The report suggests that Crown Estate's (CE) function should be devolved, with power brought under the control of the Scottish Executive instead of being administered from London. It’s also suggested this would benefit communities in Scotland, both by making income available for local development and by ensuring that leasing decisions are acceptable to local people. With projected offshore wind and tidal power developments over the next few years, this will become a contentious area.

At present, the CE controls about half of Scotland's foreshore and nearly all the seabed out to a distance of 12 miles. The report states: ‘The UK Marine Bill planned for 2007 could provide an opportunity through UK legislation for the CE's responsibilities for Scotland's seabed and foreshore to be devolved to the Executive, and that the seabed and foreshore could be managed as a national marine estate for the public's benefit, like Scotland's Forestry Commission woodlands.’

Should changes take place, the leisure sailor will be affected, for every mooring, shore installation, and most marinas are on CE leases.

 However, despite many politicians welcoming this idea, many mooring holders in non-CE waters, such as some harbours of Highland Council, currently pay minimum annual charges of between £68 for a 5m craft, up to £90 for a 10m craft (other Highland harbours levy more than 400% more), which compares with the CE charges which range from £35 for one of a group of 10 moorings to £70 for an individual mooring, these prices being irrespective of size.

In addition CE operates a Marine Stewardship fund which invests in boating facilities and initiatives, as well as supporting the RYA/BMF Green Blue environmental programme. Not all one way traffic, then!

Changes could be far reaching, but whether for the benefit of yachting and boating folk remains to be seen.