Scottish history

History of The Crown Estate in Scotland

The history of 'Crown lands' in Scotland stretches back hundreds of years but it was the accession of James VI of Scotland to the throne of England and Ireland in 1603, which ultimately joined their management with that of the other countries in the United Kingdom. (In 1832 administration for Scottish Crown lands transferred to London).

In the last century the purchase of four estates: Applegirth (approximately 7,000 ha), Whitehill (1,400 ha), Glenlivet (23,000 ha) and Fochabers (4,700 ha), greatly increased holdings. Crown holdings also include the seabed, and the growth of the renewable energy sector has led to increasing interest in this part of the estate.

The Crown Estate Acts of 1956 and 1961 created the Board structure which is maintained today. Scotland is represented on the Board by a Scottish Commissioner, currently Gareth Baird. The Board has a duty to maintain and enhance the value of the estate and the return obtained from it, with due regard to the requirements of good management. 

For further information on our Scottish holdings, please visit our What we do page.