Crown Estate Scotland has been hailed as a major economic force after new figures show it helped generate more than £2.1 billion in economic value in just one year.
The organisation, which manages Scotland’s Crown Estate assets, was also found to support nearly 17,000 jobs annually across sectors from aquaculture to offshore wind.
A detailed report by Biggar Economics revealed the scale of its impact, with £134.9 million in income from land and seabed leasing in 2023-24 alone.
Most of that income goes straight to the Scottish Government for public spending.
Looking ahead, the report estimates almost £100 billion in potential investment in renewable energy over the next 10 to 15 years, driven by seabed leasing and offshore infrastructure projects.
Offshore wind leasing rounds through ScotWind and INTOG could together inject £96.1 billion into the economy.
That could support over 21,000 jobs every year and deliver more than £15.7 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA).
Scottish firms are also in line to benefit directly, with contracts worth up to £34.8 billion projected from these renewables projects.
Once up and running, ScotWind and INTOG sites could bring in up to £772 million every year just in operations and maintenance.
This would support between 9,500 and 10,600 jobs on a long-term basis.
Finfish farming alone contributed £475 million last year and supported over 5,500 jobs.
Shellfish added another £17.4 million to the pot and sustained 295 jobs.
Onshore activity like agriculture, marinas and forestry played their part too, with farming creating £30 million in value and 464 jobs.
Marinas and moorings added £12.8 million and 445 jobs to the national tally.
Beyond big industry, Crown Estate Scotland is also backing communities.
Its Sustainable Communities Fund has handed out over £1.4 million since 2020 to support everything from affordable housing and EV chargers to skills training and marine restoration.
Chief Executive Ronan O’Hara said the report highlights the Crown Estate’s unique role in unlocking Scotland’s green potential.
He described the findings as a call to action for greater collaboration across public and private sectors.
He believes the right partnerships can turn Scotland into a global leader in green energy and low-carbon innovation.
Farming, aquaculture, CCS, and renewables were all named as fast-growing areas where Scotland can lead.
He also stressed the importance of community support, saying people across the country are already achieving their goals thanks to Crown Estate funding.
Cabinet Secretary Mairi Gougeon welcomed the findings, calling the organisation a key partner in delivering a fairer, greener economy.
She praised its role in meeting ministerial priorities and helping Scotland rise to the challenge of climate change.
With billions in investment on the horizon and thousands of jobs on the line, the Crown Estate’s role is only set to grow.
