What discussions it has had with the (a) Treasury, (b) Crown Estate and (c) BIG fund regarding the coastal communities fund announced by th…

On 22 June 2011, the Scottish Government published its case for full devolution of powers and responsibilities of the Crown Estate in Scotland. We propose an approach based on returning 100% of the revenues for the direct benefit of Scotland and its local communities, as opposed to 50% as planned by the less ambitious Coastal Communities Fund.
In response to the announcement of the Coastal Communities Fund, my colleague the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth wrote to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 10 August seeking further discussions about delivery arrangements and powers. Mr Swinney also spoke to the Director of Big Lottery Fund Scotland about the UK Government’s proposals to distribute funds through the BIG Fund. There will be further discussions about funding criteria and bids once details of the fund are provided by UK Treasury. Scottish Government officials discussed the Coastal Communities Fund with Crown Estate Commissioners on 13 July at which time they advised although linked to Crown Estate revenues they have no involvement.