BMF campaign aims to boost Scottish boating scene
Motorboat & Yachting: BMF Scotland, RYA Scotland and Scottish Canals are all involved in the new tourism drive.
The BMF hopes to turn Scotland into a “first choice” destination for boatowners by 2020, as part of a new tourism campaign. To this end, a group of nine industry bodies, including RYA Scotland, Scottish Canals, Sail Scotland and VisitScotland, have drawn up a new Marine Tourism Strategy for Scotland.
As part of their research, the group found that the boating industry contributes £366million per year to the Scottish economy. However, it is believed that this number could be increased significantly and the report calls the Scottish marine industry a “sleeping giant”.
The overall aim is to transform Scotland’s reputation as a boating destination by 2020, with an emphasis on high quality and value for money. The report claims that Scotland has “some of the world’s most beautiful and varied boating waters”.
Examples given include Portavadie Marina (pictured above), which was extensively upgraded last year and benefits from 70ft berths and deep waters, thanks to its man-made lagoon setting.
Martin Latimer, vice-chairman of BMF Scotland, adds: “Although the Scottish marine industry has been a major contributor to the tourism economy, only recently have the government and agencies grasped its real potential for growth.”
Boat owners are encouraged to contribute to the Marine Tourism Strategy for Scotland by completing BMF Scotland’s online survey.
To read our feature on why moving your boat to Scotland could be the best decision you’ve ever made, pick up the December edition of MBY, which is out 6 November.
