A CONSULTATION has been launched on how to run the Crown Estate in Scotland including the Clyde River.

The Scottish Government is gaining control over the management and revenues generated in Scotland for the Crown Estate – commercial property arm of the Royal Family – as part of devolution under the 2016 Scotland Act.

It includes rural estates, Scotland’s seabed, much of the foreshore and other properties and deals with rights such as fishing, shooting, extraction of natural resources and more.

Gil Paterson, the MSP for Clydebank and Milngavie, said: “I am delighted control over the Crown Estate is to rest with the people of Scotland. “Among the possible benefits are empowering communities to make use of the land owned by the monarchy all around Scotland.”

An interim management body – Crown Estate Scotland – is being set up to take on the management of the Crown Estate from April 2017, when the new responsibilities are expected to be devolved.

Questions in the consultation include whether the estate should be managed on a commercial basis or more for community benefits.

Environment secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: “Control over the management and resources of the Crown Estate in Scotland should rest with the people of Scotland and this is a genuine opportunity to change the fabric of Scottish society.

“This consultation is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help shape the future management of the Crown Estate in Scotland.”

Amanda Bryan, shadow chairing member of Crown Estate Scotland, said: “I, along with the staff of the new interim management body will seek to manage the estate responsibly, delivering benefits to our partners, tenants and communities, and ensuring that it remains in good order for the next phase.”