PEOPLE who find objects and take care of them can expect to become their rightful owners - but only after waiting 20 years.

A consultation has been launched over plans to clarify the current system, which has been blamed for complex and protracted legal disputes in certain cases.

Under the plans, someone who possesses an item in good faith and does not neglect it will become the legal owner after two decades.

Someone who is holding on to a deposited or lent item would own it after 50 years, but only if the previous owner or their descendants cannot be traced.

Paul Wheelhouse, the minister for community safety, said the changes being put forward by the Scottish Government could benefit art galleries and museums in particular.

He added: "While many day-to-day objects have little value, some objects like paintings, works of art, antiques and jewellery could have considerable value.

"These proposals would see the law clarified in some situations where ownership is complex and they will protect people who have acted in good faith.

"A key aim of the Bill is to help clarify ownership in cases such as, for example, where a person possessing the object bought it in good faith from someone who did not actually own it."

The Bill, proposed by the Scottish Law Commission, would also see the Crown able to take ownership of objects after 60 years, if no-one possesses them. The Crown could reject ownership if it chose.

When moveable property is abandoned, it would also become ownerless under the proposals.

The consultation, which opened yesterday, will last for 12 weeks. The changes would come into force three years after the law receives Royal Assent.