Innovative plans from the SNP will ensure communities across Scotland benefit directly from Scotland's renewables revolution.

SNP Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead today launched a government consultation to look at how we can secure environmental and financial benefit for Scotland and use renewable energy to build a sustainable future for Scotland.

The consultation will seek a wide range of views and ideas on how to achieve this, including:

* Making the Crown Estate more accountable to the Scottish people and ensuring revenue received from offshore energy projects  directly benefit Scotland;

* Setting up a Future Generations Fund to give all of Scotland a stake in the development of renewable energy;

* Improving transparency by creating a publicly-available register of community benefit for all renewable developments;

* Enhancing community benefit for on and offshore renewable developments and maximising this for all green energy projects on public sector land.

Richard Lochhead said:

"Like the coal, hydro power and oil booms before it, Scotland is experiencing a new energy revolution. Low-carbon production through on

and offshore wind, wave and tidal energy, as well as plans for carbon capture and storage, are already generating revenue and offering huge

potential. We must not let this opportunity pass Scotland by and it is imperative we maximise the benefits.

"Key to achieving this is reforming the administration of the Crown Estate in Scotland. Crown Estate Commissioners manages the sea bed to 12 miles and have a significant stake in offshore developments; however, the body remains unaccountable to the Scottish people and passes surplus revenues to the UK Treasury.

"It is only right that a country with plentiful natural resources such as Scotland seeks to ensure that its people benefit through a

sustainable and lasting legacy. This has not previously been the case.

While other countries - such as Norway - have used the bounty from North Sea oil to invest in the future care of its people, Scottish communities did not reap the rewards.

"Therefore, getting this right now is crucial and at the heart of the matter must be our nation, and our local communities, empowered to take a stake in Scotland's low carbon future and receiving long-term, tangible returns.

"Scotland can lead the way in sustainable energy production for the post-carbon world, building on our status as Europe's key oil and gas

hub and leading location for green energy developments. We have the opportunity to be a net exporter of electricity from renewable sources alone.

"The economic activity generated will create green jobs and help safeguard our future prosperity. Of course, if Scotland had control of its own resources with the same economic and financial levers as other countries, we would not be facing the biggest public spending cuts in over a generation, imposed on us by the UK Government.

"That's why the Scottish Government is seeking views on how we can take advantage of the renewable energy revolution for the benefit of all Scots. We cannot and will not stand by and allow the benefits of our natural assets to bypass the Scottish people or flow out of Scotland altogether."