Crown Estate

Scotland should “control own seabed” 8/7/11

The SNP has renewed calls for devolution of the Crown Estate to Scotland as the organisation announced record annual profits.

SNP Scotland Office spokesperson Angus MacNeil MP said transferring responsibility would allow Scotland to realise the full economic potential of the country’s foreshores and seabed, helping create thousands of additional jobs and support the transition to a low carbon economy.

Mr MacNeil said: “The time is right for the archaic legislation governing the Crown Estate to be brought into line with the realities of devolution in a modern Scotland, accountable to the Scottish Parliament and its people and delivering direct benefits to our communities.

"The Scottish Government has the lead role in exploiting Scotland’s considerable potential for renewable energy - including responsibility for economic development as well as both land-based and marine planning.

“Yet it is the Crown Estate Commissioners who grant leases for offshore projects and there is no obligation on the CEC to work in partnership with our economic development bodies.

"Scotland's seabed and marine natural resources are a vital part of our economy and offer the greatest opportunity for growth. It is right that Scotland should be able to manage these assets - both as a matter of natural justice and to have the best opportunity to deliver growth in renewable energy.”