Crown Estate shake-up plans

Plans to reform the Scottish Crown Estate, which includes thousands of acres of farmland, property and foreshore rights valued at £275 million, have been introduced to the Scottish Parliament.

The Scottish Crown Estate Bill will establish a framework for changes in the management of estate assets and give councils and communities a stronger voice in how these assets are managed.

Land Reform Secretary Roseanna Cunningham described the Bill as a “significant moment” for Scotland.

“Building on the work of the Smith Commission, this Bill proposes, for the first time, new powers for Scottish Ministers to change who manages Scottish crown estate assets, and opens up the possibility of local authorities and communities taking control of the management of those assets” she said.

“The estate consists of a diverse portfolio, including thousands of hectares of rural land, half of Scotland’s foreshore, urban property and seabed leasing rights for activities such as renewable energy.

“That is why this Bill recognises that a ‘one size fits all’ approach is not practical, laying the foundation for changes in the management of individual assets.

“I believe strongly in maximising the benefits of the Crown Estate for our communities and the country as a whole, while ensuring assets are well maintained and managed, with high standards of openness and accountability.”

Roseanna Cunningham says the new Bill is a “significant moment” for Scotland.