Crown Estate Scotland manages land and property owned by the Crown. They ensure that the assets are developed and enjoyed sustainably to deliver long-term value for communities and for Scotland as a whole. It is a collection of ancient rights, functions and assets owned by the Monarch in right of the Crown. Scottish Crown Estate assets were previously managed by The Crown Estate at UK level. The Scotland Act 2016   devolved powers over the revenue management of Scottish assets. 

The Scottish Crown Estate Act 2019  states who can manage Crown Estate assets and their responsibilities including for planning, reporting and accounting. It sets the framework for the long-term management of the Crown Estate in Scotland. Marine Scotland have a key role in reforming the Scottish Crown Estate and oversee the sponsorship of Crown Estate Scotland to ensure Scottish Ministers objectives, priorities and policies are met.

The Scottish Crown Estate includes leasing of the seabed out to 12 nautical miles, 37,000 hectares of rural land; rights to most naturally-occurring gold and silver; and approximately half of Scotland’s foreshore including 5,800 licensed moorings; 750 aquaculture sites; and salmon fishing rights.

By regulating access to seabed and foreshore, Crown Estate Scotland influences where and how marine development occurs. It's decisions must  consider relevant environmental safeguards before rights are granted. Its regard for sustainable use of seabed assets (e.g., for renewable energy and aquaculture) helps support coastal jobs, diversify local economies, and contribute to net zero transition and biodiversity protection.