ENVIRONMENT secretary Roseanna Cunningham has met with NFU Scotland’s Crown Estate tenants working group this week to discuss its aspirations for the estate's devolution.

Union president Andrew McCornick had previously met with rural economy cabinet secretary Fergus Ewing in relation to the Crown Estate, but it's devolution is, strictly speaking, part of of Ms Cunningham's ministerial portfolio.

Mr McCornick commented: “NFU Scotland’s Crown Estates Working Group has always been clear that it wishes to see the rural Crown Estate retained as a single entity so the farms can continue to thrive and this was one point that was stressed strongly to the Cabinet Secretary.

“There are strong aspirations for the tenants to have a stronger voice in the new-look Crown Estate. NFUS has always been clear that there is a strong will from the Crown Estate tenants for active involvement to sit within the new management structures of the estate.

“I fully support this approach, and believe this format would give the tenants an ability to understand how decisions relating to the rural estate are reached, and improved access to engage with management over issues which are important to them and directly affect them," he said, before thanking Ms Cunningham for meeting with the tenant representatives and himself.

"I hope we can continue to work together to ensure that the agricultural interests of the tenants remain at the forefront of discussions,” he added.