What we do

RYA Scotland represent you by responding to government consultations and marine licence applications, and by taking part in liaison groups with the statutory agencies, the Marine Directorate and with the Scottish Parliament. RYA Scotland responds to marine licence applications and HROs relating to Scotland only.

We are a non-statutory consultee of the Marine Directorate which means that we are asked to comment on all marine licence applications. We also respond to harbour revision orders and any directions issued by statutory harbour authorities.

RYA Scotland’s Cruising and General Purposes Committee is charged with overseeing these tasks with most of the work being carried out by volunteers who operate to professional standards providing objective evidence in our responses. Additionally, RYA Scotland has a network of Coastwatchers who each look after a section of coast. They are attached to the Cruising and General Purposes Committee and work with the Planning and Environment Officer. RYA Scotland's representation work also spans canals, lochs and other inland waterways.

Marine and Terrestrial Planning

Scotland has had a marine plan since 2015 which covers all the waters out to 200 nautical miles. This is currently being updated and after consultation will become National Marine Plan 2.

RYA Scotland has been working with other members of the recreation and marine tourism sector in responding to initial consultations on this. There is a government commitment to regional marine planning.

As of early 2026, the Orkney and Shetland plans have been adopted with the Clyde plan going out to consultation in summer 2026. Work has not started on any of the other regional plans.

Terrestrial planning is governed by National Planning Framework 4. The marine and terrestrial plans overlap in the intertidal zone.

What you can do

If you have concerns about any particular developments in your area, please contact the office at admin@ryascotland.org.uk. RYA affiliate organisations can also get in touch with their regional development officer.

Although we are informed about marine developments, this is not the case with land-based planning applications and Local and Strategic Development Plans, and we rely on members telling us about any contentious issues so we can provide an appropriate response. Clubs and indeed individual members are encouraged to respond themselves where appropriate, ideally copying RYA Scotland into the response.

Increasingly there are pre-application consultations for projects. These provide an important opportunity to flag up issues of concern and you are strongly encouraged to take part in any such local consultations.