Powers over the revenue and management of Crown Estate resources in Scotland have been officially transferred to the Scottish Government.
Scottish ministers now have control over seabed rights and about half Scotland’s foreshore. On the mainland, it also includes thousands of hectares of rural land.
Rental money comes in from seabed leases from fish farms, harbour facilities and offshore energy schemes.
In total they were worth £271.8 million in 2015/16, generating a gross annual revenue of £14 million.
The assets will be temporarily being managed by a new body called the Crown Estate Scotland (Interim Management).
Land Reform Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: “This is a historic day. The management and resources of the Crown Estate now rest with the people of Scotland and we have a genuine, once in a lifetime opportunity to use them to change the fabric of Scottish society, placing the needs of local and coastal communities at the centre of our long term planning for these considerable assets.
“From today, decisions about both the day-
“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.”
Scottish Government takes control of Crown Estate assets
1 April 2017