Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has repeated calls for the Scottish Government to devolve Crown Estate powers to local authorities, as set out in the recommendations of the Smith Commission.
An independent think tank, Reform Scotland, has said the Scottish government should resist the creation of a new quango for the Crown Estate powers due to be devolved to Scotland and that a timetable should be set out for the powers to be devolved to local authorities.
The Leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Angus Campbell, said: “Interim arrangements for managing the Crown Estate responsibilities should be just that – interim.
"I believe a pilot scheme should be implemented with Crown Estate powers devolved to local authority level and this could form a model for the full implementation of what the Smith Commission recommended.
"It is essential for coastal communities that this is not allowed to be diverted and we look forward to working with Scottish Government on taking this forward.”
Call to transfer Crown Estate powers
7 September 2016