Crown Estate devolution of powers sparks Tomintoul meeting

DEVOLUTION OF POWERS to the Scottish Government over the management of Crown Estate assets has prompted a public meeting in Tomintoul next week.

Richard Lochhead MSP has called the meeting aimed at encouraging people directly affected by the changes to exchange their views ahead of the Scottish Government consultation on the issue closing on March 29.

Assistance from Kirkmichael and Tomintoul Community Association has made the event possible – it will take play on Monday, March 20 at 7pm in the Richmond Hall.

Mr Lochhead said: “There’s huge potential for opportunities from the devolution of the estates both economically and socially.

“With the Glenlivet Estate and the Fochabers Estate, and local communities like Tomintoul with a close relationship with Crown Estate Scotland as well as our substantial coastline, Moray has a major stake in the organisation’s future and it is vital that people in our communities respond to the consultation on its management.

“Following discussions with constituents in Glenlivet and Tomintoul it was clear that there is real interest and strong views in the community on the future and management of the Crown Estate’s assets, including amongst local tenant farmers.

“I’m looking forward to meeting folk next week to hear their views and to discuss how they can feed those views into the Scottish Government’s consultation. I would encourage anyone with an interest in this issue to come along on Monday.”

The Chairman of the Kirkmichael and Tomintoul Community Association added: “There are number of concerns within the community around governance of the Crown Estate going forward, some of which are focused around fishing and shooting which are very important to the local economy.

“This meeting will be a good opportunity for any concerns or ideas to be shared with our MSP and for people to find out more about how they can make their views heard.”