26 August 2026
Scottish Club Chat | Summer 2026
What a summer it's been for boating across Scotland!
Over the past few months we've seen clubs, classes, centres and volunteers delivering an incredible range of activity as part of RYA Scotland's Summer of Sailing - Community Youth Activation Fund - made possible thanks to funding from sportscotland's Summer of Sport. Find out more about what opportunities we've been able to support online now, from West Highland Yachting Week, to youth sessions at Peterhead Sailing Club.
We've also been pleased to support activity through our Event Support Model, helping a range of affiliated organisations deliver safe, enjoyable and successful events. Among the many events supported this summer were Solway Yacht Club's Cadet Week, providing young sailors with valuable opportunities to develop their skills and confidence on the water, as well as Oban Sailing Club's 'Oban on the Water' day during the Clipper Race stopover, showcasing the exciting future of performance and pathway sailing in Scotland. Alongside these and many other events, it's been inspiring to see volunteers making opportunities happen week in, week out across the country. Already looking ahead to next summer? Consider whether RYA Scotland could support your event by exploring our Event Support webpage.
As so, as we begin to look beyond the summer season, we're turning our attention to one of the most important opportunities for clubs and affiliates to come together this year: our upcoming RYA Scotland Connected Conference. Taking place at Stirling Court Hotel on 1 November, the conference provides a valuable opportunity for clubs, classes, training centres and other affiliated organisations to connect with one another, share experiences, hear about current developments within the boating sector and help shape future priorities. Just as importantly, it gives clubs a direct voice in conversations that affect boating in Scotland.
We would strongly encourage every affiliated organisation to be represented. Whether you're a commodore, development lead, volunteer, instructor, committee member or administrator, your perspective matters. The strength of our network depends on the breadth of voices around the table, and the conference is one of the best opportunities to learn from others facing similar challenges and opportunities. Don't wait, book a free spot
Recognising the importance of bringing voices together, we also appreciate the need for affiliates to work together across their own geographies, to share experiences, challenges and open the door to new opportunities. Over the past year, we've assisted with the bringing together of a Moray Firth Collective, creating a space for collaboration, shared learning and regional ambition.
Of particular relevance to those along the Moray Firth, we are eager to highlight the ongoing request for opinion in relation to Moray FLOW-Park proposals. The Marine Directorate is looking for opinion on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Scoping and Habitats Regulations Appraisal (HRA) Screening.
RYA Scotland is submitting a response as a trusted representative voice of the Scottish boating community, however we would also encourage relevant affiliates to review the consultation and consider providing their own input to the consultation where appropriate.
This request for opinion is to identify what should be considered in the full EIA, not to comment on the wider Moray FLOW-Park proposal itself at this stage. Feedback should focus on what should be included or excluded from the EIA scope. For the HRA screening, responses should state whether you agree with the European sites identified.
Responses should be sent to MD.MarineRenewables@gov.scot and must be submitted by September 17.
Looking ahead, we're continuing to collect and promote stories from across the network. If your club has delivered a successful event, launched a new initiative, welcomed new members or celebrated volunteer achievements this season, we'd love to hear about it. Sharing these stories helps celebrate success, inspire others and demonstrate the collective impact of Scotland's boating community.
For now, enjoy the remainder of the season, and we look forward to seeing clubs from across Scotland represented at our Connected Conference later this year.
RYA Scotland Development Team