links between the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill and other Government policies. The Government is very aware of the harm that vacant and derelict sites can cause to communities, and we are providing resources to address those issues. Glasgow City Council is receiving £1.9 million this year from the vacant and derelict land fund. In addition, we are seeking to reform and modernise compulsory purchase. We are also reviewing the community right to buy.

What steps will the Scottish Government take to ensure that the land that has been left derelict since the demolition of the Red Road flats more than a decade ago is finally brought back into productive use, given that the local community has been left feeling ignored and let down during this time, and in light of its responsibilities for land reform and community empowerment?

If the member writes to me about the particular issue that she just highlighted, I will be more than happy to come back with more specific detail. A number of different reforms are under way that I think will help to address some of that situation. I have already mentioned the vacant and derelict land fund. We are also undertaking a review of community right to buy, which I think will assist. We have the Scottish land fund and the review of compulsory purchase orders. As a Government, we have also committed to undertaking a consultation on compulsory sales orders. Those measures in the round, as well as what we are doing more broadly in relation to land reform, will help us to better address the problems and blights that exist in our communities.

The urban blight and unfulfilled potential of derelict buildings such as the Interfloor factory building in Dumfries have been an issue for many years, and I have campaigned about it, along with residents and businesses. What more could the United Kingdom Government do to change the tax system that it controls to promote refurbishment and regeneration and to avoid people defaulting to demolition purely because of tax regulations?

Discussions are on-going with the UK Government on those issues. One of the best solutions to the discrepancy in the tax treatment of refurbishment and retrofitting would be for the UK Government to equalise the relevant VAT rates. That would definitely bring benefits for the regeneration of communities, while also contributing to our net zero ambitions by reducing the emissions that are caused by demolition and new construction. I am happy to follow up on that with my Government colleagues and to respond to Emma Harper in more detail.

That concludes questions on the rural affairs, land reform and islands portfolio. I apologise to the members I was not able to call. To allow front-bench members to change places, there will be a brief pause before we move to the next portfolio.