The General Register of Sasines is one of Scotland’s land registers, and it holds a unique place in history. It is kept by the Registers of Scotland.

Established in 1617, the General Register of Sasines is the oldest national public land register in the world. Its creation was to provide a system to record details about the ownership and rights over land and property in Scotland. It operates on a ‘deed registration system’, which means that it records the documents (or ‘sasines’) that transfer ownership of land or property or create a new real right in them.

Unlike modern land registers, the Sasines Register is a “descriptive” register. This means that instead of using plans and maps, it describes property boundaries in written form. As you might imagine, this can sometimes make it more challenging to decipher exact property boundaries or rights, especially when compared to modern methods.

Scotland has since developed a more modern land registration system known as the Land Register of Scotland. Since 1981, any new sales, changes in ownership, or other significant property transactions get recorded in this new register. Over time, properties from the Sasines Register are being transferred to the Land Register, especially when they change hands.

If you’re buying a property that’s still recorded in the Sasines Register, your purchase might trigger its move to the modern Land Register. This is part of Scotland’s ongoing effort to have all properties transferred to the Land Register. Understanding which register the property is on can give insights into its history and any potential complexities in the transaction.

Given the descriptive nature of the Sasines Register, if you’re dealing with a property listed there, it’s essential to have a knowledgeable solicitor. They can help interpret the register’s information, ensuring your rights and interests are protected.

In summary, the General Register of Sasines is a historic land register in Scotland that provides a descriptive record of property ownership. While many properties have since moved to the modern Land Register, the Sasines Register remains an essential piece of Scotland’s property history and system.