Press Release

THE CROWN ESTATE GIVES EVIDENCE TO THE RURAL AFFAIRS AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE

30 October 2007

The Scottish Parliament’s Rural Affairs and Environment Committee has taken evidence from senior officials from The Crown Estate about their work in Scotland, following calls for a review of the organisation.

Ian Grant, Chairman of The Crown Estate, said: “Since devolution in 1999 The Crown Estate in Scotland has worked as closely as possible in conjunction with policy set by the Scottish parliament and by Scottish ministers. For example, on our rural estates we were the first to introduce the innovative rural tenancies brought in by parliament in 2006, we have also delivered substantial investments in ports and harbours, marine renewables and other areas and have worked with local communities around Scotland on projects that have long lasting benefits for everyone.

“We welcome the interest in our work that has been shown by the Rural Affairs and Environment Committee, and are grateful to its members for the opportunity to attend today and discuss further ways to extend this joint working.”

The Crown Estate’s panel for the committee meeting was:

• Ian Grant, Chairman and Scottish Commissioner
• Rob Hastings, Director of the Marine Estate
• Alan Laidlaw, Head of the Scotland Office