Meeting of the Parliament 16 June 2015
The Scottish Conservatives recognise the importance of marine tourism to the Scottish economy, and I am particularly aware of its economic significance in my region—the Highlands and Islands. The Highlands and Islands have some of the best environments for marine tourism in Europe, if not the world, from the famous Crinan and Caledonian canals to the tropical-esque blue waters of the Western Isles, our wonderful marine wildlife and our wind resource, which can be perfect for windsurfing in places such as Tiree and Kintyre.
The boating sector in Scotland is vibrant and diverse and generates around £100 million a year, but we need to expand that capacity. The Scottish Government’s marine tourism strategy correctly identifies the need to improve harbour and marina infrastructure and to increase the provision of pontoons and jetties around Scotland’s coast.
The need for new pontoons and a transit marina for visiting boats in Oban—already well known as the gateway to the isles—has been a big issue in the town for years and has been championed by Oban Bay Marine, to which I pay tribute, and by many local businesses. However, they are incredibly frustrated—I share that frustration—that all the hard work that they have undertaken has not yet led to the project moving ahead. They want Argyll and Bute Council to take a more constructive, proactive and urgent approach.
It has been eight years since the council adopted a transit marina as part of the proposed redevelopment of a number of towns in Argyll. A town centre transit marina would be a big boost to the local economy. Oban Bay Marine estimates that Oban is losing £1 million a year for each year that the project is delayed. The project needs to move ahead without further delay so that Oban businesses can benefit from an increase in recreational boats and yachts stopping in this wonderful and beautiful Argyll town.
Although we can agree with the Scottish Government’s motion today, it would be remiss of me not to highlight the significant concerns of marine tourism businesses, such as boat yard operators, about the pending changes to the operation of the Crown estate in Scotland, which they fear might lead to an increase in ground rent charges. A number of concerned businesses in my region have already contacted me about the subject, and I wrote to the cabinet secretary earlier this year on their behalf. I know that the cross-party group on recreational boating and marine tourism has also taken up the issue with the Government. In addition, the Royal Yachting Association has spoken out; it cited its constructive working relationship with the Crown Estate and raised concerns about the possible transfer of current Crown Estate functions to local authorities.
Marine tourism and boat yard businesses in my region have made it very clear to me that the Crown Estate manages local harbours and mooring areas in a highly professional, efficient and successful way and that it involves local groups in decision making. That has also been my experience of the Crown Estate more generally over the years.
Crucially, the Crown Estate has developed a team of people who have a great deal of expertise and exceptional knowledge. It is vital that we do not lose that and that we avoid putting in place a new system that increases costs on marine businesses, which could reduce the number of boats in our harbours—that could have a negative effect on coastal communities. I strongly urge ministers to take on board the concerns that exist in this area.
I again welcome today’s debate and I join the minister and others in acknowledging the efforts of the Scottish marine tourism development group. I also associate myself with the remarks that have been made about the cross-party group’s leader, who has made terrific efforts.