Holyrood approves in principle Scottish Crown Estate Bill

Holyrood approves in principle Scottish Crown Estate Bill

Roseanna Cunningham

The Scottish Parliament has approved in principle a bill that aims to give local authorities and communities the opportunity to directly manage Scottish Crown Estate assets.

The Scottish Crown Estate Bill will establish a framework for changes in the management of these assets to “deliver wider benefits and new opportunities for local control”, including giving local authorities and communities “a stronger voice” in the management of Scottish Crown Estate assets.

Land Reform Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: “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. 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.

“This bill represents a significant step in empowering Scotland’s communities and I am pleased that the Parliament has today decided to back, in principle, these reforms.”

However, Scottish Green MSPs warned this week that the bill maintains a “feudal relic” and risks “business-as-usual” when a “radical overhaul” is needed to benefit local communities.

Andy Wightman MSP, land reform spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, 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.”

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