Empty shop units in East Dunbartonshire up 43% in a year, figures show

The number of empty commercial properties in East Dunbartonshire has risen sharply over the past year, new figures show.

Figures released by East Dunbartonshire Council under freedom of information show 83 properties were recorded as empty in September 2026, compared with 58 in September 2025 – an increase of around 43% in a year.

More units empty for longer

The number of properties that had been vacant for more than six months also rose, from 23 last year to 36 this year.

However, the number sitting empty for more than two years fell from 20 to 14 over the same period – suggesting that while more units are falling empty, some long-term vacancies are being filled.

"Bad news for East Dunbartonshire"

Scottish Conservative leader and West Scotland MSP Russell Findlay described the increase as "bad news for East Dunbartonshire", claiming vacant units were contributing to a decline in local economic activity.

He said: "This rising number of empty units is bad news for East Dunbartonshire because it means less economic activity, fewer jobs, and reduced revenues."

Mr Findlay called on councillors in the area to press the Scottish Government to overhaul the business rates system.

"We've also called for up to two hours of free parking across all council areas to boost struggling high streets," he added.

A wider high street challenge

East Dunbartonshire takes in towns including Bearsden, Milngavie, Kirkintilloch and Bishopbriggs, whose high streets and shopping centres serve communities on the northern edge of Glasgow.

Like town centres across Scotland, they have faced pressure in recent years from online shopping, rising costs and changes in how people shop since the pandemic. Business groups have repeatedly called for reform of business rates, which they say weigh heavily on smaller retailers.