Scotland issues its first ever Marine Plan

Marine Plan has been published today by the Scottish government, and it sets out a single statutory planning framework for all marine activity in Scottish waters.

Marine Plan includes sectoral plans for tidal and wave energy in Scottish waters.

Within the Scottish marine area, a number of planned development sites for wave and tidal energy has been identified including:

– The Pentland Firth Strategic Area Wave and Tidal Energy sites with agreement for lease,

– ‘The Saltire Prize’ sites with agreement for lease.

Under Spatial Planning policy in the Marine Plan it is stated that sites with agreements for lease for wave and tidal energy development in the Pentland Firth Strategic Area must be taken into account by marine planners and decision makers if alternative use of these areas, or use which would affect access to these areas, is being considered.

Proposals are subject to licensing and consenting processes.

Regional Locational Guidance and the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters Marine Spatial Plans should also be taken into account when reaching decisions.

The framework covers all of Scotland’s seas out to 200 nautical miles (approximately 370 km) and applies to existing and emerging activities as well as devolved and reserved functions.

Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said: “I am delighted to have adopted Scotland’s first ever National Marine Plan following a consultation process, it is an important step towards achieving sustainable management of our important marine resources.”

Lindsay Leask, Senior Policy Manager at Scottish Renewables, commented: “Scottish Renewables supports the development of the National Marine Plan and the plans for offshore wind, wave and tidal energy and welcomes the Plan’s commitment to building a globally competitive Scottish offshore wind and marine renewables industry.”

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Source/Image: Scotland’s National Marine Plan