New ‘Giant Opportunities’ framework launched to drive Scotland’s marine tourism sector forward

RYA Scotland welcomes the recent launch of British Marine Scotland’s new strategic framework aimed at accelerating the growth of Scotland’s marine tourism sector. ‘Giant Opportunities’ (2026 - 2030) outlines plans to boost the sector’s economic value by £100 million over the next five years.

Developed by British Marine Scotland and funded by Crown Estate Scotland, the framework follows earlier strategies Awakening the Giant (2015) and Giant Strides (2020–2025), which have helped attract significant investment and drive growth across Scotland’s coasts and islands. Major infrastructure projects - including new pontoons, watersports hubs in Stranraer and Kintyre, plus marina developments - represent around £50 million of sector investment expected to come to fruition in the coming years.

Scotland’s marine and coastal tourism already supports 34,500 jobs and generated £699 million gross value added in 2023. Looking ahead, the new plan sets out four priority areas for collective action: sector growth and visibility, skills development, community partnership, and sustainability.

British Marine Scotland Chair Sarah Kennedy emphasised the need for collaboration across industry and government, noting the sector’s potential to support sustainable employment and protect Scotland’s natural environment:

“We know there are great opportunities ahead for Scotland’s marine tourism sector, as well as critical challenges that must be addressed. This framework highlights both and sets out focussed and collaborative effort is most needed.

“By working together, across industry and with government, we can unleash the full potential of Scotland’s marine tourism offer and in turn generate sustainable employment that will strengthen our communities and protect our outstanding natural environment.

“British Marine Scotland stands ready to help facilitate this work in the months and years ahead, and we urge government and all our partners to get behind this shared vision.”

Crown Estate Scotland will continue to back development through its Community Capacity Grants, distributing £350,000 to projects this year, including marine skills initiatives.

Aligned with Scotland’s national tourism and blue economy strategies, Giant Opportunities sets out a vision for Scotland to become a world leader in sustainable marine tourism by 2030.

The full strategy is available online here.