The Scotland Bill

Written evidence submitted by Councillor Donald Macdonald

I wish to voice my support for the Scottish seabed to be placed under the direct control of the Scottish Government rather than the unelected Crown Commissioners. The continued development of renewable energy and oil and gas exploration is going to place considerable strain on our natural resources which include our seascape and our fisheries. The implications for our various communities along our coasts are considerable and it is essential that such development should be placed fully under democratic control. Any benefits which arise through such development require to be shared by impacted individual communities and the wider Scottish public.

The proposal to remove Scotland from the strictures of the Crown Estate Act 1961 seems the simplest procedure to adopt in these circumstances and should be explored for a speedy enactment.

January 2011