Crown Estate Scotland commits £7 million to support SAIC’s next chapter

Crown Estate Scotland (CES) has today (25 March 2026) announced a new £7 million funding agreement to support the work of SAIC over the next five years.

Under the agreement, CES will provide £1.4 million annually to enable SAIC to continue its core operations and provide funding for collaborative R&D projects. The new arrangement has been developed in partnership with the Marine Directorate. 

This long‑term commitment will support SAIC as it transitions to become a fully independent organisation.

The new funding agreement takes effect from 1 April 2026, when SAIC officially begins operating as an independent organisation. Until 31 March 2026, SAIC will continue to be hosted by the University of Stirling. 

Further updates about SAIC’s new structure and future plans will be shared on 1 April 2026. 

Read the full release from Crown Estate Scotland.