A CITY scheme to bring unused or derelict sites back into use is to be rolled out across Scotland.

Glasgow's pioneering 'Stalled Spaces' initiative has resulted in unloved areas of land being used as community gardens, performance spaces and for art installations.

Architecture and Design Scotland now plans to use the lessons learned in Glasgow to support and guide other local authorities which want to introduce the scheme.

Liz Cameron, the council's regeneration and development spokeswoman, said: "The project has proved a huge success with communities since the city council launched it in 2011 and has gained international recognition.

"It has helped transform more than 75 stalled spaces.

"Each of these projects not only breathed new life into an unused site but also fostered social cohesion and encouraged physical activity by empowering residents to enhance their neighbourhood and engage with nature and the arts.

"It is wonderful Glasgow has sown the seeds for a national scheme and we are happy to be able to pass on the lessons we have learned to other towns and cities."

Karen Anderson of Architecture and Design Scotland said she hoped vacant and derelict land in town centres across Scotland would be transformed.

She said: "The projects can range from art installations and growing spaces to temporary events and pop-up play spaces that can help the community to come together.

"We will welcome innovative ideas and will be providing support to local authorities who will run the day to day delivery of the locally- based Stalled Spaces programmes."

Local Government and Planning Minister, Derek Mackay, said the scheme was a chance for communities to get creative and to come up with quirky ways to transform derelict land.

He added: "Stalled Spaces ties in with the Scottish Government's town centre action plan that seeks to promote town centres as vibrant, attractive and safe places where local people want to spend their time and money."

vivienne.nicoll@eveningtimes.co.uk