´óÏó´«Ã½

The Crown Estate is a portfolio of property and rights owned by the reigning Monarch but managed as a commercial business for the benefit of the State. The holdings in Scotland include four estates, mineral and salmon fishing rights, about half of the coastal foreshore and almost all of the seabed.

Revenues raised by the Crown Estate are transferred to the UK Government treasury and used for public spending.

Many campaigners think that the Crown Estate’s assets should be managed in Scotland, either by the Scottish Government or  local authorities or communities. Dougie Vipond investigates the arguments.

Euan McIlwraith  and Adam McIntosh continuing their gem hunting mission, this week they are in a muddy hole, at a secret location. They are on the hunt for agates formed when water flowed into gaps and holes in volcanic rock and crystallised over aeons.

In Britain we import two thirds of our apples, despite having a temperate climate that is perfect for apple growing. Many orchards were ripped up in the Seventies when the European Economic Community (EEC) paid incentives for farmers to stop production. But there are places in Scotland where the tradition of apple growing has survived.  In Newburgh in North Fife there are between 500 and 600 apple trees.  Nick Nairn went to the town to find out more.

Later in the programme Nick and Dougie will be preparing tasty Halloween toffee apples with the traditional ’James Grieve’ variety.

With public money in short supply many communities are searching for clever ways to raise some cash for local projects.  Some are turning to renewable schemes to raise money.

Sarah learns more about two schemes that are each expected to deliver millions to community groups.