Representing the interests and freedoms of the Scottish boating community

As the governing body for sailing and boating in Scotland, RYA Scotland adopts a key representation role in order to promote and protect safe, successful and rewarding boating in Scotland.

In recent times, our representation role has seen us work on matters including the Oban Harbour Revision order, the Scottish Visitor Levy, a proposed conservancy fee at Clydeport, as well as the recent purchase of Sanda Island off the Mull of Kintyre.

In each of these instances, we rely on the input of dedicated volunteers, from our RYA Scotland Planning & Environment Officer, to members of our Cruising & General Purposes Committee, and network of dedicated coastwatchers.

We also recognise the importance of collaboration, and have worked closely with other organisations within the sector, including British Marine Scotland, Sail Scotland, and Sailing Cruising Scotland amongst others.

Additionally, we play a key role Cross Party Group for Recreational Boating & Marine Tourism, alongside other representative bodies and Stuart McMillan MSP.

Our voice within the Cross Party Group has been central to recent calls for Peel Ports to withdraw plans to impose a Conservancy Fee on leisure boaters within the Clydeport area. As efforts continue in this space, RYA Scotland CEO Finlo Cottier has written to the Cabinet Secretary for Transport challenging the government position on the matter and also to the Port Director Clydeport reiterating our concerns about the proposed fee.

Remaining on the West Coast, the purchase of Sanda Island off the Mull of Kintyre by fish farmers Mowi is also firmly on the radar.

We understand the purchase offers an opportunity to improve facilities for cruising sailors, and are working with Mowi in a representation capacity to maximise these benefits, while listening and voicing perspectives from the Scottish boating community.

Mowi have indicated that anchorages will be preserved and that a fish farm will not become a hazard to navigation. Additionally, the laying of high specification moorings for visitors has been proposed.

As plans for the island progress, we remain committed to listening to the community, in mind of our purpose to promote and protect safe, successful and rewarding boating in Scotland.

This commitment also underpinned our objection to the Oban Harbour Revision Order, which was submitted last January. Since then, we have continued to engage with consultations and responses to the Harbour Order put forward by Argyll and Bute Council to manage Oban harbour and adjacent waters.

We have been active at all stages of this work and in communication with a number of the key stakeholders within the harbour. Whilst the matter is currently with Transport Scotland we have been present at recent meetings between stakeholder representatives and the elected MSP for Argyll and Bute.

RYA Scotland serves as a representative body across various settings, working (as a trusted voice) with a range of organisations to influence outcomes and mitigate any negative impacts on the boating community. As part of this role, we engage in discussions and consult with various commercial organisations when necessary. This engagement does not however act as an endorsement, but rather a means to advocate for the interests of the recreational boating community.

If you have thoughts you’d like to share on any of the above matters, please do get in touch with communications@ryascotland.org.uk