the forthcoming UK Marine Bill could provide an opportunity for the responsibilities for the seabed and foreshore to be devolved to the Executive. Taking control of the estate and its funds in Scotland, it says, would be a symbolic move that could bring social, economic and environmental benefits.
Its right for Scotland and its right for Wales to take control over the British Crowns Estates holdings in our respective countries.
The marine estate includes more than 55% of the UK’s foreshore, tidal river-beds and almost all of the seabed within the 12 nautical miles limit – including rights to all minerals but excluding hydrocarbons.
With 110,000 hectares of agricultural land and forest, we have one of the largest rural estates in the UK.