Scottish Crown Estate labelled ‘a feudal relic’ ahead of reform

Proposed legislation to reform the Crown Estate Scotland would maintain its status as “a feudal relic”, the Scottish Greens have warned.

Last night the Scottish Parliament approved a bill to transfer management of the properties to local authorities and communities in principle, but the Greens said they would seek major changes going forward.

Crown Estate includes all property owned by the monarchy, worth around £275m.

Green land reform spokesman Andy Wightman said: “Communities the length and breadth of Scotland are routinely hampered in their efforts to make the most of historic assets such as harbours, foreshores and the seabed.

“To date the Crown Estate has been remote and unaccountable, and sadly it seems most parties at Holyrood are content with a business-as-usual approach to this feudal relic when it really needs a radical overhaul.”

Land Reform Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said the bill as it stands represents a “significant step” to empowering communities.

“At the heart of this bill is the desire to maximise the benefits of the Scottish Crown Estate for our communities and the country as a whole,” she said.

“It will open up the possibility for local authorities and communities to take control of the management of those assets which was a key recommendation from The Smith Commission.

“Recognising the diversity of the Scottish Crown Estate, any changes in management should be done on a case-by-case basis, to ensure assets are well maintained and effectively managed, with high standards of transparency and accountability.”

Crown estate properties include the seabed, just under half of Scotland’s foreshore and 37,000 hectares of rural land and commercial property.