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Rural Affairs Secretary comments on Scotland Bill clauses

Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead has said the Scotland Bill’s provisions on the devolution of Crown Estate administration go against the spirit and intention of the Smith Commission proposals. 

Giving evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s Rural Affairs, Environment and Climate Change Committee, Mr Lochhead also confirmed plans to set up a stakeholder advisory group to work with the Scottish Government in developing future options for management of the functions, subject to consultation and legislation. 

Mr Lochhead said:

"There is a clear and widely supported case for the devolution of the Crown Estate in Scotland in order to promote accountability, transparency and stop the leakage of Scottish revenues to the UK Treasury. 

"Unfortunately, the Scotland Bill goes against the spirit and intention of the Smith Commission proposals and resembles a bit of a dog’s breakfast. It is far too complicated, includes restrictions on Scottish Ministers and does not lead to the full the devolution of the Crown Estate.

"The UK are even proposing to treat the Crown Estate’s very valuable shareholding in Fort Kinnaird outside Edinburgh as a non-Scottish asset so that it’s not devolved.

"However, we are focused on making this devolution work and, of course, it will take time to establish the new arrangements through legislation. That’s why we want the administration of the Crown Estate to transfer to Scottish Ministers as a going concern until the Scottish Parliament legislates. 

"Once we have achieved devolution, we will consult on permanent arrangements for managing Crown Estate assets in Scotland. I believe there is a strong desire to see the principle of devolution extended further, with the transfer of powers from Holyrood to local communities. 

"The Scottish Government intend that communities will benefit once the Crown Estate has been devolved to the Scottish Parliament. We have committed to providing coastal and island communities 100 per cent of the net revenue from marine activities out to 12 nautical miles. 

"I will be looking at opportunities for further devolution of control and management. I recognise the importance of involving those directly affected by management of Crown Estate assets. To add to existing discussions with Island Councils and COSLA, I will convene a stakeholder advisory group to ensure that a range of opinions are brought to the table."