Foreword from the Keeper

Published: 22 December 2020
Freedom of information class: How we take decisions

Registers of Scotland (RoS) is committed to being an innovative digital registration and information business trusted for its quality, integrity and excellent customer service.

In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, RoS successfully launched a series of secure digital solutions that protected house moves, the property market and the wider Scottish economy.

Enabling legal professionals to submit applications (and supporting deeds) through an intuitive digital portal has improved speed, efficiency, and reduced risk in preparing and submitting documents.

The view has been expressed to us very strongly by our customers and stakeholders, including the Law Society of Scotland, that they would like to continue dealing with us digitally in the future.

Our ability to receive applications digitally in respect of the property registers, the Register of Inhibitions and the Register of Judgments rests in part on emergency legislation introduced in the Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020 and the Coronavirus (Scotland) (No. 2) Act 2020.

If digital submissions are to be placed on a permanent footing, and become the default method of submission, then permanent legislation is required.

The successful implementation of RoS’ digital solutions was made possible by close partnership working and engagement with our customers and stakeholders.

It is appropriate therefore that we listen to their views before taking the next step on our digital journey.

This consultation is now a formal opportunity for customers to help shape our thinking. I value your input and look forward to hearing your views.

Jennifer Henderson, Keeper of the Registers of Scotland