Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, has told Jamie McGrigor, Highlands & Islands Conservative MSP, that he acknowledges the concerns of marine tourism businesses in the Highlands & Islands about plans to change how the Crown Estate operates in Scotland.
Under the Smith Commission plans, Crown Estate responsibilities and revenues will be passed to Scottish Ministers with further devolution to local councils expected.
Some marine tourism businesses are expressing concern and alarm that the transfer of the Crown Estate’s charging powers to local authorities will lead to a hike in the level of these charges for boat moorings and such like, impacting on the viability of their businesses.
Jamie McGrigor raised their concerns with the Scottish Government and in response Richard Lochhead says that consultation will take place involving communities and stakeholders. He also says that it is important that the new Crown Estate arrangements ‘retain key staff expertise and do not affect investor confidence.’
Jamie McGrigor, in response to the Cabinet Secretary’s letter to him [attached below], says: ‘I am prepared to give a cautious welcome to Mr Lochhead’s response but know that my marine business constituents will want to see a very full consultation where their concerns are fully addressed before new systems are put in place.
‘People involved in the fishing industry have also raised their concerns with me about the changes and I want their views to be considered too.
‘I welcome the Cabinet Secretary’s recognition that the Crown Estate does have very significant staff expertise. Many constituents have expressed the view to me that the Crown Estate has managed local harbours and mooring areas in an efficient and successful way, involving local groups in decision-making, and has developed a knowledgeable team whose invaluable experience we do not want to lose.
‘The Scottish Government must ensure that it avoids increasing costs on marine businesses- which might lead to a situation where the number of boats moored in our harbours falls – as this could have a very negative effect on our coastal communities.’
Note: Here is the Cabinet Secretary’s letter to Jamie McGrigor: CROWNESTATE
