Annabelle Ewing’s Views on Scotland’s Crown Estate and Local Revenue

For Annabelle Ewing, the Scottish Crown Estate is more than a collection of coastal assets. It includes the seabed, foreshore, rural land, mineral rights and opportunities linked to offshore energy, aquaculture, ports and tourism. These assets should create lasting value for Scotland’s communities rather than operate as a distant source of income.

Her position fits within a wider Scottish National Party argument for greater economic control and, ultimately, independence. Decisions about public land and marine resources should be made in Scotland, with revenue supporting local prosperity, well-paid employment and a fairer transition to renewable energy.

Keeping Public Assets in Scottish Hands

The Crown Estate was devolved to Scotland in 2017, creating Crown Estate Scotland as a public body with responsibility for managing these resources. Its net revenue is passed to the Scottish Government, which means the income can contribute to national priorities such as public services, infrastructure and economic development.

Ewing’s approach places emphasis on public accountability. Decisions about leasing the seabed for offshore wind, supporting aquaculture or managing rural property should reflect Scottish needs. Communities in Perthshire, Fife and the wider east of Scotland should have a meaningful voice when commercial activity affects their environment, transport links and local economy.

Turning Marine Wealth into Local Opportunity

Scotland’s coastline offers major potential in offshore wind, tidal energy, fisheries, tourism and marine innovation. The question is how that potential is managed and who benefits from it. For Ewing, local revenue should be part of the answer, with investment reaching the towns and villages connected to these industries.

That could mean stronger local supply chains, apprenticeships, port upgrades and support for small businesses. A renewable energy project should involve Scottish contractors where possible, while lease income and related economic activity should help communities cope with rising costs and changing employment patterns.

National Income and Community Benefit

A clear distinction matters: Crown Estate Scotland’s income is currently returned through Scotland’s national budget rather than paid directly into every local council account. Ewing’s case for stronger local benefit therefore concerns how public money is allocated and how future constitutional arrangements could give communities more control over the wealth generated in their areas.

Area	Possible public benefit	Local relevance
Offshore wind leases	Investment in energy, skills and infrastructure	Ports, contractors and coastal communities
Aquaculture and fisheries	Stable employment and responsible marine management	Island and rural economies
Rural estates	Affordable access, tourism and land-based enterprise	Villages, farmers and outdoor businesses
Foreshore and tourism	Better facilities and environmental protection	Visitors, residents and small firms

This debate has familiar parallels for Australians. In Perth, Brisbane and Melbourne, people expect public assets and planning decisions to support everyday life, from reliable transport to affordable energy. Weekend markets and local shops also show how much regional economies depend on money circulating close to home rather than leaving an area immediately.

A Fairer Model for Energy Development

Offshore renewable energy can reduce dependence on imported fuels and support Scotland’s climate goals, but development must be properly planned. Ewing’s perspective links energy policy with fairness: communities should see practical returns, and environmental safeguards should be enforced before projects proceed.

The Australian experience offers useful points of comparison. Offshore projects are shaped by federal and state legislation, including the Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Act 2021, while native title obligations and environmental assessment also influence development. Scotland likewise needs transparent rules that balance climate action, marine ecosystems, fishing activity and community consent.

Supporting Councils and Regional Economies

Local authorities often face pressure to maintain roads, housing, public transport and community facilities while their budgets remain tight. A stronger connection between public asset income and regional investment could help councils plan beyond short-term grants. Ewing’s argument is that local government should have a stronger role in deciding how economic gains are used.

This matters in areas such as Ochil and South Perthshire, where rural communities, historic towns, farms and growing commuter settlements sit alongside important transport and energy links. Revenue should support the conditions that allow people to live and work locally, including digital access, skills training, affordable housing and resilient high streets.

Building Democratic Control Over Scotland’s Wealth

The Crown Estate debate is ultimately about ownership, accountability and economic direction. Annabelle Ewing’s position supports Scottish control over Scottish resources, with public income directed towards social needs and sustainable growth rather than treated as an abstract balance-sheet return.

That message will resonate with people who want decisions made closer to the communities affected by them. It also strengthens the wider case for independence, under which Scotland could determine its own approach to land, seabed leasing, energy investment and regional finance.

Support Annabelle Ewing’s campaign for a stronger Scottish voice at Westminster and a fairer share of Scotland’s resources. Follow the campaign, share its local priorities and help build an economy where public assets deliver lasting benefits for communities across Ochil, South Perthshire and Scotland.