Crown Estate Scotland has committed to launch a new scheme that will enable local authorities, development trusts and other bodies to apply to manage assets in their local area.
The business, which manages land and property including seabed, foreshore, rural estates and more, Crown Estate Scotland, has appointed Sarah Brown to develop new ways of giving local communities more control over decisions regarding the Estate’s assets.
The aim is to trial different models and assess which ones work best in delivering financial, social and environmental benefits.
Brown will lead on establishing a set of criteria so that organizations can apply to manage assets locally and will also ensure there is a robust process in place to gauge the success of projects that go ahead, Crown Estate Scotland said.
A key part of Brown’s role will be consulting with coastal and rural community representatives and other organizations and individuals who may be impacted.
Ronnie Quinn , Chief Executive of Crown Estate Scotland, said: “We’ve made a clear commitment to enable local authorities, development trusts and other community bodies to pilot local management of rural, coastal and seabed assets.
“This is likely to involve different models of local management taking place over the next few years. It’s an exciting way to explore and test how communities can have more say over how Crown land and property is managed – and even before specific projects are given the go ahead, we will make sure that those impacted have a chance to share their views.
“Sarah’s many years’ experience in the marine sector and working closely with coastal and rural communities makes her an ideal choice for leading this work.”
Crown Estate Scotland manages assets on behalf of Scottish Ministers, including agricultural and forestry land, most of the seabed, just under half of the foreshore and some commercial property.
It works with communities, tenants and partners with the aim of innovating with land and property to create prosperity for Scotland and its communities. All revenue profit is returned to the Scottish government.