Local authorities and Scottish communities are to be given more powers to directly manage Scottish Crown Estate assets.

The Scottish Parliament has approved in principle the Scottish Crown Estate Bill, which will establish a framework for changes in the management of these assets to deliver wider benefits and new opportunities for local control.

These assets, with with a total capital value of £275 million, include the seabed, just under half of Scotland's foreshore, 37,000 hectares of rural land and commercial property.

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Land Reform Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: "At the heart of this bill is the desire to maximise the benefits of the Scottish Crown Estate for our communities and the country as a whole. It will open up the possibility for local authorities and communities to take control of the management of those assets which was a key recommendation from The Smith Commission.

"Recognising the diversity of the Scottish Crown Estate, any changes in management should be done on a case-by-case basis, to ensure assets are well maintained and effectively managed, with high standards of transparency and accountability.

"This bill represents a significant step in empowering Scotland's communities and I am pleased that the Parliament has today decided to back, in principle, these reforms."

(LM)