Councils given more powers over Scottish Crown Estate assets

Local authorities have been the ability to take control of local Scottish Crown Estate assets after MSPs backed the proposals.

The Scottish Crown Estate Bill gives opportunities for councils to take control of specific cases, but some will remain managed at a national level.

An examples of powers which could be devolved to councils is control of the surrounding seabed to island communities.

A Green amendment to restrict the harvesting of kelp in a process called dredging, which damages the habitat of marine life, was passed.

Land Reform Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: “I believe strongly in maximising the benefits of the Crown Estate for our communities, which is why I am delighted that Parliament has agreed to open up the possibility for local authorities and communities to take direct control of the management of these assets.

“Recognising the diversity of the Scottish Crown Estate, and the need to ensure sustainability of our natural assets, I am also announcing a strategic programme of work to give us the research required to make informed decisions on the sustainability of our seaweed sector. Importantly, this includes a review of the regulatory regime for all kelp harvesting activity in Scotland.

“This bill represents a significant step in reforming the management of the Scottish Crown Estate and in empowering our communities. I look forward to visiting a part of the estate that is taken on by a local community in due course.”

Mark Ruskell MSP, the Scottish Greens’ environment spokesperson, said: “Congratulations to the coastal communities throughout Scotland who have campaigned tirelessly for the Scottish Government to have a change of heart.

“Kelp forests are hugely important to our marine environment. They dampen waves, protect coastal communities from flooding and erosion, act as a habitat for hundreds of species including commercial fish and store more carbon than the rainforest.”

Shetland Lib Dem MSP Tavish Scott welcomed the opportunity for the northern isles to manage the sea bed.

As our local Council works with others on a new marine plan for Sullom Voe, this law allows real devolution of management and responsibility.

“I am pleased that the position of Trust Ports has been recognised in this law too. Amendments that I moved in Parliament were improved by the Government. This means that a Trust Port, such as Lerwick, can if they wish take responsibility for the seabed in their harbour area. It is right that this power now exists and that local decision making can, if desired, happen.

“This is a positive development in the management of the seabed and I support the principle of local decision making. It is now up to the Council and others to assess how they want to use these powers.”

Simon Hodge, Crown Estate Scotland Chief Executive said: “We’re really pleased that this new legislation has been approved by The Scottish Parliament. It helps give our tenants clarity and certainty about how the land and property they depend on may be managed in the future.

“Since starting operation in April 2017, we’ve worked hard to deliver wider economic, social and environmental value for Scotland, as well as returning profits to the Scottish Government. This includes ambitious proposals for new offshore wind leasing, a scheme to devolve management of land and property to local bodies, a £4.5m rural investment plan and much more.