The leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has called on the UK Government to fully implement the Smith Commission recommendations over Crown Estate functions to the islands councils.
Angus Campbell fears the current form of the Scotland Bill could create a ‘mini Crown Estate’ in Scotland, thus simply changing reporting lines.
The Smith Commission was set up following the 2014 referendum look at further powers for Scotland.
It recommended that management of the Crown Estate -
The Scotland Bill is going through the parliamentary process before becoming law.
Mr Campbell said: “I would call on the UK Government to honour the Smith Commission in full and in clear and unambiguous terms, legislate for the full devolution of the Crown Estate, its management and revenues, to Scotland and immediately thereafter by Scottish Government to island areas and other coastal communities in line with the Lerwick Declaration of devolving powers to local communities.
"The UK Government had previously indicated their commitment to onward devolution and it would be a betrayal of those commitments, and of our communities, if they are not carried out in full.”
Comhairle seeks full devolution of Crown Estate
25 November 2015