We shall fight them for the beaches - and the seabed - declares Salmond

Alex Salmond has demanded control of Scotland's waters be handed over to Holyrood to help kick-start a marine renewables revolution.

Scotland's seabed and much of the foreshore is owned by the Crown Estate and managed by its commissioners. It also owns various other properties and rights across Scotland, including part of Edinburgh's Princes Street Gardens. Control over this is among six areas the Scottish Government wants devolved to Edinburgh via the Scotland Bill.

Mr Salmond branded the current arrangements "archaic", and criticised the control that Crown Estate Commissioners (CEC) have in granting leases for offshore projects. "The CEC even have the power to sell Scottish assets, including the seabed and important historic sites - all without the need to even consult the Scottish Government," he said.

"This position is simply unacceptable and completely incompatible with the principles of devolution."

Mr Salmond outlined the plan at the National Economic Forum in Edinburgh and said the sums were relatively modest. "We're talking about an operating surplus of perhaps 9 million a year. It's not, in public finance terms, a huge amount of money," he said.

"In terms of managing the marine and coastal assets of the country in an efficient and democratic manner, it is hugely important. I hope and believe these proposals will be favourably received."

A spokesman for the Crown Estate said its "legal and constitutional position" was a matter for the UK government.

The surplus on Crown Estate revenues in Scotland go to the UK Treasury, but Mr Salmond wants this re-invested in the offshore renewables sector, as well as community benefits around Scotland's shores.