Marine Tourism Industry calls on boaters to Respect Rural and Island Destinations

by Sail Scotland and RYA Scotland 30 Apr 2021 10:32 BST

As lockdown continues to be eased across Scotland a joint plea has been made by marine tourism and sports groups for boaters and water users to have full consideration and respect for the destinations they plan to visit.

#RespectTheDestination has been launched today by; Sail Scotland, RYA Scotland, British Marine Scotland and Wild Scotland. The campaign will be promoted across social media channels to reach leisure and commercial boaters reminding them different arrangements, levels of service and local access controls may in place at popular sailing and boating destinations.

The key messages within the campaign are:

Plan Ahead

• Check national and local guidelines to ensure you and your crew are aware of safe travel guidance, this may include Covid-19 testing measures, or affect passage planning and overnight stays.
• Your destination may require pre-booking for berthing or mooring.
• Services may be limited such as fuel supply, water, showers, or stepping-ashore may be restricted.

Arrive Safely

• Landing or launching places may have some form of hygiene regime.
• Consider wearing gloves or apply additional cleaning measures when handling mooring or berthing equipment.
• Vessels anchoring or mooring should follow local access guidance.

Think Local

• Consider wearing a facemask, adhere to physical distancing guidance and respect local restrictions - even if you have been vaccinated.
• Be considerate to local track and trace procedures - it's for all our good.
• Buy local. Support local businesses whenever possible.

Sail Scotland CEO Alan Rankin said. "Through our dealings with a wide range of island and coastal businesses, moorings, marinas, harbours and commercial boat operators it is clear different locations and local communities have differing approaches to the re-opening to visitors. We hope those taking to the water in what is likely to be a very busy summer season put the wishes of communities foremost when planning trips. Step-ashore spend brings significant economic benefit to rural locations and will play a vital role in the economic recovery of coastal and island communities."

Rankin added "The #RespectTheDestination campaign will sit alongside the VisitScotland Keep Scotland Special campaign #RespectProtectEnjoy aiming to protect the stunning landscapes and wildlife that Scotland is famous for. www.visitscotland.org/news/2021/responsible-visitor-management-campaign

#RespectTheDestination emerged from the Covid-19 guidelines developed in 2020 by Sail Scotland and RYA Scotland which reach across the commercial charter and leisure boating sectors respectively. A year on, the circumstances and messages remain much the same for boaters to respect the wishes of these more remote communities.

Chief Executive Officer of RYA Scotland, James Allan said, "Getting back on the water and heading off to our favourite destinations is something we have all been looking forward to for a very long time now. The communities that the boating community frequent will undoubtedly be glad to see some welcome business return but we know not everyone in all these places will be ready just yet. #RespectTheDestination is all about being sensitive to these communities and their wishes, keeping everyone safe and sharing in the welcome return to the water."

RYA Scotland has produced the following video to support the campaign and promote safe sailing as people return to the water as lockdown is eased.