Initial Easing of Restrictions in Scotland Announced.

Following the First Minister's speech today we can start to resume leisure activities as part of phase 1.

28 May 20

Speaking after listening to the announcement, James Allan CEO said;

“Today’s announcement is good news and I am pleased to be able to confirm that the extension to exercise specifically includes sailing and motor boating and cements the opportunity to begin to return to the water from tomorrow."

"We have been working hard with other Governing Bodies, colleagues across the RYA and both sportscotland and the Scottish Government to present the health and well being benefits of the family of boating activities and to develop guidance to the boating community in Scotland that ensures our return boating activity is safe and responsible. Our guidance recognises the importance of the new exercise guidelines and that Phase 1 is an important first step in what will be a process that takes time."

"We do accept that the opportunity to get back afloat will not be available to everyone in Phase 1 but for some this is a most welcome return to the water and our passion for all things boats."

"The boating community now has a responsibility to be considerate and conservative when we go afloat. We have the opportunity to go boating from tomorrow as part of daily exercise activities but there are still important restrictions that apply in line with the latest public health guidance that we must stick to. The Scottish Government have been clear, this is still a public health crisis and we are looking at an extension to exercise options, not a carte blanche return to boating."

"We will continue to work with both sportscotland and the Scottish Government and our partners in the marine and tourism industries to ensure boating in Scotland becomes more accessible within the coming Phases of the Scottish Governments Routemap. The lessons we have learned from the experiences of our RYA colleagues in the other home countries across the UK has been a great benefit to our preparations in Scotland and will enable us to be well prepared for the further Phases of Scotland’s Routemap.”

RYA Scotland guidance on boating activity in Phase 1 will be sent directly to Affiliated Clubs and Recognised Training Centres and will be available online from Friday morning.