The Scottish Parliament has approved in principle the Scottish Crown Estate Bill, which will establish a framework for changes in the management of these assets to deliver wider benefits and new opportunities for local control.
These assets, with with a total capital value of £275 million, include the seabed, just under half of Scotland's foreshore, 37,000 hectares of rural land and commercial property.
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Land Reform Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: "At the heart of this bill is the desire to maximise the benefits of the Scottish Crown Estate for our communities and the country as a whole. It will open up the possibility for local authorities and communities to take control of the management of those assets which was a key recommendation from The Smith Commission.
"Recognising the diversity of the Scottish Crown Estate, any changes in management should be done on a case-by-case basis, to ensure assets are well maintained and effectively managed, with high standards of transparency and accountability.
"This bill represents a significant step in empowering Scotland's communities and I am pleased that the Parliament has today decided to back, in principle, these reforms."
(LM)
