Crown Estate powers transferred to Scottish Government

Powers over the revenue and management of Crown Estate resources in Scotland have been transferred to the Scottish Government, as further provisions in the Scotland Act 2016 came into force.

From 1 April 2017, Scottish ministers will have control over thousands of hectares of rural land, approximately half Scotland’s foreshore and leasing of the seabed for rights to renewable energy. Total asset value was put at £271.8m in 2015-16, generating a gross annual revenue of £14m.

A new body, Crown Estate Scotland (Interim Management), will ensure continuity while ministers finalise a long term strategy that will include opportunities to place local communities at the heart of the new arrangements for managing assets. A consultation on the long term management of the Crown Estate in Scotland launched in January and closed on 29 March.

Ministers are working to safeguard a smooth transfer for staff and ensure that the interim body provides stability and continuity of service to those who rely on existing Crown Estate leases or services, until a new permanent framework is established.

Scotland will continue to fund a share of the Sovereign Grant through general taxes following devolution of the management of, and revenue from, Crown Estate assets in Scotland, as it does at present. 

Land Reform Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said that decisions about both the day-to-day management and the future of the estate would now be taken in Scotland. "This will have positive implications, not only for the many people who live, work or have some other direct connection with the Crown Estate, but for many communities across Scotland. They stand to benefit from the further changes to come, including opportunities for devolved local management of assets.

“I along with the staff of the new interim management body will seek to manage the estate responsibly, delivering benefits to our partners, tenants and communities and ensuring it remains in good order as we continue to develop our long term plans.”