Request:
“information and related documents detailing CES’s rational for being the dinner sponsor of this event [Burns Night at Kelvingrove], the corresponding financial investment made, the number of CES employees who attending free of charge, and why it was of value to the taxpayer.”
Response:
Enclosed is document “Event support considerations 2023.pdf” that is used by Crown Estate Scotland’s Corporate Affairs team when making event considerations. This document is used to form the basis of discussions with the wider business areas to help reach a decision. The discussions were held in person and no notes were taken; therefore, section 17(1)(b) under FOISA applies.
Given our pivotal role in the offshore wind sector, our sponsorship gives us the opportunity to lead and shape discussions that can impact the future success of the industry and have the unique opportunity to meet and discuss issues, challenges, and opportunities with tenants, developers and others working in the sector all in one place and in person.
The sponsorship was for the 2-day event which also included the evening dinner. The information cannot be separated out, so the costings provided includes the entire event and not just the dinner. More information on the Offshore Wind Conference 2024 can be found here:
https://www.scottishrenewables.com/events/220-offshore-wind-conference-2024/about
Crown Estate Scotland’s sponsorship for the Offshore Wind event was £7,200 + VAT. This package included a table of 10 at the dinner, a place at the top table, a welcome speech at the dinner, 4 passes to the two-day conference, speaking slots, and an exhibition stall.
The table below breaks down the overall expenses for the 2-day event.
| Description of expense | £ (Gross) |
| Sponsorship Package | 8,640.00 |
| Claimed expenses from CES attendees (e.g. parking, travel, food) | 674.02 |
| Accommodation & Travel (booked centrally through the organisation) | 857.00 |
| Additional tickets purchased for the event | 1,585.00 |
| Total: | 11,756.02 |
With the sponsorship package, we received 4 passes and the speakers were able to attend for free (three speakers). Therefore, 7 Crown Estate Scotland employees (including the Chair) attended the 2-day conference and dinner for free. Additional passes were purchased to allow more members of Crown Estate Scotland’s Energy and Infrastructure team attend (total amount of those additional tickets is indicated in the table above).
Below is a breakdown of how the passes were used:
- 11 Crown Estate Scotland employees (including the Chair) attended – not all attendees attended the whole two-day event and dinner.
- Purchased a 2-day interchangeable delegate pass which was used by two employees who only attended for one of the days.
- Purchased two 2-day delegate passes.
- Utilised the 4 free passes, and speaker passes (x3).
You also requested, “why it was of value to the taxpayer”; as provided above, document “Event support considerations 2023.pdf” shows the process and prompting questions when deciding on events and sponsorships. However, the discussion on its value was not documented (17(1)(b) – information not held [FOISA]).
Crown Estate Scotland is a public corporation; therefore, our expenses and operational costs are not coming from taxpayers but are funded by our revenues generated from our assets.
For more information on Crown Estate Scotland’s structure and governance please visit our website and read over our Framework Document and the Scottish Crown Estate Act 2019.
