Coastal communities across Scotland will receive £9.7 million of revenue generated by the Scottish Crown Estate’s marine assets, providing vital support for responding to the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19).

The funding, which comes from the second year of devolved management of Crown Estate assets is up by more than £2m on last year and is more than double the funding available under the old Coastal Communities Fund.

It will be allocated to the 26 local authority areas which have coastlines including Inverclyde, with funding based on their share of the adjacent sea area.

The scope of the fund has been broadened this year in response to COVID-19, with local authorities now able to directly support businesses, including third sector organisations, affected by the pandemic.

Crown Estate Scotland manages assets that stretch the length and breadth of Scotland, including agricultural and forestry land, most of the seabed, just under half of the foreshore and some commercial property.

In 2019, £7.2 million net revenue generated from the Scottish Crown Estate marine assets in the 0-12 nautical mile zone was paid to the 26 coastal local authorities. This is substantially greater than was anticipated prior to devolution. 

The allocation of £9.7 million being made in 2020/21 for coastal community benefit in Scotland is available on the Scottish Government website.

The distribution method for future years will be kept under review as part of ongoing discussions with COSLA.

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