Keynote Address The role played by the Scottish Development Agency in the treatment of and building on marginal and derelict land in Scotland

The Scottish Development Agency is a government funded body in Scotland which has principal responsibility for the reclamation of derelict land in Scotland. I believe, therefore, that our role is of particular significance to the subject of this Conference.

When the Agency was set up in December 1975 by Act of Parliament, we were essentially given three main tasks:

- the regeneration of the Scottish economy by investment in industry

- the provision of sites and premises for industry

- the clearance of derelict land and the improvement of the environment.

The Act specifically states: fThe Function of the Agency shall be undertaking or assisting the undertaking of the development, redevelopment and improvement of the environment, and bringing derelict land into use or improving its appearance1. We see all our tasks as being complementary in the achieving of a specific goal.