Coastal communities in North Ayrshire will benefit from £88,162 of revenue generated from the Scottish Crown Estate’s marine assets in its first year of devolved management.
The allocation is a share of over £7.5 million being allocated across Scotland, consisting of £7,196,492 in revenues and £303,508 through the Coastal Communities Fund (CCF).
As previously agreed with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, the new arrangement means that 26 local authorities will receive an allocation based on each council’s share of the adjacent sea area.
Announcing the allocation, Land Reform Secretary Roseanna Cunningham MSP said:
“I believe strongly in maximising the benefits of the Scottish Crown Estate and the allocation of £7.5 million to coastal communities the length and breadth of Scotland is the latest step in achieving this.
“The new funding arrangement will see coastal communities receive 100% of revenue generated from the Estate’s marine assets out to 12 nautical miles around Scotland, enabling them to better fund and support local projects and initiatives.
“This SNP Government is delivering on our commitment to bring financial benefits to communities from the Scottish Crown Estate marine assets and enabling more decisions to be taken at the local level. I look forward to seeing how councils use this exciting opportunity to benefit to their coastal communities.”
Kenneth Gibson MSP added:
“I am pleased that North Ayrshire is receiving £88,162 for our coastal communities. This must be dispersed appropriately, with communities in Cunninghame North from Skelmorlie to Saltcoats, Arran and Cumbrae receiving their fair share.
“The allocation of £7.5 million being made in 2019/20 for coastal community benefit in Scotland is higher than the funding previously available under the old CCF, which was only £4.2 million for the period from 2017 to present.
“Once again, we see how taking charge of our own affairs is bringing more prosperity to communities across Scotland.”
ENDS