Seeking to make the Crown Estate accountable to Scotland

In Scotland the Crown Estate - who manage the seabed up to 12 miles from shore as well as the foreshore and some on-land assets - is the responsibility of UK Government and, as such, is not accountable to Scottish Ministers.

Discussions are already underway to determine how the Crown Estate is managed in Scotland, so that local communities receive greater benefits and to ensure that the organisation adapts to the post-devolution, 21st Century era.

Rural Affairs and Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said:

"The people of Scotland should benefit from our marine and natural resources yet, despite the arrival of devolution over a decade ago, the Crown Estate remains unaccountable to Scotland. It is time for the Crown Estate to deliver greater benefits to Scotland and our communities.

"The election of a new UK Coalition Government provides the opportunity for the Crown Estate to fully adapt to the post-devolution era, with greater transparency and accountability for their activities north of the Border. We must ensure that Scottish communities see more benefits from the revenues generated on their doorstep.

"The fact that a UK body like the Crown Estate controls our seabed when the flow of all other marine powers are going in the opposite direction is out of step with modern and progressive political arrangements.

"A series of meetings have already begun between Scottish Government officials and their Crown Estate and UK Government counterparts to explore the options. At my most recent meeting with the Secretary of State for Scotland we agreed to hold further talks in the near future about the Crown Estate.”