Boaters in Scotland are concerned about proposals to levy a conservancy fee on leisure boat owners in the Clyde area.

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Scotland, which represents boaters throughout Scotland and has ‘specific concerns around the proposal’, said Peel Ports Group Harbour Master had indicated “that a consultation process has begun on their proposal” – an outcome is expected by next spring.

A spokesperson for Peel Ports Clydeport said: “We are at the early stages of exploring options around the introduction of a conservancy fee for leisure vessels on the Clyde, aligned to the practice of many other statutory harbour authorities (SHAs) who already apply these fees to their services.

“No decision has been taken with regard to these initial discussions, however if we were to pursue the introduction of a fee, in line with our statutory obligations we would hold a consultation during which all marine users would be given the opportunity to share their views.

“Conservancy fees for leisure vessels are standard practice among UK harbour authorities, enabling the essential maintenance and operation of our waterways.

“Regardless of the outcome of these discussions, as the SHA for the Clyde, we will continue to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for both professional and leisure users of the Firth of Clyde and river.”

The Firth of Clyde is a wonderfully sheltered cruising area with ten large marinas, which can accommodate several thousand boats. Credit: Michael Elliot/Alamy

RYA Scotland said in a statement: “At the beginning of November the CEO of RYA Scotland wrote to Peel Ports expressing concerns about the outline proposals for a Conservancy Fee and offered an invitation for them to attend the next meeting of the Cross Party Group for Recreational Boating and Marine Tourism on 26th November. We received a response from Peel Ports Group Harbour Master declining the invitation to attend that meeting.

“The Group Harbour Master indicated in his response that a consultation process has begun on their proposal and that a wider consultation process with all relevant stakeholders would take place in the coming months with an outcome expected by Spring of 2025. We requested a copy of the full proposal that is under consultation and a copy of the consultation plan. Subsequent correspondence from the Group Harbour Master on 14th November noted that the consultation plan is currently being developed, further, the Conservancy Fee plan and associated information are still in preparation.

“The Cross Party Group meeting will go ahead on the 26th November and there will be a substantive agenda item on the Conservancy Fee. Invitations for that meeting have been sent out to regular attendees of the CPG including representatives of key groups on the Clyde. The meeting will be an opportunity to articulate briefly key concerns and questions but primarily to develop an action plan of engagement with Peel Ports on this matter.

“We will continue to engage with Peel Ports and look forward to a full and open discussion of the community concerns at the CPG meeting on the 26th November.”

Concerns for ‘all boats over 6m long’

Local boat owner Alistair Cameron told PBO: “Peel Ports Ltd are trying to impose a “conservancy fee” on all boats over 6m long in the Firth of Clyde.

“This will affect everyone who has a boat on the Clyde or who wants to visit, or who operates a business on the Clyde coast.

“Although the topic has been picked up by the yachting community it also applies to recreational fishing and even classic boat racing like 100-year-old One-Design Garelochs and the International 8 metre class.

“Peel Ports have already implemented this system around the Medway port, which they operate, but this new proposal affects a much larger sea area as well as many more small businesses, which rely on water-based activities for much of their trade.

“Marinas and boatyards are likely to be particularly badly hit as boat owners avoid the area or move their boats to other parts of Scotland not affected by these charges.

“Concerns have been raised by local Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) and the issue will be discussed at the Scottish Government’s cross-party group on recreational boating and marine tourism.

“Meanwhile residents around the Clyde coast as well as local boating organisations point out the damaging effect these charges would have on mental and physical health following the lessons learned after the recent pandemic.

“Those affected should contact RYA Scotland or their local MSP or councillor.”

Clyde Marina bosses have requested a detailed consultation process. Credit: Ian Rutherford/Alamy

Simon Limb, managing director for Clyde Marina, told PBO: “We have been involved and in discussions and meetings with Peel Ports, both with a small group of marina operators invited by Peel to meet in August and latterly meeting with Peels representatives and British Marine our industry trade association. In both of those meetings we highlighted concerns over the proposals and requested a detailed consultation process, the proposal so far has little detail attached to it.”

Norway to Scotland on a Nicholson 32 – a true North Sea passage

In 34 knots of wind and a North Sea swell nearing mast height, our Nicholson 32 is beating with a…

Cruising Notes: Canny Canna

Charmian Entwistle recommends a visit to the Isle of Canna, a handy stop-off en route to or from Skye or…

Record numbers of three dolphin species recorded off Scotland’s west coast

Record numbers of three dolphin species off Scotland’s west coast recorded by the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust in its…

Impact ‘on many thousands’ of leisure boaters

Lesley Robinson, British Marine chief executive officer, said: “British Marine and British Marine Scotland have been in discussions with Peel Ports, most recently meeting in late October to address their draft proposal for a new Leisure Vessel Conservancy Fee in the Clyde. We raised initial concerns about the lack of detailed information provided and have formally requested a comprehensive consultation process. We await the full consultation expected in the new year and will continue to represent and protect the interests of our members throughout this process.”

Anyone wishing to contact RYA Scotland about this matter is asked to email: communications@ryascotland.org.uk