How To Tackle Illegal Occupation Of Private Land

Over the last year the issue of illegal occupation of private land has been highlighted with a substantial increase in illegal travellers taking occupation of vacant and derelict sites with easy access for vehicles. Unfortunately, many illegal occupiers are aware that, without a court order, the landowner has no authority to evict and so they can simply stay put and await a final order.

While raising court proceedings involves expenditure, sitting back and doing nothing is a high risk strategy. There is a potential for further damage to the property and the risk of others taking occupation illegally. The only guaranteed way of removing illegal occupiers is through court proceedings.

The process of obtaining an eviction order in Scotland is relatively simple. Initially, a letter is sent by Sheriff Officers asking the illegal occupiers to remove within 24/48 hours. Sheriff...